DHL opens new International Logistics Center in Poznan, Poland
DHL Group celebrates the opening of its international logistics center in Robakowo, near Poznan, Poland. The state-of-the-art parcel sorting and logistics center, a joint project of DHL eCommerce, Post & Parcel Germany, and DHL Freight, is designed to deliver enhanced service quality and faster lead times to customers. With an investment of around 180 million euros, the new facility spans an area of 32,000 sqm, equivalent to the size of five soccer fields. It features 3,000 meters of conveyor belts and a sorting capacity of 45,000 parcels per hour. In addition, DHL Freight operates a terminal dedicated to processing palletized shipments and less-than-container-load cargo for its Polish and European customers. This combined setup, with a workforce of around 500 employees, makes the facility one of Europe's largest and most advanced centers for parcel sorting and logistics.
“With the new International Logistics Center, we are expanding our capacities and capabilities to meet the growing e-commerce shipment volumes. This facility, equipped with cutting-edge technology, will improve quality of service, making it a distinctive addition to our European network. It will reduce transit times to many European markets, particularly between Germany and Poland, underlining our commitment to providing our customers with fast and reliable cross-border shipping services.” Tobias Meyer, CEO of DHL Group
The strategic importance of the Poznan location was a critical factor in its selection. Many international retailers and e-tailers use Poland as a hub for their e-commerce shipments to and from Europe, especially Germany. Major retail brands and e-tailers have established their fulfillment centers and warehouses in Western Poland, making it an increasingly important e-commerce gateway to Europe. Additionally, the domestic parcel market in Poland has experienced extraordinary growth of nearly 120 percent over the past five years, primarily fueled by the surge in e-commerce.
In addition to international e-commerce and national Polish parcel volumes, the facility will also handle shipments for Post & Parcel in Germany, including domestic volumes to and returns from Germany. The Poznan hub will have direct linehaul connections to all parcel hubs in Germany, Poland, and many other European countries, ensuring seamless connectivity The collaboration between DHL eCommerce and Post & Parcel Germany unlocks the potential to handle a combined volume of 1 million parcels daily during peak times.
DHL Freight operates a state-of-the-art terminal at the new International Logistics Center, encompassing 4,170 square meters with 50 cross-docks and 1,360 square meters of office space. With a team of 100 employees, the terminal is a replacement for the terminal in Koninko. It offers import connections from Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark as well as export connections and vice versa. Providing daily road freight connections, temporary storage, and consolidation of less-than-truckload shipments, the terminal plays a crucial role in DHL Freight's European network, catering to various industries including automotive, retail/consumer, and technology sectors.
The international logistics center was constructed in alignment with DHL's sustainability strategy, emphasizing a commitment to reduce its ecological footprint. It has a photovoltaic system that provides one-third of the facility's energy needs. The remainder is supplied by purchased green power, minimizing the use of fossil energy. The facility uses a variety of environmentally friendly transportation solutions. Electric trucks move trailers and containers, eliminating exhaust and engine noise. The center also has 40 charging stations for electric cars, vans and trucks. An automated traffic management system at entrances and exits reduces vehicle waiting times and minimizes noise and emissions. The facility has already received a Gold Innovation Award, highlighting its sustainability focus and recognizing its logistics industry investment.