UPS can handle 30 per cent more parcels in Rotterdam than before. The carrier has invested 5.9 million euros in expanding its facility in Schiedam.
After expansion, the building on Fortunaweg in Schiedam covers an area of 5,900 square metres. Customers exporting from the location near Rotterdam will benefit from an expanded sorting and delivery facility, according to UPS. Throughput at the premises has increased by 30 per cent.
Growing demand in port of Rotterdam
The expansion is said to be necessary because of the growing importance of the port of Rotterdam for many UPS customers. "Trading with North America and Asia is becoming the new norm for small businesses in the Netherlands. They often start shipping parcels before they ship sea containers," said Ufku Akaltan, country manager of UPS Benelux. "We see growing customer demand for our services in and around the port of Rotterdam, especially in the healthcare and retail e-commerce segments."
Investments in Europe
The expansion of the UPS facility in Rotterdam is part of a $2bn multi-year investment programme that runs until 2019. With this, UPS aims to grow its logistics network in Europe. The investment programme includes a €130 million sorting facility in Eindhoven and a €12 million sorting centre in Utrecht. UPS operates in the Netherlands from 19 locations, employing 2,600 people.
