DHL: DHL bets big on healthcare with $2.2 billion investment

The German logistics provider DHL will invest $2.2 billion over the next five years to enhance its logistics capabilities in the life sciences and healthcare sector, the company said today.With 50% of the investment allocated to the Americas, 25% to Asia Pacific, and 25% to the EMEA region, DHL says it is expanding its global footprint to deliver integrated, faster, more reliable, and patient-centric logistics solutions wherever healthcare companies operate. Currently, DHL Group operates nearly 600 sites, hubs, and warehouses across close to 130 countries dedicated to life sciences and healthcare logistics, encompassing a total of more than 27 million square feet of temperature-controlled warehouse space.The new investment will focus on enhancing high-quality infrastructure and technology across all logistics touchpoints-from storage, order fulfillment, and distribution to global shipping and last-mile delivery-creating more resilient, scalable, and responsive supply chains for customers. And a "significant" part of the investment will be allocated to establishing new cross-divisional GPD-certified Pharma Hubs for multi-temperature shipments lanes, expanding cold chain capacity in existing facilities, commissioning new temperature-controlled vehicles, and enhancing both passive and active packaging solutions to ensure sustainable delivery.As the demand grows in critical areas such as clinical trials, biopharma, and cell and gene therapies, DHL is also investing in high-quality, specialized cooling infrastructure to accommodate low and ultra-low temperature ranges. Additionally, the Group will implement cutting-edge IT systems that provide end-to-end visibility, ensuring product integrity, regulatory compliance, and confidence for healthcare providers and their patients.Today's announcement follows DHL's recent acquisition of CRYOPDP, a specialty courier focused on clinical trials, biopharma, and cell and gene therapies. That deal was meant to strengthen the country's capabilities in this segment and expand the potential of its Pharma Specialized Network as part of the overall investment strategy, DHL said.