Automated courier pioneers Parzel expand with acquisition
Parzel, a new company offering self-service parcel despatch services out of automated booths, has completed acquisition of a more traditional courier and logistics company. The acquisition of fellow United Arab Emirates firm Zip Express expands the infrastructure of a company that has big growth ambitions, setting up a partnership spanning the Arabian Peninsula.
Parzel, which was set up by Obaid Al-Qahash, managing director of automation technology firm Kedu, launched its first three automated parcel drop-off and collection booths across Dubai earlier this summer, after two years of developing the concept. A fourth booth has now been added in Times Square Dubai.
The company said acquiring Zip Express was strengthen the traditional delivery side of the business, describing the acquired company as one of the faster courier firms in the country.
Zip Express, which will be absorbed into operating under the Parzel brand, provides a range of domestic, regional and international delivery services from next-day documents and parcels to regional ground express delivery and export to 120 countries.
Al-Qahash, who is managing director at Parzel, said: “This acquisition presents a significant moment in our development within the UAE. Zip Express have developed a very successful platform and we are very keen to harness their expertise and make Parzel even stronger as we grow.”
Efficiency
Parzel was set up by automation specialists Kedu to provide a more technology-based approach to courier services
Parzel says its automated drop-off and collection booths provide the logistics industry with greater levels of efficiency and increased flexibility through state-of-the-art technology.
Operating 24-hours a day, the company says the booths also provide more freedom for customers to drop off and collect documents and parcels at their convenience. The booths include separate lockers for each package, along with a touch-screen kiosk allowing customers to collect or deposit items.
A spokesperson for the company told Post&Parcel that with an investment of around AED 200m ($55m USD) up to 2016, the company’s network is expected to grow to around 2,500 machines in five years.
“We have a very clear and structured plan for the rest of 2011 and this partnership with Zip Express is part of our long term strategy to redefince the logistics space within the UAE and beyond,” said Al-Qahash.
