Dubai-UAE: 16 March, 2017:  The Dubai South Logistics District today witnessed the opening of Panalpina’s 40,000 sqm facility. The centre is the largest logistics and manufacturing facility globally for the Swiss-headquartered Panalpina Group, the world's leading providers of supply chain solutions. 

The facility was opened in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, and Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation and His Excellency Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South. Others present at the event included Ahmed Al Ansari, Acting CEO, Dubai South, Stefan Karlen, CEO, Panalpina Group, Pascal Sieber, Panalpina Country Managing Director UAE, Mike Wilson, Global Head of Logistics and Manufacturing and. 

At the event, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: “The UAE is a global logistics hub providing modern infrastructure and an investment friendly environment, supported by a sound regulatory framework, making it the destination of choice for the industry. We are committed to accelerating our efforts to boost the logistics sector, making it one of the key drivers of growth for the economy.” 

Speaking on the occasion, His Excellency Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South said: “Congratulations to Panalpina on the opening of their new facility. Panalpina will always hold a special place in the history of Dubai South. One of the early adopters to believe and invest in our vision, Panalpina was the first partner to break ground at Dubai South. Almost a decade later, the company has leveraged our excellent connectivity and world-class infrastructure, thus enhancing its ability to harness the region's growth potential. 

“This new facility, not only represents our long-standing relationship with Panalpina, but highlights our commitment to providing integrated solutions for global logistics providers. At Dubai South, we are building the world’s first master planned aerotropolis, offering global industry leaders, such as Panalpina, a multimodal logistics platform that allows for seamless air-land-sea connectivity and world-class infrastructure.”  

“Panalpina is taking advantage of its global network and footprint to expand its logistics offering for its customers here in Dubai; from last minute logistics manufacturing services to modular assemblies.  By embedding logistics manufacturing hubs close to our customers’ end-users, we are able to move products in from different regions and with the access to an unparalleled multimodal distribution network, we can then move these products out faster, and thus better serve both the current and future needs for all our customers. We will look forward to working with local universities, colleges and authorities such as Dubai South to assist us in attracting talented people to join our company,” said Stefan Karlen, CEO, Panalpina Group. 

The new facility spread over 40,000 sq m, is Dubai South’s second built-to-suit product delivery, and is a fully air conditioned Grade A facility. The building has three partitioned sections, allowing for customer privacy, including a dust-free environment repair room, fully equipped with anti-static flooring, specialised lighting and temperature and humidity control. The repair room will accommodate the hi-tech mobile phone, tablet, laptop, games console, diagnostics and repair operations, while the logistics manufacturing services area has special lighting and electrical supply points to accommodate the specific operations. 

The logistics industry is undergoing tremendous change, with some logistics companies providing value-added services. Leading the change, Panalpina’s Logistics Manufacturing Services is the company’s response to a swiftly changing global manufacturing and supply chain landscape, where speed to market, product customization and the influence of the end consumer are of paramount importance.  The company’s move towards Logistics Manufacturing Services is a keen reflection of Dubai South’s own development strategy that is focused on providing value added services to its stakeholders and partners.

The UAE ranks 13th according to the World Bank International Logistics Performance Index – an impressive position that Dubai South is determined to raise. A multi-modal futuristic platform, the 18 sq km Logistics District connects land, air and sea transport systems in a strategic effort to consolidate the emirate’s position as a leading global logistical hub. Including a free economic zone that meets the demands of local, regional and international companies, the district is linked to Jebel Ali Port and the Al Maktoum International Airport via the Dubai Logistics Corridor.