Dubai World Central (DWC), a purpose-built aerotropolis, has announced the recent groundbreaking for Phase 2 of the expansion programme of Kuehne + Nagel, a leading logistics provider, in DWC’s Logistics City.

The expansion of its state-of-the-art logistics centre is part of a global growth initiative that will strengthen Kuehne + Nagel’s ability to support high-potential sectors, including the global pharmaceutical and aviation industries.

Kuehne + Nagel completed construction of Phase 1 in 2009 consisting of around 17,000 sq m warehouse space, which allowed the company to accommodate more customers in FMCG, hotel amenities, emergency/relief and aviation.

Phase 2 will add approximately 14,000 sq m of space to the warehouse and mezzanine to reach a total area of 31,000 sq m.

Kuehne + Nagel, the first international logistics provider to go fully operational in DWC in 2009, also operates a modern 16,000 sq m logistics terminal in the Jebel Ali Free Zone and has established offices in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

Christopher Smith, national manager – UAE, Kuehne + Nagel, said: “The Middle East continues to open exciting growth opportunities for Kuehne + Nagel and we are therefore eager to capitalize on the logistics infrastructure of Dubai World Central to optimally support our customers.”

“With the groundbreaking of Phase 2 of our development plans in DWC, we are reaffirming our commitment to cater to the growing regional demand for integrated logistics services, while underlining our confidence in DWC as the premier aviation and logistics hub in the Middle East.”

Rashed Bu Qara'a, chief operating officer, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said: “The continuing success and business expansion of Kuehne + Nagel strongly manifest the strategic importance of Dubai World Central as a cornerstone in the long-term growth of the regional logistics industry.”

“DWC provides a one-stop destination for all aviation and logistics companies with its multimodal logistics capabilities and world-class technology and business infrastructure. We will continue to provide proactive support to the growth plans of Kuehne + Nagel and other companies seeking to take advantage of the exciting business prospects that are emerging in the Middle East,” he added.

Dubai World Central is a strategic project launched by the Government of Dubai. It has been developed to meet the present and future needs of Dubai's aviation, tourism, trade and logistics sectors. – TradeArabia News Service