Kuehne + Nagel, a logistics provider, hosted a grand opening ceremony yesterday for its new logistics centre in Atlanta.

Due to its extensive intermodal network and international connectivity, the Atlanta location serves as an integrated global logistics gateway for Kuehne + Nagel. From the Atlanta facility, Kuehne + Nagel can reach 80 percent of US consumers in two flight hours or two truckload delivery days.

"For over 25 years, Atlanta has been Kuehne + Nagel's regional headquarters for the southeast and we are extremely proud of our new operation," said John Hextall, president and CEO, Kuehne + Nagel North America.

"The purpose-built 236,000 sq ft office and logistics centre is part of our commitment to provide top-class service and most advanced logistics solutions. The facility enables us to better support our clients' distribution of goods in the US and across the world."

The new building allows Kuehne + Nagel to enhance its air, sea, road & rail logistics, and warehousing/distribution services. Activities include cross docking, picking/packing, quality checking, bonded warehousing, import / export (de)consolidation services, Customs brokerage, trade compliance and TSA security screening.

Kuehne + Nagel delivers supply chain solutions across various industry sectors. In particular, the Atlanta facility has a secure cage area for storage of high value cargo and special equipment to handle oversized products like vehicles and airplane engines.

For the aerospace industry, Kuehne + Nagel developed KN EngineChain, an end-to-end solution for reliable transportation and storage of airplane engines by both certified processes and certified staff. In addition, KN SparesChain, provides order management of aerospace spare parts logistics, supporting clients with critical AOG (aircraft on ground) shipments.

Kuehne + Nagel's Atlanta facility is TAPA A certified for security and includes a robust access-control system, closed-circuit TV and on-site security personnel. The building is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Engineering Design) certified, meeting high-performance green operations criteria. It incorporates many of latest environmentally sustainable elements, including LED sensor-operated lighting, sensor-operated water fixtures, ENERGY STAR equipment, and dedicated recycling points.