The Build-to-Own facility, P3’s first project in a Gulf country, will serve as TNT Express’ flagship gateway to the region and comes just months after P3 completed a similar airport facility in Bratislava, Slovakia.
Ian Worboys, P3 CEO said: “An express distribution centre presents designers with some complex challenges as they are tasked with maximising speed and efficient handling. Extra access and security requirements mean that these demands are multiplied when a centre is being built on airport grounds. P3’s recent successful completion of another airport hub has given our teams greater insights into how airport agencies operate, which should help ensure a smooth delivery of the Dammam building. The excellent cooperation we received from the Saudi government and airport authorities bodes well for future projects in the GCC region.”
TNT Express is one of the world’s largest express delivery companies, daily handling more than one million items, ranging from documents to palletised freight. The new Dammam facility will mean a five-fold expansion of the company’s presence in the city and, with dedicated customs clearance officers working in a 24/7 environment, will allow TNT to extend its offering in the Saudi market to include its ‘Economy Express’ and ‘Full Trailer Loads’ services. The airport hub will connect TNT Express’ intercontinental air system to its Middle East road network making the new location the company’s principal gateway to Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries.
Saudi government agencies and the King Fahd International Airport put the new facility, which will include 4,800 m² of sorting and customs clearance space, on a fast-track approval and construction schedule, meaning that it should be completed by January 2015.
Mark Woodcock, Country General Manager TNT Express Saudi Arabia and Bahrain said: “The Dammam hub will bring significant improvement in customs clearance efficiency, further strengthening service to our clients in Saudi Arabia and beyond.”