DHL Global Forwarding held a groundbreaking ceremony on 30 May for its planned 4,880-sqm facility at Brisbane Airport.

The new facility, for which the forwarder is investing 17 million AUD (11 million euros) over the next 10 years, will be ready by early 2023 and is expected to support the growth of general cargo exports coming from Queensland, Australia. 

DHL is looking to have the largest international cold chain services in Brisbane to accommodate increased demand from the perishables sector.

Located at Brisbane airport and close to the Port of Brisbane, the facility offers air side access, with DHL becoming the first and only freight forwarder to have such access.

“The expansion of our facilities at Brisbane airport reflects the tremendous growth in exports, especially perishable food,” said George Lawson, Managing Director, DHL Global Forwarding Australia. “Brisbane’s economy is predicted to surge by 2031 and with this new facility, we are ready to support our customers growth.”

The future facility will feature solar panels, reusable batteries to power most of the warehouse operations, rainwater harvesting and electric vehicle charging stations, the company added.