Bangkok--Dec 16--PR&Associates
Plans to put massive substantial investments to strengthen its operations in Thailand
DHL, the world’s leading express and logistics provider, announced today that it expects to close out 2004 posting double-digit growth in the total volume of express shipments handled by the company in Thailand. This growth is similar to that achieved last year and is forecast to continue into 2005, allowing DHL to retain its leadership position in Thailand's market for air express services.
The announcement underlines the importance of Thailand, one of DHL's fastest growing markets in the Asia-Pacific region, to the company's global business portfolio. It also lends credence to the ‘No One Knows Asia Pacific Like We Do’ promise that is at the heart of the advertising campaign that DHL is using in all Asia-Pacific markets.
Said Mr. Herbert Vongpusanachai, managing director of DHL Express (Thailand): “with DHL has acquired more capabilities so that it is now able to serve as a true one-stop shop offering the most to offer comprehensive product portfolio and express & logistics services that meet the needs of even the most sophisticated customers. This is one big reason why we've achieved impressive growth this year.”
Mr. Vongpusanachai added that DHL has invested a total of more than US$1.1 billion in the Asia Pacific region. "With our investments in people, infrastructure and facilities across the region, along with our reinforced marketing and sales activities, we believe that we are well positioned to capitalize on the opportunities of this fast growing market,” he said.
DHL's major investments in Thailand this year include a new head office, the introduction of a new Global Courier Real-Time handheld device, and the addition of two new aircrafts to the DHL Asian Air Network (AAN) to increase the quality of service for over 30,000 customersadding . The first aircraft, a — one DHL-liveried new Boeing 737-200 freighter wet-leased from Thai carrier API, is s serving Malaysia, connecting Bangkok and, Ho Chi Minh City. The second is a new Airbus A300-600F General Freighter which is being operated from Hong Kong to Bangkok and Penang by and oneAir Hong Kong, the cargo carrier joint venture between
DHL and Cathay Pacific Airways. DHL’s dedicated regional air network currently comprises 25 destinations in 16 countries served by 40 dedicated cargo flights and over 800 commercial flights daily.
DHL’s business direction in 2005
Said Mr. Vongpusanachai: “The express and logistics business has generated strong commercial growth by focusing on SMEs, a high-potential segment, and industry-specific areas such as fashion, semi-conductors, IT, and automotive.as well as In order to aechieve the sustainable growth, we will continue to show abuild on our proven competency byat leveraging new strategic technologies and supply chain tools to manage and master global express and freight traffic flows that use large scale shared networks for consolidation and deconsolidation of cargo.”
“Moreover, new technologies will be implemented to reduce operating costs and enhance express and logistics service quality and speed. DHL is committed to expanding our its networks and increasing the numbers of dedicated of freighters. Above all, we will improve upon the front-end retailing of our services to customers,” added Mr. Vongpusanachai.
In 2005, the company plans to strengthen its operations in Thailand and meet the demands of customers by upgrading its two service centers in the Petchaburi area and the new Suvarnabhumi Airport, and by implementing new Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) services at Bangplee. In addition, DHL in Thailand is planning to open new service centers in Lam Chabang and Thonburi, and will establish a second Quality Control Center at the company's head office. The Quality Control Center will provide a real-time link allowing pro-active management and control of the overall shipment cycle. DHL will also begin the second phase of the implementation of its DHL’s Global Courier Real-Time handheld device, adding digital signature capture.
“Our marketing strategies are focused on gaining loyalty from our existing customers through customized offerings by our dedicated teams. In addition, we will increase mind-share of our potential customers by conducting regular activities, such as road shows, event marketing, tie-in activities and sponsorships,” said Mr. Vongpusanachai.
Trend: The Express Market in Thailand
From its origins in simple courier services, the express market in Thailand is currently moving towards a more sophisticated requirements for dsophisticated range of ocuments, parcel, freight, and supply chain management solutions. Within the logistics market, demand for Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory solutions is growing--and especially so for time-critical spare parts logistics.
This segment of the express market is estimated to be worth approximately US$1.8 billion in Asia. DHL is one of the very first providers to enter to move tothese new business areas in a well-orchestrated drive for top line growth. DHL'sOur model offers three principal products in this specific segment, including direct express inventory, repair return inventory and strategic inventory management.
“DHL is strongly committed to offering best-in-class solutions that deliver value to our customers’ supply chains. We will work in partnership with our customers and suppliers to deliver customized services and integrated logistics solutions in an ethical and sustainable way. And as a global logistics provider firmly established in Asia Pacific, we will provide the most comprehensive portfolio of tailor-made contract and industry-specific solutions, from consulting and supply chain design to storage, sales logistics, production and order management,” concluded Mr. Vongpusanachai.
About DHL
DHL Thailand offers customers a comprehensive range of logistics solutions through three business units: DHL Express, DHL Danzas Air & Ocean and DHL Solutions. Customers can enjoy the convenience of one-stop-shop service, from shipping documents to containers, delivered by 1,100 DHL staff. With 25 25 locations around Thailand, DHL’s services cover 76 provinces in the country. For further information, please visit our website at http://www.dhl.co.th.
Press contact:
Ms. Bongkod Paebunyong
DHL Express (Thailand) Ltd
Tel: 0-2345-5608
Fax: 0-2285-5531
Email: [email protected]
Ms. Wanpen Lolertpiphop
PR&Associates Ltd.
Tel: 0-2651-8989 ext 332
Fax: 0-2651-9649-50
Email: [email protected] End.