DHL, the leading global logistics company, is to occupy a major new facility at Manchester’s Airport City – becoming the first business to locate at the flagship Enterprise Zone development.
To meet the growing demand for its range of services, DHL has signed a pre-let agreement with Manchester Airports Group (MAG) for the development of a 37,308 sq ft building at Airport City South, a new world-class logistics hub adjacent to Manchester Airport’s existing cargo centre and Junction 6 of the M56 Motorway.
Airport City Manchester is an £800 million, 10-15-year development by MAG that will transform Manchester Airport from a regional transport hub into an international destination in its own right. The first of its kind in the UK, it will compete with successful airport cities across Europe including Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Barcelona. Manchester’s new Airport City aims to attract inward investment and provide new employment opportunities – further enhancing the city’s growing status as a major European business location.
When complete, the new centre will offer international services and provide the core DHL Service Point offerings of drop off and collection of goods for delivery overseas, with local businesses and residents benefitting from a parcel drop-off and pick-up point.
It will have the most efficient operational processes and equipment, and be armed with the latest technology and up to date MHE equipment. It will also achieve a BREEAM rating, demonstrating its environmental credentials.
Phil Couchman, CEO of DHL Express, UK and Ireland commented: “Our investment in this state of the art facility is reflective of the demand for British-made goods overseas.
“As the region’s economy goes from strength to strength, this new facility also marks a milestone in the growth of DHL. This operation will serve to enhance DHL’s competitive logistical performance due to its strategic location, state of the art features and best in class handling processes.
“What’s more, the location of the hub within the Enterprise Zone will support future export opportunities for small businesses in the region, allowing British businesses to get their product to international markets with even greater speed and reliability.”
John Atkins, MAG’s Property Director, said: “This is fantastic news for the local area and the regional economy, as well as a high-calibre kick-off point for Airport City. DHL is a global leader in its field and a well-established, highly-recognised global brand, which we are delighted to welcome as the first occupier at the UK’s first Airport City. The logistics sector is a key growth area and we aim to build on Manchester’s status as a major airport for cargo, with the logistics hub at Airport City becoming a catalyst for economic growth in the region.”
Part of the UK Government-designated Enterprise Zone for Greater Manchester, the £100m logistics hub will create 1,800 jobs by expanding Manchester Airport’s successful freight terminal to improve international trade, cut transit times and drive more efficient, sustainable supply chains.
The Airport City site is located within a two-hour drive of all UK businesses and a consumer market of over 24 million people. The Airport City logistics hub will provide a full range of air-to-road transfer, assembly and processing activities for freight and logistics businesses. Outline planning permission for the development of 1.4 million sq ft of logistics space and 36.6 acres of new landscaping and natural habitats, was granted by the local authority in November 2012.
Airport City Manchester will deliver a total of five million square feet of new highly-connected business space adjacent to Manchester Airport. In addition to the logistics hub element, this will include offices, advanced manufacturing, hotels, retail, leisure, and community facilities, plus extensive new public realm and a central parkland area.
For more information or to register an interest, see: www.airportcity.co.uk
As experts in international shipping, DHL Express offers guidance to businesses of all sizes who are considering targeting the global marketplace through export services, including local insight into customs rules and regulations.