FedEx has completed the construction of the outer shell of its new 8000m² gateway facility at Copenhagen Airport, which is being built as part of its ongoing European growth. The centre is due to go live at the end of this year and will process 11,500 packages per day, while incorporating areas for Dangerous Goods and Cold Storage.
The next phase of the development involves the installation and testing of an automated sort system, representing an investment of approximately €4 million.
The sort belt will measure 360m in total, including a state-of-the-art cross belt loop sorter. This loop sorter will use a combination of brushless motors which power the belts and electricity-generating wheels which help capture energy. These two elements reduce friction and heat, and mean that up to 90% of the kinetic energy is stored and turned back into electricity.
“We’re right on track,” said Helena Jansson, vice president, Finance, Europe, FedEx Express. “It means we will be ready to help our customers in Denmark and Sweden boost their cross-border business during the busy peak season at the end of this year.”
The 8000m² external structure has been completed within six months on a previously undeveloped plot of land, in coordination with Belgian developer MG Real Estate. Approximately 120 FedEx team members will work at the new gateway.
FedEx Express worked with Danish social enterprise Incita to produce 5,000 test packages, which will be used for comprehensive testing and optimisation of the automated sort system. Incita helps people who have had to stop working or leave their jobs due to illness, disability, or other circumstances return to work.
“We are excited to play a role in testing the new FedEx Express facility. Fifteen employees at Incita are involved in producing 5,000 packages in all shapes and sizes in our workshop, which will be used to test the new sorting system at the facility”, said Christina Grøntved, CEO of Incita. “We hope that this project will help some of our employees re-build their confidence so that they can move on to new opportunities.”
