UPS begin construction to expand Memphis facility

The construction to expand UPS’s package facility located in Memphis, USA has recently started, with the aim of developing the building by one third larger in size. Construction to the building will add an approximate 140,000 square feet of extra space, bringing the total area in excess of 430,000 square feet. Costing an estimate of $70 million, the facility is set to improve upon the company’s processing rates by increasing its capacity, with the expanded use of UPS’s improved technology by its completion in 2016.

The improvement to the Memphis based hub is expected to introduce 350 available jobs over a three year period as volume and growth increase. Such jobs will include tractor trailer and delivery drivers, packages handlers, management, maintenance and supporting staff.

The larger facility is due to handle increasing UPS volume which will come from mainly double-digit e-commerce volume growth. Automated conveyors at the facility will sort packages in a more efficient manner than originally used conventional conveyor systems. Six-sided scanning camera devices will also be able to capture data and assist in sorting packages automatically.

Ken Harms, UPS President of the Mid-South District has commented on the construction: “Facility updates will help give us the latest technology and additional capacity to process both ground and air express volume growing from e-commerce business shippers located here, and consumer demand that is driving online retail sales.”