DHL Supply Chain invests €350m in SEA, expands operations and creates jobs in Malaysia
DHL Supply Chain is making a substantial investment of €350 million in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, to strengthen its customers’ supply chain resilience and support growth. In a statement today, DHL Supply Chain said this significant commitment will bring more than a third of the investment into Malaysia, enhancing its position as a hub for manufacturing and trade.
“There is a global reshuffle of supply chains and Malaysia will benefit from it, especially in the manufacturing sector. A member of ASEAN, the country is party to numerous free trade agreements, making it an attractive option for those looking to diversify their sourcing options. This is why we are investing EUR131 million into Malaysia, to ensure that we have the capacity and talent to support our customers’ growth here,” said DHL Supply Chain Southeast Asia CEO, Andries Retief. DHL Supply Chain will be adding 113,000 square meters of warehouse space through four new facilities, with two in Penang and one each in the central and southern regions. This expansion aims to meet the increasing demand and diversified sourcing options that Malaysia offers as a member of ASEAN with numerous free trade agreements.
The investment also involves the implementation of advanced automation at the upcoming Penang Logistics Hub 5 (PLH5) in Bayan Lepas, Penang, and digitalisation initiatives like state-of-the-art automated pallet storage and retrieval systems and GTP robotics technology.
These technologies, it said, will enhance the efficiency of the new warehouse facilities, especially in handling small parts picking. In addition to expanding its warehousing capacity, DHL Supply Chain will also boost its transportation capabilities in Malaysia with investments in its fleet, systems, and the establishment of its first connected control tower in Kuala Lumpur, providing centralised transport services with end-to-end visibility.
To further emphasise its commitment to Malaysia, DHL Supply Chain plans to create 450 jobs in 2024, with a focus on digitalization and automation in its warehouses. The company said it is dedicated to developing a knowledge-based workforce, enabling its employees to upgrade their skills and gain exposure to global best practices. In terms of inclusivity, DHL Supply Chain partners with the Malaysian government to provide employment opportunities for the hearing-impaired and speech-disabled community. An internal sign language certification program is also available to enhance communication within the organisation, making DHL Supply Chain a responsible and inclusive employer in Malaysia.
–TMR
