DHL Group has unveiled plans to invest €2 billion (Rs 200 Crore) over the next five years to strengthen its logistics services in the life sciences and healthcare sector. This move supports the company’s “Strategy 2030” and underscores its commitment to helping healthcare companies grow, innovate, and reach patients worldwide with greater efficiency.
The investment will be spread globally, with 50% allocated to the Americas, 25% to Asia Pacific, and 25% to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). The goal is to build a more integrated, responsive, and reliable logistics network, tailored specifically to meet the unique needs of the healthcare industry.
DHL will focus on enhancing infrastructure and technology across the entire logistics chain – from storage and order fulfillment to global distribution and last-mile delivery. This includes the development of new GPD-certified pharma hubs, expansion of cold chain capabilities, deployment of temperature-controlled vehicles, and upgrades to sustainable packaging solutions.
As demand rises in key areas such as clinical trials, biopharma, and cell and gene therapies, DHL is also investing in specialized cooling systems to handle low and ultra-low temperature shipments. Advanced IT systems will provide real-time visibility and traceability across the supply chain, ensuring compliance and maintaining product integrity.
Under the newly introduced brand, DHL Health Logistics, the Group is consolidating all of its life sciences and healthcare operations. This unification offers customers a streamlined, end-to-end logistics experience across international borders, designed specifically for the pharmaceutical and medical industries.
“Our investment reflects both our purpose – ‘Connecting people, improving lives’ – and our customers’ mission of delivering life-saving treatments,” said Oscar de Bok, CEO of DHL Supply Chain. “We are building innovative and dependable logistics solutions to ensure patients receive timely, secure access to vital medications.”
In 2024, DHL’s healthcare logistics generated over €5 billion (Rs 500 crore) in global revenue, with expectations to add another €5 billion by 2030. To support this growth, DHL currently operates nearly 600 healthcare-focused sites in around 130 countries, with more than 2.5 million square meters of temperature-controlled warehousing.
As part of its expansion strategy, DHL has also acquired CRYOPDP, a specialist courier in clinical trials and cell and gene therapy logistics. This acquisition boosts DHL’s capabilities and strengthens its Pharma Specialised Network.
Through this substantial investment, DHL is reinforcing its leadership in healthcare logistics, ensuring fast, secure, and reliable delivery of critical medical products worldwide.
