German logistics major DB Schenker plans to strengthen its local footprint in India over the next few years and aims to become one of the largest logistics service providers in the country. As part of its strategy, Schenker India has opened its largest warehousing hub in Badli, Gurgaon.

The first phase of the warehouse spans over a space of 25,000 sqmt, which is close to the KMP (Kundli Manesar Palwal) expressway and strategically located for effective and efficient supply chain management within NCR and North India.

Schenker India offers a complete range of international air and ocean freight, contract logistics and global supply chain solutions. The new facility will extend the services to Schenker India’s existing customer base of over 1,800 in sectors such as automotive, pharma, retail and consumer, industrial, electronics and aerospace.

Vishal Sharma, CEO of Cluster India and Indian sub-continent, DB Schenker said, “It is a milestone development in the overall contract logistics strategy for the organisation after years of careful planning and preparation. It is also a strong testament to DB Schenker’s long term commitment to India as it is one of its most strategically important market in the global network and is projected to grow over 100% by 2025.”

The new warehouse is equipped with digital technologies and is fully radio frequency-enabled, it is also equipped with consignment scanning feature, conveyor for operation movement, automated shutters, TAPA compliant and FM Global compliant fire prevention and suppression system, Green Building certified by GBCI under EDGE platform, and access control enabled doors among a slew of many other features.

“As we have also seen how logistics is critical in the fight against global crises such as the current pandemic, whether in good or bad times we press on with our efforts to develop and invest in our capabilities and network, as a statement of commitment and intent to support the India market and community. This facility in Badli is part of our broader plan to develop similar large-scale warehouses in India and double the warehousing capacity to over 650,000 sqmt from the current national footprint of 325,000 sqmt. This we target to accomplish by 2024. The development will greatly enhance DB Schenker’s footprint in the Indian subcontinent to serve all our customers in all vertical markets,” added Sharma.

The new facility provides solutions for consolidation, storage planning and freight management for a complete end-to-end supply chain solution.