Hillman and Endo break ground on JAFZA automotive spare parts logistics centre
New 300,000 sq ft JAFZA hub to speed automotive spare parts distribution across the GCC, Africa and global markets, boosting regional supply-chain resilience.
The UAE’s Jebel Ali Free Zone has been chosen as the site for a new automotive spare parts logistics centre after Hillman Worldwide Logistics and Endo Group laid the cornerstone for a dedicated facility designed to accelerate parts distribution. The new JAFZA automotive logistics centre, developed by Endo Logistics for Hillman’s Middle East network, will provide scalable warehousing and handling tailored to high-volume spare parts flows. Company statements say the hub aims to shorten delivery times and increase reliability for automotive customers across the Gulf Cooperation Council, Africa and other global markets.
Partners and project scope
Hillman Worldwide Logistics partnered with Endo Group to develop the specialised centre inside Jebel Ali Free Zone, combining Hillman’s regional network with Endo Logistics’ local development capacity. The project will integrate warehousing, inventory management and distribution services into Hillman’s existing logistics footprint in the Middle East. Developers emphasise the facility is intended to serve as a sector-specific node for automotive aftermarket and original-equipment spare parts.
Facility size and operational design
The logistics centre will occupy roughly 300,000 square feet and has been planned with flexible, scalable infrastructure to handle large volumes efficiently. Layout and systems are being configured to support high-throughput sorting, rapid order fulfilment and value-added services such as kitting and returns processing. Planners say the design prioritises quick access to multimodal links and the ability to expand capacity as market demand changes.
Market reach and distribution strategy
The hub is positioned to serve markets across the GCC and into Africa, while also accommodating longer-distance shipments as part of global supply chains. Operators expect the centre to reduce lead times for replacement parts and to enable more reliable cross-border inventory flows for OEMs, dealers and independent workshops. By consolidating regional inventory, the facility aims to provide customers with faster replenishment and lower overall logistics costs.
Executive perspectives
Hillman’s regional chief for India, the Middle East and Africa described the UAE as a strategically important market within the company’s global network and said the JAFZA facility will expand the firm’s regional capabilities in a methodical way. Endo Logistics and Hillman executives have framed the investment as a response to rising demand for specialised, high-performance logistics in the automotive sector. DP World’s head of global operations highlighted the move as an example of how infrastructure investment supports continuity and reliability for companies facing supply-chain disruption.
JAFZA’s role in regional trade
Jebel Ali Free Zone continues to be promoted as a primary gateway for trade between Europe, Asia and Africa thanks to its integrated infrastructure and direct connection to Jebel Ali Port. The new automotive centre builds on JAFZA’s multimodal connectivity and on-site services, which attract firms seeking proximity to sea, road and rail links. Authorities and stakeholders point to the zone’s cluster of logistics, automotive and trade businesses as a factor that amplifies operational efficiencies for parties using the new hub.
Drivers behind the investment
Companies cite increasing complexity in automotive supply chains, heightened customer expectations for rapid parts availability and the need for greater resilience as key reasons for the investment. The aftermarket’s sensitivity to time and the need to maintain vehicle uptime are accelerating demand for distributed inventory and specialised handling solutions. Market participants say the JAFZA automotive logistics centre is intended to help partners mitigate the effects of regional disruptions and manage seasonal or unpredictable demand spikes.
The new JAFZA automotive logistics centre represents a strategic investment in regional supply-chain capacity that links a specialised operator network with one of the UAE’s busiest trade gateways. As development progresses, stakeholders will be watching how the facility affects lead times, inventory strategies and cost structures for automotive parts distribution across the GCC and beyond.