Chronopost Portugal to open new distribution centre

The courier, express and parcel service provider will open one of the largest distribution centres on the Iberian peninsula at Valongo (in the Porto conurbation) in March. The new complex offers 5200 sqm of covered and 10,000 sqm of open storage area and replaces the existing facility in Maia. It will cost approximately EUR 2.5 million to build. Some 200 people will he employed at the new centre.
Chronopost. which claims to he the market leader in the B2B transport sector for documents and small parcels in Portugal. expects a 36% increase in turnover to EUR 22.5 million for 2001, compared to the EUR 16.5 million for 2000. This extraordinary growth can be mainly attributed to the acquisition of the Prosegur Distribuicao e Servicos at the beginning of 2001. Chronopost runs 14 logistics centres in Portugal. employing roughly 630 people, and operates a fleet of around 300 vehicles.