DHL Express is continuing its investment programme in France with the restructuring and modernisation of its depot in Nice, southern France, located in the airport area, in response to the strong 17% volume growth at the site between 2014 and 2015.
Every day, the Nice depot transports more than 3,200 parcels to and from around the world on behalf of its customers from the Alpes Maritimes and Monaco departments.
Since 21 March 2016, the 1,750 sqm facility features new state-of-the art technology to improve the service offered to customers and the working conditions for the 29 staff employed on site and 15 DHL partners. The core of the investment comprises a fully automated sorting chain, a new security system and a new direct loading/unloading system of trucks next to the sorting chain which optimises the handling process and time of parcels.
This loading equipment consists of several removable modules which allow staff to load the vehicles directly without having to bring them back to the warehouse. Each module has a door on each side. The driver thus picks up the parcels at the end of the sorting chain and then returns to the vehicle on the way back. This results in significant time savings of around 15 minutes for the drivers who can leave earlier for deliveries while offering later pick-up times for customers.
DHL France CEO Michel Akavi said: "The restructuring of the Nice depot is part of our overall investment programme to support our growth in France. In 2016, we expect a further increase in parcel volumes of more than 10% at this site. Our investment will allow us to improve the service quality we offer to our customers as well as the wellbeing of our employees – two key points for our company. This new investment also demonstrates the key role of France in developing the DHL network.”
Following the €30 million investment into its French network in 2014 and 2015, DHL Express is investing a further €18 million this year into the relocation or modernisation of its sites in response to 20% growth in shipping volumes in 2015, compared to 2014. Thus, €8 million were already invested in January 2016 into the expansion of DHL’s hub at the airport of Marseille with the warehouse area more than doubling.
Additionally, €10 million are being invested this year to modernise six other sites in France including the relocation of the depot in Montpellier to Baillargue last month, with an area that is five times bigger than the previous facility, and the modernisation of the depot in Nice.
