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DHL to Launch First Asia Pacific Innovation Centre in Singapore

2014-12-08 12:55 4244

SINGAPORE, Dec. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

  • Multi-million dollar Centre of Excellence to pioneer new and sustainable logistics services and solutions across the region and beyond
  • First Innovation Centre by logistics giant in the Asia Pacific region
  • 2015 launch in partnership with Singapore's EDB

Deutsche Post DHL, the world's leading logistics company, is to open an Asia Pacific innovation centre in Singapore next year to pioneer sustainable solutions to keep world trade on the move. With an initial investment of S$10 million (EUR6 million), the Asia Pacific Innovation Centre (APIC) in Singapore will be the first centre for innovative logistics services and solutions in the region.

Due to be launched in the third quarter of 2015, the APIC is a partnership with Singapore's Economic Development Board (EDB) and will be DHL's second innovation centre in the world. DHL's main Innovation centre is located in Troisdorf, Germany. 

Mr. Kelvin Wong, Assistant Managing Director, Singapore Economic Development Board said, "Singapore is proud to be home to DHL's first Innovation Centre outside of Germany.  DHL's experience with innovation and solution development will enhance Singapore's position as the leading logistics hub in Asia. "

He added, "With the establishment of the centre, businesses can look forward to cutting edge solutions targeted at harnessing short and long-term supply chain opportunities."

Bill Meahl, Chief Commercial Officer, DHL, said, "Innovation is vital to DHL as it allows us not only to develop new products, but also to breathe new life into our existing portfolio. We are committed to work with customers to create efficient, effective logistics through innovative solutions and services. With this S$10 million initial investment, we are proud of this milestone and of being a pioneer of innovative logistics solutions which has made us a world market leader."

Mr. Meahl said: "We have invested in Asia Pacific for over 40 years and will continue to do so. By 2020, we expect 30% of our global revenue from emerging markets up from 20% today. Asia Pacific makes up a large part of this ambition. Singapore has been a strong base for DHL to grow from strength to strength in this region and an excellent location for this centre given its strong infrastructure, rich network of innovation partners and talent pool."

Working to Inspire, Connect and Engage customers in logistics

The APIC's philosophy is built upon three key principles: Inspire, Connect and Engage which underscores APIC's customer-centric approach to solve evolving and complex logistic challenges in Asia Pacific. Mei Yee, Pang, Vice President, DHL Asia Pacific Innovation said: "Through planning of future scenarios of logistics based on our trends research, we aim to inspire industries to invest in the right capabilities for innovative solutions in logistics. We would like to engage our customers to create success stories of innovative solutions that help them be better at what they do."

The APIC will be located within the new S$160 million (EUR90 million) DHL Supply Chain Advanced Regional Centre (ARC) building currently under construction in Tampines LogisPark.

The APIC will also house the region's first Asian Centre of Competence for Automation and invest in research to identify relevant automation technologies for Asian markets. The ARC will be designed for complex multi-sector and multi-user operations, showcasing cutting-edge automation solutions such as an automated storage and order picking system. In addition, DHL will recruit and train a local team of skilled specialists in automation for the new facility.

It is envisioned that APIC will invest in capabilities in analytics, e-commerce and last mile solutions for Asia Pacific markets.

Through innovation workshops, events and forums, the Centre offers a platform to connect customers, innovation partners and industry experts to share best practices and transform innovative ideas to solutions.

The Singapore centre will follow the model of the highly-successful German centre that has worked with some of the world's leading companies to create game changing logistics and supply chain solutions.  

APIC will serve as a regional platform to inspire, connect and engage customers, industry partners, the Singapore research and government community on business and innovation related issues -- and create real value.

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DHL - The logistics company for the world

DHL is the global market leader in the logistics and transportation industry and "The logistics company for the world". DHL commits its expertise in international express, national and international parcel delivery, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation as well as contract and e-commerce related solutions along the entire supply chain. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and around 315,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting environmental protection, disaster management and education.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL. The Group generated revenues of more than 55 billion euros in 2013.

Logo - http://www.prnasia.com/sa/2010/09/02/20100902467742-l.jpg

Source: DHL
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