DHL Group plans more than EUR 400 million investment to support growth and supply chain resilience in Central and Eastern Europe

The planned investments reflect DHL's confidence in the region's long-term growth potential as global trade patterns evolve and companies reassess manufacturing, sourcing and distribution strategies. Under DHL Group's Strategy 2030, Poland, Czechia, Hungary and Romania have been identified as markets benefiting from powerful "geographic tailwinds" driven by their growing importance in European manufacturing, trade and distribution networks and longer-term shifts towards nearshoring by overseas companies seeking greater proximity to the European consumer market.

The investment program will span DHL Group's divisions and support the expansion of contract logistics capacity, warehousing infrastructure, B2B transportation networks, supply chain control tower solutions, international express services and freight capabilities.

"Central and Eastern Europe is becoming increasingly important to global trade flows and supply chain networks, with Poland in particular emerging as one of Europe's most dynamic logistics and manufacturing hubs," said John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express. "As customers seek greater resilience and flexibility, they need logistics partners that can connect production, inventory and markets seamlessly across borders. Through these investments, we are expanding the infrastructure and international connectivity needed to support the growth ambitions of the dynamic companies that are driving the economic development of this region."

Poland's growth story highlights the region's potential

DHL's announcement comes as the company launches the latest edition of the DHL Globalization Tracker in Poland while also marking 35 years of operations in the country.

The findings underscore Poland's remarkable economic transformation and growing importance as a European trade and manufacturing hub. Between 2016 and 2025, Poland's goods trade grew 2.1 times faster than global trade and 2.7 times faster than EU trade. Looking ahead, Poland's goods trade is forecast to grow 28% faster than world trade and 91% faster than EU trade between 2026 and 2029.

The analysis also shows increasing diversification in Poland's trade relationships. While Germany remains a key trading partner and the majority of Polish trade continues to take place within the European Union, trade with both the United States and China has grown significantly over the past decade.

Hendrik Venter, CEO of DHL Supply Chain said: "Central and Eastern Europe is cementing its role as a strategic location for manufacturing, distribution and regional fulfillment operations, particularly for companies that are looking for greater proximity to the European market. It is also home to a growing number of highly entrepreneurial businesses that are scaling their operations, building great resilience in their supply chains and exploring overseas expansion opportunities. DHL Supply Chain recently entered the Romanian market through an extended partnership with Polish retailer, Pepco, for example, as they expand within the region. Our investments in warehousing, transportation and supply chain control tower capabilities will help customers respond faster to changing market conditions, manage increased complexity, build more resilient supply chains and unlock new growth opportunities within Central and Eastern Europe."

Building on a strong investment track record

Poland will continue to play a central role in DHL Group's growth ambitions for the region.

DHL Group has invested significantly in the Polish market in recent years. In 2024, DHL opened its EUR 180 million International Logistics Centre in Poznan, one of the largest logistics investments in the company's history in Poland. The facility supports multiple DHL business units, including DHL eCommerce, DHL Freight and Post & Parcel Germany, while serving as an important logistics gateway connecting Poland with European and global markets.

"DHL has played an active role in Poland's emergence as a leading European economy and we are proud of the positive contribution our capabilities - and more importantly, our colleagues in the Polish market - make every day to the development of this important market," said Pablo Ciano, CEO of DHL eCommerce. "We have already made significant investments in recent years in our fulfilment centers, out-of-home locker networks with the aim of providing greater choice to Polish e-commerce marketplaces and consumers. Looking ahead, DHL remains committed to helping Poland strengthen its human capital, deepen its position within global value chains and provide even greater access for its amazing businesses to new growth opportunities in international markets."

The broader investment program also includes the planned construction of a new DHL Express air express terminal in Katowice, alongside continued investments by DHL Supply Chain, DHL Freight, DHL eCommerce and DHL Global Forwarding in their warehousing and distribution networks, as well as the deployment of advanced technologies.

Poland is one of DHL Group's ten largest markets worldwide by employment, with more than 10,000 employees. Continued investment in workforce skills and expertise remains a priority as DHL supports Polish businesses seeking to expand internationally and move into higher-value manufacturing and supply chain activities.

As global supply chains continue to evolve, DHL expects Central and Eastern Europe to play an increasingly important role in connecting European production, consumption and trade. Through continued investments in infrastructure, technology and people, DHL is strengthening its ability to help customers build more resilient, internationally connected supply chains.