DHL expands Asia Pacific data centre logistics network capacity
The company is investing in warehousing, white glove handling and technical services as AI-driven infrastructure projects increase across the region.
DHL Supply Chain has expanded its data centre logistics capabilities across Asia Pacific, adding more than 160,000 square metres of dedicated logistics infrastructure to support growing demand from hyperscalers and data centre operators as AI investment and large-scale deployments increase across the region.
The expansion includes more than 30,000 square metres of dedicated warehouse capacity already operating across Asia Pacific, along with a further 130,000 square metres of committed expansion and built-to-suit developments in Malaysia and Thailand that are expected to become operational over the next two years.
DHL said the investment comes as Asia Pacific is projected to become the world's largest data centre market by 2030, driven by growing demand for AI, cloud services and digital connectivity. The company noted that data centre operators are facing increasing pressure to manage tight project timelines, complex cross-border supply chains and the movement of high-value equipment into active construction sites.
Javier Bilbao, CEO, Asia Pacific, DHL Supply Chain, said Asia Pacific is expected to attract around USD 800 billion in data centre investment by 2030. He said customers require not only capacity but also reliable execution, and that DHL's investments in dedicated infrastructure and advanced white glove capabilities are aimed at providing greater precision, consistency and speed.
The company said its expanded offering combines dedicated high-security warehousing with specialised service logistics solutions designed to support complex and multi-phase data centre deployment projects.
As part of the expansion, DHL is investing in training its workforce in advanced white glove handling and specialised technical services. These capabilities allow critical preparation and integration work to be carried out in controlled logistics environments instead of active construction sites.
According to DHL, white glove handling covers the movement of servers, equipment and critical systems under controlled conditions to reduce the risk of damage and delays. The service includes site survey reporting, route assessments, floor protection, cage management, verification of part numbers, rack installation, component verification, cleaning and completion reporting.
The company has also strengthened its specialised technical services, which include server rack frame assembly, mounting components, intra-rack cabling, functional testing and secure packaging for sensitive server equipment. DHL said these services help customers reduce on-site congestion, lower installation risks and maintain project schedules as deployment requirements become more complex.
The Asia Pacific expansion follows DHL Group's recent investment in data centre logistics infrastructure in North America. Amanda Rasmussen, Chief Commercial Officer, DHL Global Forwarding and Head of the Data Center Logistics Taskforce at DHL Group, said data centre logistics is a strategic growth priority for the company, driven by the rapid development of digital infrastructure and AI.
She said DHL is expanding its capabilities across regions to provide integrated, end-to-end logistics solutions for every stage of the data centre lifecycle, enabling customers to scale operations while maintaining uptime, resilience and operational precision.
DHL said these investments reinforce its focus on data centres as a strategic growth sector and strengthen its ability to support customers with integrated logistics solutions as digital infrastructure expands across global markets.
