PointPark Properties (P3) has begun the construction of a new air and road distribution hub for TNT Express at the King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
The 10,000m² Build-to-Own facility marks P3's first project in Gulf region, and will serve TNT Express' flagship gateway to the region.
It includes 4,800m² of sorting and customs clearance space, and is likely to be finished by January 2015.
An express distribution center presents designers with some complex challenges as they are tasked with maximising speed and efficient handling, P3 Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ian Worboys said.
Worboys noted, "Extra access and security requirements mean that these demands are multiplied when a centre is being built on airport grounds."
The new Dammam facility will expand the company's presence in the city and, with dedicated customs clearance officers working in a 24/7 environment, will allow TNT to extend its offering in the Saudi market to include its 'Economy Express' and 'Full Trailer Loads' services.
TNT Express Saudi Arabia and Bahrain country general manager Mark Woodcock said, "The Dammam hub will bring important improvement in customs clearance efficiency, further strengthening service to our clients in Saudi Arabia and beyond."