DHL Logistics rollout, Athens/Thessaloniki, Greece

Athens: The DHL's Gateway Facility at the AIA covers 5.000 m2 on one level for the warehouse and handling facility, a mezzanine of 1.000 m2 for administration offices and external parking facilities.
In order to increase its productivity, DHL invested in the installation of a 'state of the art' material handling system. Moreover, in order to deal with the increasing van fleet, a Pick Up and Delivery platform (called Finger) was constructed, which can serve 44 vans at the same time by using only 300m2. Finally, the entire offices were refurbished and the modern design concept (open office plan) was introduced, which resulted in the production of more working positions in the same space and the improvement of the working conditions.
Focal’s initial task was the co-ordination of the permit approval from AIA. The project management process also included budgeting, managing the construction tender among experienced, carefully selected contractors and contract assignment. During the construction phase, the process included day to day quality control, co-ordination with FF&E suppliers, contractor’s payments, change order handling, testing and commissioning.

Thessaloniki: The project concerned the full renovation of the existing building with new offices of the DHL logistics company at the Cargo of the International Macedonia Thessaloniki Airport and the addition of a new service centre (finger) for 24 trucks. The new metal building was founded on piles, while the full renovation of the existing building included new technical infrastructure and architectural finishes, new planning, new metal construction to host delivery platforms, storage areas, new metal mezzanine for offices and architectural fit out with new high-quality finishes. A conveyor belt and a new canopy to shelter the delivery area (airside) were also installed. In addition, works included landscaping and outdoor infrastructure (water rain drainage, service areas, parking, networks, fencing).

Focal provided full project management services during the preconstruction phase, construction phase and handover. Specifically, Focal was involved in design management, budgeting, overall schedule monitoring, detailed construction cost breakdown, tender phase, awarding of initial work packages and value engineering. Focal was also involved in the tendering phase, awarding and coordinating of various installations awarded directly by the Client (conveyor belt, airport security requirements, fire protection certification etc.).
Finally, Focal was responsible for the monitoring and supervision of the overall project quality, structural works, quantity survey, timescale coordination, and contractor’s payments management.