DHL Supply Chain has announced new investments in Australia and New Zealand which will result in the company having the largest automated life sciences and healthcare warehouse footprint in the southern hemisphere.
These developments are a part of DHL’s $150 million investment in robotics and automation in the region, announced in 2022 by Global Chief Executive Officer, Oscar de Bok.
DHL has signed an agreement with technology supplier Dematic and is investing $28 million to upgrade its New South Wales Life Sciences and Healthcare site. From 2027, the site will feature the latest generation automated picking system combined with an additional 1,350m2 cool room, storing products for up to 30 customers at temperatures between two to eight degrees Celsius.
In New Zealand, DHL is supporting the growth of the industry with a $10 million investment in automating the country’s most advanced life sciences and healthcare site. Located close to Auckland Airport, the new site features DHL’s first New-Zealand based goods to person (GTP) automation system.
The recently opened 14,100 square metre site manages the demands of the life sciences and healthcare industry with 11,000 temperature-controlled pallet spaces and other measures to manage cold chain, security and packaging requirements.
DHL Supply Chain ANZ CEO, Steve Thompsett, said these automation rollouts are leading to a new era in life sciences and healthcare contract logistics in the region.
“Our global CEO committed to a significant investment in warehouse automation in 2022 because it allows us to better serve our customers while giving more opportunities for staff,” Thompsett said. “Our life sciences and healthcare customers and their customers who depend on the safe delivery of their products, which may require very specific temperature conditions, will reap benefits from the development of these sites for many years to come.”
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