Sets new industry benchmarks with expanded Beirut airport facility

Bonded logistics facility at Beirut Free Zone leverages Lebanon's role as a redistribution point for the Middle East

Beirut, 18 January 2011: DHL, the world's leading logistics company, has announced the completion of a USD4.2 million investment program, in celebration of the 35th anniversary of DHL Express in Lebanon. This round of fresh investments has strengthened the company's infrastructure including the establishment of a logistics facility at the Beirut Free Zone and the expansion of the DHL Express Beirut Airport Facility at Rafik Hariri International Airport. The airside facility is the only logistics facility of its kind in Lebanon and DHL is the sole international express company operating such a capability.

The investment program also bolstered DHL's network capabilities in Lebanon with the addition of three new service points and refurbishment of two locations. DHL customers in Lebanon can better leverage DHL's Middle East logistics network, and stand to benefit from enhanced service quality and reduced shipment transit times.

"DHL has invested ahead of the curve to ensure that we are well placed to meet the growing business needs of the Lebanese customer and developing economy. Despite the tough economic landscape, Lebanon has emerged strong and we expect this positive growth trend to continue," said Garry Kemp, Managing Director, DHL Express Middle East, North Africa and Turkey (MENAT). "The Middle East remains a key growth region with strong business opportunities and DHL's continued investment in Lebanon demonstrates the company's confidence in the country's growth potential."

With a vast increase in capacity, the DHL Express Beirut airport facility has doubled in size and now spans more than 6,000 square meters and serves as a gateway for both air and road shipment. The facility is fully compliant with TAPA security guidelines, is temperature controlled and operates 24/7 throughout the year. The state of the art facilities and on-site customs clearance provide all the capabilities that allow DHL to ensure customer shipments are handled and delivered with maximum efficiency at the shortest transit timings. Given the proximity to the airport taxi way, DHL has a strong advantage in terms of shipment control and cargo processing time. The DHL Express Beirut facility also hosts the ground operations base, customer service centre and will bring together core DHL operations such as customs clearance, sales, finance, IT and human resources under one roof to leverage operational synergies for better reaction times to business needs.

John Chedid, Country Manager, DHL Express Lebanon, said, "As we celebrate our 35th anniversary in Lebanon, we continue to look at innovative ways to meet the growing needs of our customers in Lebanon while strengthening DHL's market leading position. The completion of the investment program is testament to our commitment to expanding our business in tandem with the business community and economic landscape of Lebanon", he added.

In addition to the expansion of the DHL Express Beirut airport facility, the investment program has also seen DHL establishing an Express Logistics facility at the Beirut Free Zone. This 1,200 square meter logistics facility provides DHL customers with a platform from which consignments can be stored and reconfigured in a bonded area for redistribution to destinations throughout the Middle East and beyond. DHL customers who have a regional or global distribution requirement can take advantage of DHL's Middle East Day Definite International ground network and dedicated air network to enhance their supply chain and distribution.

"With its proximity to Europe, Lebanon's geographical position offers reduced shipping times from Asia to the Arab Gulf states, making it a viable redistribution point. Lebanon is creating a logistics corridor that will greatly enhance the country's role as a regional logistics center and DHL is building its own infrastructure in parallel to ensure that it is equipped to serve its customers' requirements," Chedid added.

DHL was the first international express company to establish a presence in Lebanon in 1975. After 35 successful years, DHL Express Lebanon currently employs over 170 people and operates 9 locations across the country, ensuring all outlets are easily accessible to customers across the country.  DHL has been a pioneer in the Middle East logistics industry through its innovation, service excellence and commitment to providing customers with superior logistics solutions.

-Ends-

DHL - The Logistics company for the world
DHL is the global market leader in the logistics industry and "The Logistics company for the world". DHL commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, contract logistics and international mail services to its customers. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and about 300,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting climate protection, disaster management and education.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL. The Group generated revenue of more than 46 billion euros in 2009.

Media Contact:
DHL Asia Pacific/Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa
Corporate Communications
Melissa Pang
Tel: +971 04 292 4203
Email: Melissa.Pang@dhl.com
DABO& CO

Robyn Mallalieu          
Tel: 04 344 4901
Email: robyn.n@daboandco.com

© Press Release 2011