The Hon. Theo Theophanous, Minister for Industry and State Development in Victoria, and Klaus-Michael Kuehne, Executive Chairman of Kuehne + Nagel International AG, inaugurated the new state-of-the-art logistics facility today. The investment underlines Kuehne + Nagel's growth strategy in Australia and across the Asia-Pacific region.

Located on a 47,000 sqm plot and built in just nine months, the logistics centre provides 20,000 sqm of warehouse space and 23,000 pallet positions. The facility, which complies with strictest security and environmental requirements, is equipped with state-of-the-art
technology, including RFID capability, hydraulic loading docks, and a vertical carousel system for spare parts storage and easy picking. In a next phase of construction, warehouse space at the site can be extended to a total of 30,000 sqm.

"Kuehne + Nagel's new logistics infrastructure in Melbourne supports our growth strategy and represents a significant opportunity to underline our logistics excellence in Australia," said Klaus-Michael Kuehne at the inauguration ceremony. "Our operations will also strongly support Victoria's vision of becoming an important logistics hub by providing professional logistics manpower, as well as delivering cutting-edge research and development in logistics engineering, technology and management."

A key factor in Kuehne + Nagel's decision to locate its new warehousing and distribution facility in Melbourne was the site's proximity to the Metropolitan Ring Road, to the airport, and to the largest container port in Australia. At this facility, which also houses the national headoffice as well as administration, sales and contract logistics departments, Kuehne +
Nagel is able to support both local and multi-national enterprises to better leverage their operations in the region.

In his speech, Minister Theophanous welcomed Kuehne + Nagel's investment in Victoria. "This is a major milestone in our investment facilitation program for Victoria. In addition to creating new jobs, it underlines the significance of our state for the strongly growing
logistics industry."
After Kuehne + Nagel's beginnings in Australia some 36 years ago in its traditional sea and airfreight business, the company has continually expanded its product portfolio and logistics infrastructure in the country, and today ranks among the leading logistics providers in all business fields, operates seven offices in six states, and employs 350 people.

About Kuehne + Nagel

With approx. 46,000 employees at 830 locations in more than 100 countries, the Kuehne + Nagel Group is one of the world's leading logistics companies. Its strong market position lies in the seafreight, airfreight, contract logistics and overland businesses, with a clear focus on providing IT-based supply chain management services.

Further information can be found on www.kuehne-nagel.com.

Contact:
Inge Lauble-Meffert
Tel. +41 (0)44 786 96 78
Fax +41 (0)44 786 96 90