DHL Express will be opening its largest distribution facility in Japan after investing JPY 9.9 billion (€79.9 million) in the new Osaka Distribution Center (ODC) at Sakai city, Osaka-fu.
The new facility brings together three separate DHL facilities under one roof – the Kansai Airport Gateway, the Kansai Airport Service Center and the Osaka Central Service Center – and is the largest-ever facility investment that the company has made in Japan. Operations at the ODC will cover import and export clearance, bond warehousing, sorting, and distribution.
50% more sorting capacity
Covering 21,000 sqm in total, the Osaka Distribution Center (ODC) is equipped with a sophisticated auto-sorting system that increases DHL’s shipment processing capacity by more than 50% compared to the previous facility at Kansai International Airport (KIX).
In addition to new sorting systems, state-of-the-art x-ray inspection machines have also been added to meet the ever-growing needs of shipment security.
The ODC relocated from the grounds of Kansai International Airport (KIX) and brings greater convenience to customers in the Kansai region due to its proximity to downtown Osaka city, which is just a 20-minute drive away. With the opening of the Osaka Distribution Center, DHL Japan will cease operations at its Kansai Airport Gateway and Kansai Airport Service Center.
Better service for Kansai region
“Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, Japan’s export activity is recovering and the strong sustained growth in e-commerce will increase the demand for faster and more reliable deliveries. We are confident in the economic growth of the country and the ODC will make sure we are well-positioned in the long run to address the increasing demands in e-commerce shipping,” said Ken Lee, CEO of DHL Express Asia Pacific.
“As the leading express company in Japan, the new facility is evidence of DHL’s long term commitment to continuously improve to better service our customers in the Kansai region and beyond,” said Tony Khan, President and Representative Director of DHL Japan.
“While the Covid-19 pandemic continues to create uncertainty around the world, DHL Express has been essential in connecting people and improving lives. That is why we are investing in the new ODC and enhancing our capabilities, to help our customers in this region grow their business and improve their quality of life.”
