DHL Express, the world’s leading international express services provider, has officially opened its new AU$14 million (€9.3 million) Newcastle Service Centre in Morisset, Hunter Region to support the future growth of local businesses in the global e-commerce market.

The new Service Centre is more than ten times larger than the previous facility, with a total floor space of 3,000 square metres, features seven on-grade roller doors – the first direct load facility in Australia, and separate freight and customer access areas. Situated strategically within the industrial area of Morisset, it will ensure easy access to key thoroughfares in the Greater Newcastle and Hunter region.

Phil Corcoran, Managing Director, DHL Express Oceania said, “The state of business in the Hunter and Newcastle region has only gone from strength to strength in recent years, thanks to the entrepreneurial local business people, who have worked hard to take their products to international markets. These businesses make a significant contribution to the local economy, bringing local jobs and creating an environment of positivity in the market. Their determination and initiative in taking on new markets, supported by our commitment to help them succeed through the global DHL Express Network, will take their success to the next level.”

Local small businesses are set to benefit from continuing positive state economic growth, with export volumes for the region rising. The top export destinations for Newcastle businesses using DHL Express include the US, followed by New Zealand, the UK, Canada, and Hong Kong – a reflection of the popularity of online shopping among consumers in these markets. Since 2020, there has been a 31 per cent increase in Newcastle outbound shipments handled by DHL Express. The new Service Centre is expected to meet DHL’s projected shipment volume growth in the next ten years.

One such business which DHL Express is working to help further expand internationally is Newcastle-based brand, Kings of Neon. The company has been shipping its products to a growing number of consumers in Australia, the US and Europe, a trend Steve Pasztor, CEO and Creative Director attributes to the accessibility of global e-commerce.

“At Kings of Neon, we've always been about brightening lives, one neon sign at a time. But it's not just about creating the signs; it's about getting them to our customers swiftly and safely, wherever they are in the world. That's where DHL Express comes in. Since partnering with DHL for our international deliveries, we've seen a remarkable surge in orders, especially from the US and Europe. It's thrilling to hear from our customers across the globe, particularly in the US, who are amazed at receiving their Kings Of Neon signs in just three to four business days. This efficiency has not only boosted our international presence but also reinforced our commitment to exceptional customer service. DHL Express has truly been a game-changer for us, opening doors to global markets and helping us spread our neon glow further and wider than ever before.” Pasztor said.

“With this new Service Centre, Newcastle small businesses can now provide global consumers with faster access to great local products, utilising DHL’s unparalleled door-to-door express services,” Corcoran concluded.

DHL Express Australia’s new Newcastle Service Centre follows recent investments across the country, including the launch of an upgraded Boeing 767-300F service between Melbourne and Auckland in January 2023 to cater to growing e-commerce volumes and delivery network expansion in the Tasman Lane.