The 20,293-sf center is the sixth of seven centers being added to the network as part of a $1.2-billion investment program launched in June, according to the Plantation, FL-based global express delivery and logistics company. In the past month, DHL opened sorting facilities in Denver, Salt Lake City, Memphis, Baton Rouge and Erie, PA.

DHL is investing $3 million into the Phoenix facility, which will immediately create 38 jobs and contribute $360,000 annually to the local economy through employee payroll and taxes. The center will handle a variety of shipments, including letter and parcel items and palletized and container freight and provide an expanded footprint for one-day ground services across Arizona and into parts of Southern California.

DHL facilities in the Phoenix area include the Global Data Center located in Scottsdale, a customer call center in Tempe and three local pickup and delivery centers, as well as an air shipment facility at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The expansion will boost DHL's workforce to more than 1,900 employees in the Valley.