DHL TurkeyDHL Freight has opened a logistics warehouse at Manisa Industrial Park, near the Turkish city of Izmir, in response to what it said was a growing demand for services in the country.

"Manisa is not only home to one of the first logistics parks in Turkey, it is also an important location for some of the country's leading manufacturing, import and export companies," said Hasan Kavci, managing director, DHL Freight Turkey.

While the company would not provide details on the percentage of automotive freight it was processing through the 38,000 sq.m centre, a spokesperson for DHL said the automotive sector was an important part of DHL Freight’s business in Turkey and it was already handling parts, including wheel rims.

The companies based around Manisa export to more than 100 countries worldwide. With a volume of almost €3.5 billion in 2017, the city is one of the top 10 exporting regions in Turkey.

DHL said the (undisclosed) investment in the facility is part of its Freight 2020 strategy to become the industry leader in road transport.

Uwe Brinks, CEO DHL Freight, commented: "We have made a significant investment in our network to meet the growing needs of our customers.”