Global logistics company, DHL recently opened its new A$35 million (US$32 million) airfreight facility at Melbourne airport. The new facility offers the latest in technology, security and environmental credentials and will boost the perishables trade out of Victoria and Tasmania, the company said.

Covering almost 50,000 m2, the new facility includes two state-of-the-art, 850 m2 multiple variable temperature controlled cool rooms designed to handle the region’s thriving life science and perishables exports.

Tony Boll, Chief Executive Officer, DHL Global Forwarding, South Pacific, said: “While the latest data shows overall Australian exports in the last quarter have declined, Victoria has seen an increase in pharmaceutical and perishables exports.

“Tuna and salmon to Japan is one of DHL’s largest perishable airfreight products. We have also experienced significant growth in live abalone and fruit products to Asia and other perishable products to the Middle East.”

DHL said superior food handling was top priority in designing the new facility. Technologies such as automated temperature monitoring alarms, extensive multiple chiller chambers, freezers and temperature controlled handling and loading area, ensure customers’ products are handled well in accordance with and exceeding all relevant food safety standards.

In addition to perishable food products, the warehouse is also designed to support Australia’s developing pharmaceutical, vaccine, and life science sectors in trading with international markets. This ensures a seamless cold chain handling environment.

Revenues in the Australian pharmaceutical industry are approximately $20 billion per annum, of which the pharmaceutical and associated sectors export $3.9 billion, making it Australia’s second largest manufactured export industry.