DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, has officially opened its new Adelaide Gateway in the newly built Airport Junction’s precinct. With a total investment of more than AUD 32 million, this significant milestone underscores DHL’s commitment to facilitating global trade for Australia while deepening its contributions to sustainable business practices.
The newly relocated Adelaide Gateway features an impressive 8,600 sqm warehouse space, four times the size of the previous warehouse. Its peak handling capacity has also increased by four times. Its Airport Junction’s prime central location provides many advantages from a freight and logistics perspective. It is located just 6km from Adelaide’s CBD, 13km from Port Adelaide, 11km from the Adelaide Freight Terminal (rail) and 2.5km from Adelaide’s busiest freight route, the North-South Corridor, which is currently undergoing a $15.4b road upgrade.
Adelaide Airport’s Head of Property Development, Shimon Spina, said the South Australian Government’s recently-released Freight and Supply Chain Strategy identified the importance of increasing direct air freight access into and out of Adelaide, and reducing the need to use other Australian ports such as Melbourne and Sydney.
South Australian businesses are set to benefit from continuing positive economic growth, with export volumes fo the region rising significantly. The principal export destinations for Adelaide enterprises utilizing DHL Express comprise the US, New Zealand, and the UK, in that order – a reflection of the popularity of online shopping among consumers in these markets, with one of the main commodities ‘clothing’ experiencing a rise of 11.5% in exports in the year ending May 2024.
“Local businesses make a significant contribution to the economy, bringing jobs and creating an environment of positivity in the market. Their determination and initiative in taking on new markets, supported by our commitment to help them succeed through the global DHL Express Network, will take their success to the next level. This strategic investment is a testament to our strong support for local businesses ’ growth, facilitating trade between Adelaide and the rest of the world,” said Phil Corcoran, Managing Director of DHL Express Australia and Papua New Guinea.
South Australian Minister for Trade and Investment, Joe Szakacs, said the opening of the Adelaide Gateway could not have come at a better time.
“We’re seeing near-record merchandise exportr figures across South Australia and this increased capacity is desperately needed, “ he said.
“Our exports to China have exceeded AUD $4 billion foir the first time, whiler the US market has moved past the AUD $2 Billion mark. Having toured the new DHL Adelaide Gateway facility recently, I was impressed by the innovation and customer-centric focus. We welcome the quadrupaling of c apacity which can only be good for local industry, business and jobs.”
With sustainability at the core of DHL’s business, the low carbon-emission Adelaide Gateway aligns with the DHL aims to reach net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. It features 199 solar panels on the roof, generating an estimated 110 kWh per hour, reducing 120 tons of carbon emissions each year. The facility also employs high-efficiency equipment, including IE3 motors for conveyors (denoting ‘Premium Efficiency’ for electric motors), 100% LED lighting, electric forklifts, roof and vertical skylights and rainwater harvesting system. Besides, its building management system software monitors and automatically controls electrical consumption, further promoting energy efficiency.
