DHL has opened its new $32-million airfreight facility at Melbourne airport that would boost Victoria and Tasmania's international trade.

Covering almost 50,000 sqm, an area more than twice the size of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the new facility includes two coolrooms designed to handle the southern states' vibrant life science and perishables exports.

Amadou Diallo, CEO, DHL Global Forwarding South Asia Pacific said: "We have experienced double digit growth in Australia over the past few years and the new warehouse is a substantial investment in Victoria and Tasmania's future. Infrastructure in the South Pacific, such as this new hub, also helps support DHL's overall growth strategy for Asia."

"The new facility is the perfect environment for our people and delivers exceptional service to our customers. At the same time, our investment down under supports industries and distributors in Australia and throughout the rest of the world," said Mr. Diallo.

Tony Boll, Chief Executive Officer, DHL Global Forwarding, South Pacific, said: "While the latest data shows overall Australian exports in the last quarter have declined, Victoria has seen an increase in pharmaceutical and perishables exports."

"Tuna and salmon to Japan is one of DHL's largest perishable airfreight products. We have also experienced significant growth in live abalone and fruit products to Asia and other perishable products to the Middle East."

Superior food handling was top priority in designing the new facility. Technologies such as automated temperature monitoring alarms, extensive multiple chiller chambers, freezers and temperature controlled handling and loading area, ensure customers products are handled well in accordance with and exceeding all relevant food safety standards.

In addition to perishable food products, the warehouse is also designed to support Australia's developing pharmaceutical, vaccine, and life science sectors in trading with international markets. (EHL)