DHL Worldwide set to invest add’l $20-M in RP

DHL Worldwide Philippines Corp., a joint venture between DHL Philippines Corp. and DHL Worldwide Express B.V., has gained substantial investments from its global headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.

An initial commitment of close to $20 million (P1 billion) has been invested in the Philippines. Infrastructure enhancements have already been installed, such as the newly opened country office, state-of-the-art IT network, and full service warehouse facilities in Makati, Ortigas, Calabarzon area and Cebu.

The company has modernized its gateway operations in local airport terminals and acquired a new fleet of vans and other service vehicles. Also, seven express centers will be opened within the year.

"This is the start of a major investment plan aimed at making the local DHL Co. in line with our global courier operations," explained country manager Mike Fitzpatrick. "We’re pushing for standardization of systems, procedures, image and every other facility such that customers in any part of the world will get the same experience here."

The new DHL country office, the DHL House along Chino Roces Ave. in Makati City, boasts of an extensive IT network. "Smart" office systems function with cordless Internet, phone lines are equipped with voice over internet protocol (VOIP) technology for continuous connectivity, and online courier scanners automatically track packages around the world.

In addition, the company has hired and trained approximately 450 new personnel to cover all functions, such as pick up and delivery, local operations, customs, customer service, sales and accounting, marketing, IT, human resource, finance and general management.

"Such a major investment indicates our confidence in the Philippines as a market where our business can operate on a global standard," continued Fitzpatrick. "So more Filipinos as well as anyone around the world will appreciate the way our company provides an even more convenient, reliable, and personalized service."