Responding to a growing need on the part of area businesses, DHL has expanded its operations in Seattle with the opening of a new service center facility.

The $4 million-dollar investment was primarily driven by heavy demand and growth in international shipping by local businesses trading internationally, ecommerce shipping, as well as technology and software companies and retailers based in Washington State.

Located near the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the new 26,000-sq.-ft facility can process more than 1,000 pieces per hour. It serves greater Seattle and outlying areas for pickup, delivery and sorting operations of international shipments. The center complements a 42,000-sq.-ft DHL service center facility south of downtown Seattle.

Now with two strategically positioned facilities that expand the company’s local footprint and capacity, DHL can provide earlier delivery times and later cut-off times for its international customers. Both service centers also provide base operations for DHL Express services throughout Washington State.

“Our new facility near the airport provides DHL with growth opportunities as we continue to expand our footprint in the region,” stated John Cornish, General Manager for DHL Express U.S. “Seattle is home to some of the largest and most successful companies in the world, as well as many growing tech firms. Our import and export customers will appreciate the service benefits as well as another convenient service pickup and drop off point.”

There are over 50 employees based at the new service center, including management, clerical staff, couriers and sales personnel.

The facility handles a variety of shipments, including international small parcels as well as palletized and container freight.

In May 2016, DHL moved from King County International Airport (Boeing Field), to SeaTac, a Category 1 airport, which improved service by increasing the capability for accepting inbound aircraft in inclement weather. DHL operates 20 flights per week from SeaTac Airport using Boeing 757 and 767 freighter aircraft, in addition to 10 feeder flights to and from Spokane in eastern Washington.