DHL Supply Chain held a ceremony to mark the opening of its Sagamihara Logistics Centre, a purpose-built facility located in Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Tokyo.

The construction represents a US$50 million investment by the global logistics provider to support continued business growth in Japan, reported PR Newswire.

The 44,000 sq m facility took just 12 months to complete and adds an additional 20 percent to DHL's warehousing footprint in the country.

It will operate as a multi-user campus with labour, resources and infrastructure shared across different customer operations to deliver synergy benefits; providing customers with greater flexibility and scalability to meet demand fluctuations.

"Our investment in the new Sagamihara Logistics Centre is evidence of DHL's long-term commitment to the logistics market in Japan," said Victor Mok, CEO of DHL Supply Chain North Asia. "Incorporating cutting-edge technologies and best warehousing practices the new facility is now ready to operate and is the ideal solution for retail, consumer and healthcare customers."

Strategically located in the west of Tokyo the facility has excellent transport access to Central and Western Japan through the national road network, and is in close proximity to airports and docks for international requirements.

The inland location means it is built on a solid foundation and the facility exceeds earthquake proofing standards, greatly reducing the risk of natural disasters, such as earthquakes and tsunamis, affecting operations.