DHL Supply Chain advances construction of new logistics center in Germany
DHL Supply Chain has reached a new construction milestone at its Jena-Apolda logistics center in Thuringia, Germany, as the company expands its contract logistics network to support technology and industrial customers in central Europe.
The facility, scheduled for completion in March 2027, will be developed on a site covering approximately 64,700 square meters. It will include nearly 27,000 square meters of warehouse space and more than 2,300 square meters of office and employee facilities.
The project is intended to strengthen DHL Supply Chain’s presence in the Jena region, where demand for logistics services is supported by industries including semiconductor manufacturing, healthcare, battery technologies and other high-tech activities.
The company recently marked a key stage in construction with a ceremony attended by customers, project partners, local authorities and business representatives.
New logistics center to support industrial supply chains
The Jena-Apolda logistics center is strategically located between Jena, Erfurt and Weimar, providing access to several of central Germany’s industrial and technology hubs.
Its proximity to existing customers, including ZEISS in Jena, is expected to support domestic and international supply chains while reducing response times for companies operating in the region.
DHL Supply Chain said the development will provide additional capacity for existing customers and create opportunities to serve new businesses requiring warehousing and contract logistics services.
The facility will also offer space for future expansion as customer requirements evolve.
Katrin Hoelter, Chief Executive Officer of DHL Supply Chain Germany & Alps, said the investment reflects the growing importance of the region’s technology sector.
“This investment strengthens our presence in a region that is becoming increasingly important for future-focused industries such as semiconductors, high-tech manufacturing, the healthcare sector and battery technologies,” Hoelter said.
The new location will complement DHL Supply Chain’s existing logistics infrastructure in central Germany, allowing the company to expand its regional operations.
DHL Supply Chain plans new jobs in Apolda
Employment at the Jena-Apolda facility is expected to increase gradually following its opening in spring 2027.
DHL Supply Chain initially plans to create approximately 50 to 70 jobs, with the workforce projected to reach between 100 and 120 employees by 2028.
The company expects the additional capacity to support the expansion of its contract logistics activities, particularly among technology-focused manufacturers and industrial customers.
Aiste Slabokaite Heid, Business Unit Director at DHL Supply Chain Germany & Alps, said the facility would provide capacity for both existing customers and new business opportunities.
“With the new Jena-Apolda logistics center, we are creating the capacity to support the growth of existing customers while opening up new opportunities with innovation-driven companies,” she said.
The project also forms part of wider efforts to attract investment and employment to Apolda.
Energy efficiency and automation included in facility design
The logistics center is being developed in accordance with the Gold certification criteria of the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB).
Planned infrastructure includes a photovoltaic installation, modern air-source heat pumps, energy storage systems and charging facilities for electric vehicles.
These features are intended to improve energy efficiency and support the facility’s long-term operational requirements.
The building has also been designed to accommodate automation and digitalisation technologies, allowing DHL Supply Chain to adapt warehouse operations to changing customer needs.
Although the company has outlined the facility’s environmental and technical specifications, it has not disclosed the total investment value or detailed automation systems planned for the site.
Construction is expected to be completed in March 2027, after which the facility will begin supporting DHL Supply Chain’s regional contract logistics network.
