Hellmann and Endo break ground on Jebel Ali automotive logistics hub at JAFZA
Hellmann and Endo Group break ground on a 300,000 sq ft Jebel Ali automotive logistics hub at JAFZA, boosting spare-parts distribution across the GCC and Africa.
The companies Hellmann Worldwide Logistics and Endo Group have laid the cornerstone for a major automotive spare-parts logistics centre inside Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), marking a significant expansion of specialised supply-chain infrastructure in the UAE. The Jebel Ali automotive logistics hub is designed to accelerate distribution of spare parts across the GCC, Africa and other international markets while improving responsiveness for automotive customers. The facility will be developed by Endo Logistics and integrated into Hellmann’s regional network to provide scalable storage and rapid fulfilment for large volumes of components.
Helmann and Endo lay cornerstone at JAFZA
The joint development signals a strategic commitment by both logistics providers to serve the automotive aftermarket and manufacturer supply chains from the UAE. Company statements say the new centre will offer a combination of storage, handling and fast-dispatch capability tailored to the complexity of auto parts distribution. The move cements JAFZA’s role as a primary gateway for regional and intercontinental trade flows.
Facility footprint and design for scale
The site will span roughly 300,000 square feet and is being delivered with flexible, scalable infrastructure to accommodate future growth. Endo Logistics, the developer within Endo Group, will equip the facility to manage high-volume inventories and multichannel distribution, enabling efficient cross-docking and inventory replenishment. The design anticipates modular expansion so throughput capacity can increase as demand rises without disrupting operations.
Distribution reach to GCC, Africa and beyond
Operators expect the hub to shorten lead times for spare-part deliveries across Gulf Cooperation Council countries and to improve service into African markets, where demand for reliable automotive parts distribution is expanding. By positioning inventory closer to regional customers, the centre aims to reduce downtime for repair shops and fleets that rely on rapid parts availability. Hellmann’s regional network will link the JAFZA hub with existing routes to Europe and Asia, enhancing route flexibility for global OEMs and aftermarket suppliers.
Connectivity with Jebel Ali port and multimodal links
JAFZA’s direct access to Jebel Ali Port and multimodal transport links is a central rationale for the project’s location. The free zone’s integrated road, sea and potential air connections support faster transshipment and last-mile delivery across multiple jurisdictions. Planners emphasise that multimodal capability will allow the hub to route consignments by the most efficient corridor, reducing cost and transit time for time-sensitive parts.
DP World underscores supply-chain resilience
Officials from DP World noted the investment reflects broader shifts in supply-chain strategy, with customers seeking more reliable and faster access to critical spare parts across markets. Abdullah Al Hashmi, CEO of Global Operations at DP World, highlighted that specialised infrastructure in JAFZA helps partners manage disruption and maintain continuity. The comments frame the new hub as part of an industry trend toward higher-value, resilient logistics nodes that support complex distribution needs.
Implications for the UAE automotive logistics sector
Industry analysts say the addition of a dedicated spare-parts hub at JAFZA will attract further investment from manufacturers and aftermarket distributors seeking proximity to a major transhipment node. The facility’s scale and connectivity could enable consolidation of regional inventories, lowering working capital for parts providers while improving fill rates. For the UAE, such projects reinforce the country’s positioning as a logistics and trade hub that connects Europe, Asia and Africa with specialised services.
The companies have presented the hub as a long-term capacity build that will allow them to offer more competitive, performance-based logistics solutions to automotive clients. No firm public timeline for operational commencement was announced at the ceremony, but developers say construction and fit-out will prioritise rapid activation to meet growing aftermarket demand.
