DHL Express has opened a new advanced logistics gateway at Mexico City’s International Airport. The US$6.2 million facilities, which include a customer service call centre, were designed to significantly increase the company’s operational capacity and strengthen its Mexican and international network. Apart from the US, Mexico’s strongest trading partner, Canada and other Latin American markets, such as Colombia, Guatemala and Brazil, the top volume express trade lanes are those connecting Mexico to Spain, Germany, France and the UK. Of the Asia Pacific countries China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and India are the most volume intensive. This latest investment is part of a larger investment by DHL Express as it seeks to maintain its leading position in the Americas region. Other investments in Mexico include the expansion of the Hangares HUB which increased the logistics service and shipment handling capacity by 20 per cent, as well as the replacement of DHL’s ground fleet with environmentally friendly pick-up and delivery vehicles. It recently spent US$4.5 million to build a new hub in Panama, increasing handling capacity by 250 per cent and allowing DHL to handle up to 5,000 packages per hour. In addition, it opened a state-of-the-art gateway facility in Montego Bay, Jamaica. DHL Express plans to invest US$200 million in Latin America alone over the next two years. Mexico plays a major role in DHL Express’ strategic expansion in the Americas region. The opening of these centres is part of a 5-year strategic investment plan for Mexico, which amounts to US$112 million. “Our commitment to the region remains strong and, although we realize the current challenges in the global economy, it is important for DHL to foster and establish a solid base that will enable commercial trade in the region today, tomorrow and in the future,” said Roger Crook, CEO of DHL Express International Americas. “These important investments enable us to respond quickly and effectively to the rising commercial activity in Mexico, not only domestically and with our U.S. neighbor but also with the rest of Latin America, Europe and Asia,” added Luis Eraña, General Manager, DHL Express Mexico. “The opening of these two facilities places us at the forefront of our competitive industry and, most importantly, provides us with a solid foundation to provide the best service and response time to our customers.”