DHL Express France is to hire 450 additional staff by the end of the current year and invest more than €9 million in its facilities to accommodate continued growth in international shipments, driven by the e-commerce boom.
In 2018, DHL Express recorded a 7% increase in its volumes in France compared to the previous year, handling more than 36 million parcels. In 2019, its French volumes are expected to grow by 6% on last year.
The unit, which claims to hold a 35% share of France's international express market, underlined that in order to meet customer requirements it was vital the company added to its employee count.
This was all the more important given that DHL Express France was opening new operating centres in Annecy and Mulhouse, replacing existing ones which have become too small to handle growing parcel and packet volumes, while also extending its air hub in Marseille and its centre in Nice too.
“France is one of those strategic zones where we are in strong growth mode, largely as a result of the take-off in e-commerce. Today, one out of three parcels imported by DHL Express is destined for private individuals compared to only 2% in 2010,” explained DHL Express France president and CEO, Philippe Prétat.
“To better meet customers’ expectations and offer them excellent service quality, our network is adapting in order to handle these new shipment flows. That’s why we continue to strengthen our presence in recruiting more than 450 new staff by the end of the year,” he added.
Of the new posts created, 280 will concern physical handling operations while 60 positions will be added in customer services and a further 22 in sales.
DHL Express France currently employs 2,800 workers and operates a network of 55 operating centres. It has a road fleet of 1,500 vehicles and distribution is supported by 36 daily flights.
