DHL has announced the relocation of its Kansas City operation to a newly constructed building, thereby more than doubling the size of its previous location, as it is responding to growing demand in international e-commerce shipping. The $5m investment in the DHL Express service centre aims to increase shipment capacity and enable faster shipment processing, helping with earlier deliveries for local customers.  

The new facility in Kansas City, Missouri, is located near the Kansas City International Airport, within the KCI Intermodal Business Center. The expansion adds 43,700 sq ft of warehousing and office space, and aims to improve the operation with newly upgraded material handling equipment, along with an extended 46 positions for courier vehicles to load freight around its conveyor system.    

“DHL’s expansion in Kansas City is a direct reflection of our customers’ international shipment growth, as the Covid-19 pandemic has further driven digital transformation and significantly accelerated B2C and B2B E commerce,” said Nemer Abohasen, General Manager for the Midwest US at DHL Express. “This larger facility will allow us to not only improve efficiencies, but speed delivery services and enhance the safe working environment for our employees.”   

The larger DHL warehouse can process up to 3,550 pieces per hour, through the use of a conveyor sorting system that features dual-view X-ray package screening for safety and security, as well as image-capture technology and automated bar-code sorting functionality, according to DHL. The facility is expected to accommodate the shipment growth projected over the next ten years, as reflected in its long-term lease through 2031.