FedEx is to open an air and ground logistics facility in the new cargo area of Tallinn Airport, directly linking Estonia with Paris Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle – the company’s largest air hub in Europe.
The facility is said to feature the latest sorting systems and advanced, automated technologies – capable of processing, weighing and measuring up to 3,000 parcels per hour.
Among the advanced technologies is multi-side scanning, which captures package dimensions and barcode data from all angles, improving the precision and efficiency of sorting.
The new warehouse is a threefold increase in space compared with its predecessor, and the new sorting systems will reportedly bring a significant boost to operational speed and efficiency. It will also feature 1,200 m2 of office space.
FedEx reports that the facility will support the growth of the Estonian economy, by enabling customers and businesses to access international markets.
Mariusz Mik, vice president of ground operations, Nordics and Eastern Europe at FedEx Europe, said, “Our latest investment strengthens Estonia’s position in global trade. By focusing on speed and efficiency, FedEx is not only supporting the country’s economy, like the growing e-commerce sector, but also empowering local entrepreneurs to reach customers in over 220 markets worldwide. This is how we connect Estonia’s culture of innovation with the globe.”
Tõnu Väät, CEO of the Estonian E-Commerce Association, added, “E-commerce in Estonia grows by around 20% every year, already reaching an annual turnover of €5.2bn [US$6bn]. There is certainly still room for growth in Estonian exports, especially in the field of e-commerce. One global obstacle is undoubtedly the high cost of logistics – volumes are small and shipping is expensive.
“Any investment in Estonia by an international logistics partner – whether in sorting capacity, warehouse space or transportation modes – definitely lays a foundation for export growth. That’s why we welcome the opening of the new FedEx logistics center in Tallinn and hope that, in light of this recent development, we’ll also be able to offer Estonian e-merchants more competitive prices that support growth.”
The design of the building is said to incorporate solutions that align with FedEx’s sustainability goals. A photovoltaic system on the roof diversifies the building’s electricity sources, motion sensors control automatic lighting in the offices and warehouse, and electric vehicle chargers are available in the parking lot. The building is heated and air-conditioned by heat pumps using geothermal energy.
In related news, DHL Express has opened a new €80m international hub in Barcelona