UPS sets up distribution centre in Calgary

UPS has opened a new distribution centre at the Calgary International Airport, a state-of-the-art hub to provide businesses with direct access to the US and international markets, according to Canada News Wire.

The facility, built at a cost of US$28.6 million, will be central to the continued growth of Alberta's economy, allowing local businesses to tap into global growth markets such as China, India and Mexico.

"Despite the recent recession, Calgary's economy still stands as a growth engine for Canada with many businesses in the area looking to take advantage of emerging markets overseas," said Mike Tierney, president of UPS Canada, who was joined by UPS International president Dan Brutto for the official opening.

"The rise of middle classes in China and India offers great potential to businesses in the Calgary area," Tierney continued. "And this new facility will provide our customers with access to those markets in a more convenient and reliable fashion than ever before."

The 145,000 sq ft distribution facility has been under construction since June of 2008 and will allow UPS to double its package processing capability. The hub houses 157 trucks for ground transportation to surrounding communities in addition to serving as a staging point for aircraft.

The new hub will sort and distribute both air and ground packages and is a direct response to a surge in UPS business. The global logistics company's shipment volume from the Calgary area has increased 60 per cent since 2003.

Source: Cargo News Asia