DHL Express invests €40 million in new Cologne service centre

DHL Express invests €40 million in new Cologne service centre

DHL Express Germany has officially opened a new service centre in Cologne-Marsdorf following an investment of €40 million, strengthening its regional operations and reinforcing its commitment to the future development of its German network.

Located at Toyota-Allee 28, the facility occupies a site of more than 20,000 square metres, including approximately 5,500 square metres of operational and office space. The new centre is designed to increase processing capacity, improve operational efficiency and provide businesses and private customers with faster access to DHL Express’s international delivery network.

“With our new facility in Cologne, we are investing not only in buildings and technology, but also in the future of our customers, our employees and our network,” said Mustafa Tonguç, CEO DHL Express Germany. “The new station combines efficiency, state-of-the-art security standards and sustainability. This will enable us to connect the Cologne region even more effectively with international markets and support the growth of our customers. At the same time, we are creating a modern working environment for our employees.”

At the heart of the facility is a modern sorting system capable of processing up to 6,000 shipments per hour. The site also features three pick-up and delivery (PUD) fingers with 78 gates for direct loading and unloading, alongside a further 35 gates within the main hall. The infrastructure is expected to enable domestic and international express shipments to be handled more quickly and efficiently.

The centre serves a broad area across western Germany, extending from Pulheim in the north to Dahlem in the Eifel region in the south, and from Bergneustadt in the east to Aachen in the west. Its opening will expand DHL Express’s capacity in the region while helping streamline operational processes and reduce shipment handling times.

Sustainability has been incorporated into the facility’s design, with several measures intended to improve energy efficiency and increase the use of renewable energy. A modern heat pump provides heating and cooling, while a photovoltaic system with a capacity of up to 350 kilowatt-peak (kWp) supports on-site renewable electricity generation. A green roof, energy-efficient ventilation and modern building technology further contribute to the site’s environmental performance.

The facility also supports DHL Express’s transition towards electric delivery vehicles. A total of 78 charging points have been installed at the PUD fingers, alongside a dedicated parking area with an additional 30 electrified parking spaces for electric vans. Charging infrastructure is also available for employees.

Around 250 employees are set to benefit from the new centre’s modern working environment. The facility includes ergonomically designed office and operational workstations, as well as updated staff amenities intended to support employee wellbeing and day-to-day operations.

Security is another key feature of the site. The new DHL Express station meets the requirements of the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) and has achieved the highest security level under the internationally recognised TAPA Class A certification.

The opening of the Cologne-Marsdorf service centre represents a further investment in DHL Express’s German infrastructure, combining increased processing capacity, modern technology and sustainability measures. The company expects the facility to support future growth and strengthen its service offering in one of Germany’s economically strongest regions.