DHL Supply Chain has just announced additional investment to strengthen its logistics infrastructure in India, besides an outlay of Rs.
685 crores ($110.5 million) earlier decided upon. The company has also moved swiftly to execute these investments by adding one million sq.ft. of warehousing space with three multi-user sites in Mumbai, Pune and Gurgaon. There are also plans to open additional facilities in Tier-1 cities in India this year.
Mr. Paul Graham, CEO, Asia Pacific Middle East and Africa, DHL Supply Chain, has said: “DHL is strongly committed to investing in markets of growing importance. By increasing our footprint and with continued investment in our people, we are taking another step in the right direction to pursue DHL’s global strategy and support the development of our business in India.”
With its fast track growth over the past few years, the company has announced Mr. Vikas Anand’s appointment as Managing Director of DHL Supply Chain India Pvt. Ltd. Currently managing the business as COO, Mr. Vikas has been with the organization for more than 10 years and has served in various capacities.
“Vikas has led the India team from the front, and DSC India has delivered excellent results under his leadership over the last few years,” said Mr. Oscar de Bok, CEO – South and Southeast Asia, DHL Supply Chain.
Mr. Vikas Anand observed: “According to recent research, the 3PL market in India is growing at a faster pace than its GDP due to 
increased outsourcing. It will account for 13% of the total logistics market in 2015, up from 6% in 2008. With Transportation forming over 70% of this market, one of my priorities will be to continue expanding our modern fleet, among other things.”
The company has a well-spread transport branch network in 20 cities, offering containerized custom-made vehicles, in addition to its advanced Transport Management System that enables realtime tracking of its vehicles.
To provide fresh impetus to its business, DHL Supply Chain will now operate as a separate legal entity, DHL Supply Chain India Pvt. Ltd. The freight forwarding and customs brokerage business will continue to operate under DHL Logistics Pvt. Ltd. This will enable both the forwarding and supply chain business units to pursue their ambitious growth strategies and provide a competitive edge in a highly fragmented logistics market.
“Through our long-term presence in India and our large investments over recent years we have been able to provide a competitive advantage to our customers resulting in an accelerated growth of our supply chain business in India. I am confident our continued investments in people, systems, transport and infrastructure in India will ensure our customers have the best options for their supply chains in India,” added Mr. Oscar de Bok.
By setting up world class infrastructure in India, DHL Supply Chain is offering differentiated solutions and improving cost efficiencies, with talent being the key enabler. With its ambitious expansion plans, the company will have 10,000 employees by 2015 servicing all major sectors and fully satisfying all customer requirements.