DHL Express has opened a new logistics warehouse in Girona, with the aim of strengthening and consolidating its operational transport network in Catalonia. The German company’s fourth site in the autonomous community entailed an investment of €7.7 million, bringing the total allocated to this region in recent years to nearly €100 million, the bulk of which comprises the €80 million invested in the international hub at Barcelona-El Prat Airport.

The new strategic infrastructure is part of an investment plan aimed at strengthening DHL Express’s international express transport network. According to the company’s Managing Director for Spain, Miguel Borrás, this is “a commitment to a region that is key to our network and to the growth of the export companies operating there."

Catchment area
The warehouse occupies a 6500-square metre plot, with more than 2000 square metres of floor space, plus 380 square metres of offices. It has two loading fingers with the capacity for 28 delivery vehicles, and 11 loading bays, and a processing capacity of up to 3000 shipments per hour. 20 routes operate from there, with the option to expand to 28, and it will cover 220 towns in the province and its catchment area. It is connected to the international hub at Barcelona-El Prat.

The centre has obtained an A-rated energy performance certificate, which recognises the warehouse as a carbon-neutral building. To achieve this, it has incorporated various solutions aimed at reducing energy consumption, such as solar panels, heat pump systems and smart lighting control, as well as several electric vehicle charging points.

A strategic location
The province of Girona has become a strategic location within DHL Express’s operating network in Spain. Over the last five years, shipment volumes have grown by around 8%. The company’s activity at this centre is evenly split in terms of volumes transported between B2C and B2B shipments.

According to Borrás, Girona “has consolidated its position as Catalonia’s second-largest province by shipment volumes, reflecting the growth we are seeing and the confidence of local export companies. All of this strengthens our commitment to continuing to invest in infrastructure, enabling us to continue to provide an international transport service of the highest quality.”

^{Photo: DHL Express}