The Sta. Rosa Logistics Center, the largest logistics facility in the Philippines, was formally opened by DHL Supply Chain Philippines (DSCP).

In the same interview, Edwin Wong, chief executive officer of DHL Supply Chain South-East Asia, stated that the investment is a component of the company's strategic plan for Southeast Asia in the next years.

To be more precise, the logistics center is a component of DHL Supply Chain's €350 million development plan, which intends to add 400,000 sqm, or 25%, more storage space in Southeast Asia between 2023 and 2028.

It contains 33,000 pallet positions for ambient, temperature-controlled, and dangerous goods storage in addition to a restricted area for high-value commodities. It boasts 30,000 square meters of warehouse and office space.

Automation and technology are used extensively, allowing workers to perform “more fulfilling roles” thanks to devices like robotics, conveyor belts, and autonomous guided vehicles, according to Williams.

Up to 44 trucks can be serviced by the center at once, both inbound and outbound. The area is near the South Luzon Expressway, which maximizes truck egress and access, and has less traffic congestion than DSCP's prior center in Parañaque.

For drivers and freight forwarders, there are two lounges.

Security is maintained around-the-clock by more than 200 CCTV cameras.

Four clients already use the facility: a supplement company, a high-speed internet service provider, a global direct seller of cosmetics and personal care items, and an electric car firm based in Vietnam. Williams stated that by September, it should be fully occupied.

The relocation of DSCP's previous Parañaque office to this new location will benefit its employees, the majority of whom reside in the southern region of Manila.

"We can do things a little bit more efficiently by having everyone on the same site," Williams said of the multi-use center.

Potential growth can be investigated, according to Elisha Camus, country head of business development for DSCP, taking into account the nation's expanding population and the government's ongoing improvement of infrastructure in the Visayas and Mindanao.

However, Williams stated that as of right now, a second new DHL facility in Laguna is "definitely on the cards."

DHL's "GoGreen" programs are implemented at the Sta. Rosa Logistics Center in an effort to lower carbon emissions. These include the utilization of LED lighting, solar paneling, rainwater collection, and EV charging stations to complement DHL Group's EV initiatives.

According to Wong, more and more clients are demanding or expecting green or sustainable solutions, making being green a "business qualifier."

According to Williams, GoGreen programs will be included into upcoming DHL locations, which will then contribute to the DHL Group's overall goal of having zero emissions by 2050.

Two EVs are now in operation at the logistics center for DSCP, and more will be added in response to demand, according to Williams. "All for the initiative to use pure Green energy," he continued, adding that the goal is to have EVs charged by solar power produced utilizing panels on the facility.

The first-ever solar-powered digital billboard in the nation has also been put up to highlight future marketing initiatives, employee recognition programs that promote the Great Place To Work culture, and sustainable co-branding initiatives with partners and consumers.