DHL eCommerce Expands to Concord with New Distribution Center and 150 Jobs

DHL eCommerce Expands to Concord

DHL eCommerce, a division of the global logistics giant DHL Group, has relocated its operations from Raleigh, NC, to a larger facility in Concord, NC. The move aims to enhance the company's capacity to manage domestic e-commerce shipments, just in time for the peak holiday season.

New Facility Details

The new 162,836-square-foot distribution center, located at 8475 Automation Drive in Cabarrus County, began operations on August 18, 2024. Situated just 30 minutes from Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the facility will handle inbound and outbound domestic e-commerce parcels for online merchants across the United States.

Equipped with a state-of-the-art single-level loop sorter, the Concord facility can process up to 24,000 packages per hour, a 30% increase compared to the previous Raleigh site. This advanced automation includes scanners and cameras designed to optimize package processing speed and accuracy.

Operational Capacity and Workforce

The Concord distribution center operates with approximately 150 employees across two shifts, seven days a week. DHL eCommerce Americas CEO Lee Spratt highlighted the strategic benefits of the new location, stating, “Online merchant customers in the Southeast region can benefit from our new North Carolina location because we can handle more volume with our larger facility, just in time to usher in the peak holiday shipping season in a few months.”

Facility Features and Green Initiatives

The new facility not only enhances operational capacity but also incorporates several green features. These include one EV charger, automated air exchange controls for energy efficiency, ENERGY STAR® certified HVAC equipment and appliances, and WaterSense certification for all plumbing fixtures. Additionally, the facility offers two meeting rooms, a training room, office space, and a multipurpose room for nursing mothers and other uses.

Previous Operations and Future Prospects

Before becoming fully operational this year, the Concord facility served as an annex to DHL’s Atlanta distribution center during the 2023 holiday season. With the increased capacity and state-of-the-art technology, DHL is well-prepared for the anticipated surge in shipping demand during the 2024 holiday period.

About DHL

DHL eCommerce is headquartered in Weston, Florida, near Fort Lauderdale. The DHL Group, originally founded in the U.S. in 1969, is now headquartered in Bonn, Germany, and employs nearly 600,000 people in more than 220 countries. The company's operations span multiple sectors, including technology, manufacturing, energy, and retail.

Additional Investments in the Charlotte Area

DHL continues to expand its footprint in the Charlotte region. The company recently invested over $40 million to open a 65,000-square-foot warehouse at the Innovation Logistics Center on Peeler Road in Salisbury, creating 80 jobs. This is in addition to DHL Supply Chain's existing location at 8924 Pioneer Ave. in Charlotte.

With its strategic expansions and advanced facilities, DHL eCommerce is positioned to significantly enhance its service capabilities in the Southeastern United States, benefiting online merchants and consumers alike.