DHL, the world's leading express and logistics company, opened its new service centre/distribution hub in Penang today. The new facility will help deliver significant import-export improvements to DHL customers by offering convenient, time-definite service and direct connection to Asia, Europe and America via DHL's extensive air network.

The facility, which has an estimated build-up cost of RM6 million, demonstrates DHL's continued commitment to Malaysia, and DHL's belief in the country's bright economic outlook. Malaysia continues to be an attractive destination for Multinational Companies (MNCs) to grow their business. From 1998-2004, Malaysia received Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) amounting to 5.9% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), indicating the country continues to provide a stable environment for MNCs.

The 31,000-square-foot facility will house 15,400 square foot of office space and 17,700 square foot of warehouse space, and will feature a fully automated material handling system, ball decks to handle containers and spot cooling in the warehouse. The station's equipment and manpower will enable DHL to sort some 4,000 packages daily, allowing for guaranteed delivery times to be met throughout the station's area of coverage.

Sam Leong, Country Manager of DHL Express Malaysia, explained that the new centre will dramatically boost DHL's services to customers in Penang and will help facilitate Malaysia's continued growth in the global market. "DHL continues to help drive global trade by enabling Malaysia?s businesses to quickly and reliably source their goods and raw materials from markets around the world, and to express deliver their shipments across the globe," said Mr. Leong.

He added that with strong growth anticipated to continue in export demand as well as in the domestic market, DHL is confident about our future growth in Malaysia, and the growth of Malaysian-manufactured goods in the global market. According to Bank Negara, trade forms the largest part of Malaysia?s economy with the volume of trade exceeding 200% of GDP.

"We're creating this new facility in direct response to customer demands for greater capacity, convenience and reliability. While we also want to attract new business, our priority remains being able to provide our loyal customers with greater convenience and better service", he added.