DHL Global Forwarding has inaugurated a new transhipment hub and head office in Johannesburg, South Africa to support the growing life healthcare logistics in the country.
The complex — located in the Sky Park Industrial Estate provides easy access to "OR Tambo International Airport". It was officially opened on September 22.
"The facility's temperature-controlled chambers and Good Distribution Practices (GDP)-trained personnel enable the new hub to cater to the unique needs of Africa's rapidly advancing life sciences and healthcare (LSH) sector," DHL said in its announcement.
DHL expansion in South Africa
It added that the facility's opening marks a significant addition to DHL Global Forwarding's extensive logistics network, further strengthening its positioning on the African continent and in South Africa while enabling the group to handle its customers' requirements more efficiently.
"We are proud that this new facility was built to the highest standards of sustainability and energy efficiency in line with DHL Global Forwarding's goal of reaching net-zero logistics-related emissions by 2050," commented Amadou Diallo, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding Middle East & Africa, noting the hub's sustainable infrastructure.
The new €7 million facility includes offices and a 10,000 m2 warehouse.
(L-R) Executive Mayor, Alderman, Tania Campbell and Clement Blanc, CEO DHL Global Forwarding Sub-Saharan Africa & South Africa (Source: DHL Global Forwarding)
DHL noted that this will serve as a hub for transport, logistics, and warehouse solutions, as well as international freight expertise for different industries.
"This includes a strong focus on Africa's life sciences and healthcare (LSH) sector, which with an expected annual growth rate of 6.3% and anticipated revenue of €7.1 billion by 2023, is one of the booming industries in the country," the logistics provider added.
To serve the needs of the LSH sector, DHL noted that the site has been designed to meet the DHL Global GxP Pharma standards and the highest Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA A) security standards.
At the facility's opening ceremony, Clement Blanc, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding for South Africa (SA) & Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) said a new facility in Johannesburg is a "natural next step" in the company's efforts to support economic growth and accelerate the pace of supply chain transformation undergoing in South Africa.
"This facility expands global connections to Africa, ensuring that sectors like LSH can operate smoothly, access an efficient and reliable logistics network, and continue to grow," Blanc said. "We are excited to be able to transport both times- and temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical goods and health products, among other services."
