Panalpina has opened a 40,000 sq m logistics centre in Dubai, three times larger than its previous facility.
Located in Dubai Logistics City next to Al Maktoum International Airport, it forms part of the bonded logistics corridor that links the adjacent airport and nearby port at Jebel Ali. At present, Panalpina mainly serves technology, oil and gas as well as consumer and retail customers in Dubai.
The logistics centre will develop Panalpina’s freight forwarding and contract logistics presence in the region.
Regarding contract logistics, most of the operational space of 37,800 sq m is used for inbound to manufacturing and vendor managed inventory services in support of Panalpina’s ‘Logistics Manufacturing Services (LMS)’ and also for outbound distribution services. Reverse logistics services are also provided in a separate repair room. Specialists grade used mobile phones, tablets and laptops before they are reintroduced into the supply chain, recycled or discarded. Specialists also refurbish game consoles, which involves diagnostics, repair and testing.
As for freight forwarding, there are separate areas for the break-down or build-up of air freight, for the safe intermediary storage of valuable goods, and for other special activities.
Panalpina’s CEO, Stefan Karlen, commented: “We first set foot in the United Arab Emirates 25 years ago and today’s official inauguration of our new logistics manufacturing center, which was built exactly to our business needs and those of our customers, opens a new exciting chapter for our logistics and freight forwarding activities in the region. It is the biggest facility of this type that we currently operate.”
Source: Panalpina
