Ehrhardt + Partner Solutions inaugurates first Warehouse Technology Centre in Middle East at Dubai Logistics City

Ehrhardt + Partner Solutions inaugurates first Warehouse Technology Centre in Middle East at Dubai Logistics City

• New facility adds to growing presence of international logistics providers at Dubai Logistics City
• Move marks another successful step in development of DLC as key logistics hub serving UAE and wider region

Dubai, April 20, 2010: In another demonstration of the ongoing development of Dubai Logistics City (DLC) as the preferred hub for international logistics and support service providers, Ehrhardt + Partner Solutions (EPS), the German corporate group and internationally leading expert for warehouse logistics today announced the opening of its first Warehouse Technology Centre for the Middle East at DLC.

Modelled along the lines of the company’s own Institute for Applied Warehouse (IAW) in Germany, the new technology centre will enable EPS to share its logistics expertise and unique technological platforms with regional corporates, including logistics service providers. EPS will provide comprehensive logistics support services from its hub centre in DLC in addition to demonstrating the newest warehouse technologies live at the new technology centre.

EPS is located within DLC’s contract logistics area and in close proximity to DWC-Al Maktoum International Airport. "We are delighted to open our first warehouse technology centre, right here in the heart of Middle East logistics,” said Hermann Ehrhardt, founder and CEO of Ehrhardt+Partner Solutions. “The ready availability of warehousing and commercial space within the same campus, as well as access to a range of suppliers and service providers is truly unique to DLC.”

The 21.5 sq km Dubai Logistics City is part of the Dubai Government's overall 2015 strategy to enhance the emirate's transport and logistics services and capitalise on its geographical location to make Dubai a regional hub for logistics.

“The launch of this technology centre from EPS marks a strong endorsement of DLC and its business model in providing a dedicated world class infrastructure for global logistics providers,” said Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation. “We believe DLC is an unparalleled platform within the Middle East region, and this has been validated by the growing presence of international logistics and support service providers in the DLC campus. In this regard, the opening of this technology centre by EPS marks another successful step in the rapid ongoing development of DLC as the region’s premier logistics destination.”

“The latest inauguration marks the growing presence of a host of international logistics companies that are leveraging the world’s first truly integrated logistics facility at Dubai Logistics City,” said Rashed Buqaraa, Chief Operation Officer Dubai Aviation City Corporation

“At DLC, we see ourselves playing a progressively important role within the regional logistics and transport sector. We have already received commitments from over 30 leading international companies to set up a base in DLC and are seeing growing interest from a number of multinational companies looking to take advantage of our unique benefits and capabilities,” added Rashed.

Ramon Thoms, regional manager of Ehrhardt+Partner Solutions said: “We see huge possibilities in DLC - this is where the most important logistics market of the future will be centred. This is why it was exceptionally important to the E+P Group to develop such a centre to provide new warehouse solutions that will shape the future of the logistics industry. Owing to the infrastructure we have been provided at DLC, we are already in a position to implement complex warehouse projects and modernizations on-site in accordance with international quality standards.”

The EPS centre will include a state-of-the-art showroom, where the company will demonstrate modern logistic processes, including its WMS software, Pick-by-Voice, Pick-to-Light and other automated systems.

Of the companies that have committed to setting up operations in DLC, four are currently operational. These include EPS, Calipar Integrated Services, RSA Logistics and Kuehne & Nagel. Four other companies are currently coordinating the construction of their facilities at Dubai Logistics City. These include Eagle Industries, Integrated National Logistics, Aramex, and RSA Logistics (second phase).

Located within the Dubai World Central master-planned community, DLC currently provides comprehensive transport infrastructure, logistics and value added services, including light manufacturing and assembly, in a single customs bonded and Free Zone environment.

About Ehrhardt + Partner Group:

Ehrhardt + Partner is the leading expert for warehouse logistics at an international level. Founded by Hermann Ehrhardt in 1987, E+P has developed into an internationally active group of companies with more than 140 employees at four locations. Company solutions are currently being employed successfully on five different continents. Together with the group subsidiaries, Ehrhardt + Partner Group offer integrated total solutions for warehouse logistics from one source. Conceived for professional use in practice, all products are subject to ongoing development to keep them at the highest standard. This is why the products distinguish themselves with a very high level of quality offering the customer security for the future and their investments There are currently more than 300 customers from all industries on the list of references for the Group.

Ehrhardt + Partner Group in the Middle East:

The Ehrhardt + Partner Expert Group is represented by the Ehrhardt + Partner Solutions (EPS) based in Dubai, as well as renowned sales, service, and support partners in Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, among others. It is the goal of the E+P Group to support and considerably advance the implementation of international quality and logistics standards on location in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, and in the Middle East.

About Dubai Aviation City Corporation (Dubai World Central):

Dubai Aviation City Corporation, Dubai World Central (DWC) is owned by the Government of Dubai. It is one of the strategic projects for the government as it positions Dubai to be a commercial center and international logistics hub. It is considered to be one of the most ambitious projects in the world occupying an area of 140Km2 in Jebel Ali. Dubai World Central contains Al Maktoum International (AMIA) which will be the world’s largest airport with 120 million passenger/year capacity and a cargo capacity of 12 million tons/year. Logistics and Aviation Cities will be surrounding the airport as a specialized free zone focused on the logistics, cargo and aviation industries. In addition the project encompasses several real estate developments. Phase 1 of the project will be fully completed and launched in June 2010. This will include Phase 1 completion of Al Maktoum International Airport with a capacity to serve 5 million passengers per year, as well as over 600,000 tonnes cargo handling capacity annually.