FedEx Express opens hub facilities in Japan and Mexico
FedEx Express has opened a new North Pacific Regional Hub in Osaka, Japan, and a new national hub in Mexico. The express delivery giant said its new hub at Kansai International Airport will serve as a consolidation and transshipment point for shipments between the United States and Asia.
The new facility in Cuatitlán Izcalli in the State of Mexico will be the “centrepiece” of domestic operations for FedEx Express in Mexico.
Japan
Covering 39,500 square metres, the new North Pacific Regional Hub has the capacity to sort up to 9,000 packages per hour. Beginning operations at the start of the month, the facility includes an in-house customs unit, cargo sorting and temperature-control systems for healthcare shipments.
FedEx said the new transshipment point will give its customers in the US greater access to markets in the Asia-Pacific region, and customers in Asia access to Europe and the Americas. FedEx said Japan, China and South Korea are three of the top 10 trading partners for the US, accounting for more than a fifth of US trade in 2013.
The hub also continues its role handling international cargo for the Western Japan region, though with an expanded 24-hour operation it should respond more quickly and flexibly to customer needs, the company said.
Boosting its links through the new hub, the firm is adding an additional flight to Indianapolis, in the US state of Indiana.
David L. Cunningham, president, Asia Pacific, FedEx Express, said the investment in the new hub came on the back of the increasing importance of cross-border trade to economic growth.
He said: “Our North Pacific Regional Hub not only provides us with greater operational flexibility, but also allows us to offer our customers in Japan and the Asia Pacific access to regional and global trade opportunities through our strong operational network.”
Mexico
In Mexico, the company’s new FedEx Hub Nacional México began operations officially yesterday, with a 6,500 square metre facility that has the capability to sort 13,500 packages per hour.
FedEx said the facility in the State of Mexico will sit at the centre of its Mexican operations, and allow a reduction in transit times, improved pick-up times and more efficient deliveries across the country.
Shipments from the company’s 800 retail locations across Mexico will pass through the national hub before reaching their final destination. About 800 employees will be based at the new national hub, with 53 platforms available for loading and unloading.
FedEx said its new hub was part of a “major commitment” to boosting economies of growing regions in Mexico, including the states of Guanajuato, Queretaro and the State of Mexico.
Michael L. Ducker, COO and president, International, FedEx Express, said: “FedEx sees the potential that Mexico offers for our business and has invested nearly $160 million since 2011. If Mexican businesses increase their competitiveness and reach more markets, FedEx and its employees will benefit. It’s a win-win scenario and therefore, the company will continue to work and invest to accelerate trade in Mexico.”
