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Month: May 2021

Panasonic acquires Blue Yonder

Posted on by David Priestman

 

Panasonic Corporation has agreed to acquire Blue Yonder, a leading end-to-end, digital fulfilment platform provider. Panasonic will purchase the remaining 80% of shares (for USD5.6 billion) of Blue Yonder, adding to the 20% which Panasonic acquired in July 2020.

Including repayment of outstanding debt, the additional investment totals USD7.1 billion, valuing Blue Yonder at USD8.5 billion. An agreement to purchase the remaining shares of Blue Yonder has been reached between Panasonic and the existing shareholders New Mountain Capital and funds managed by Blackstone.

The need for more intelligent, autonomous and edge-aware supply chains has been dramatically heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of ecommerce and the proliferation of data. This acquisition strengthens Panasonic’s portfolio and accelerates the companies’ shared Autonomous Supply Chain mission, empowering customers to optimise their supply chains using the combined power of AI/ML and IoT and edge devices.

By unifying supply, demand and commerce solutions with IoT and edge technologies, companies can better utilise predictive business insights to pivot their operations in real-time.

Combining Panasonic’s strength in industrial engineering, IoT and edge technologies with Blue Yonder’s AI/ML-driven supply chain and commerce solutions greatly intensifies the customer value of Blue Yonder’s leading digital fulfilment platform. Together, Panasonic and Blue Yonder will deliver a unique competitive advantage for customers to drive more automation and actionable, real-time business insights that reduce waste and improve operations, while creating a more sustainable world.

Blue Yonder is a supply chain industry leader, providing an end-to-end platform driven by AI/ML that serves as a “system of intelligence” for its global retail, manufacturing and logistics customers. Its cloud-based Luminate platform seamlessly manages all nodes of the supply chain across planning, execution and commerce on one unified platform.

The company counts more than 3,000 global customers including 65 of the top 100 retailers, 48 of the top manufacturers, and 9 of the top 10 global third-party logistics companies. Blue Yonder’s global customers include many of the world’s leading brands including Albertsons, Best Buy, BP, Caterpillar, Coca-Cola, DHL, Diageo, Lowes, Marks & Spencer, Mercedes Benz, PepsiCo, Procter ＆ Gamble, Starbucks, Unilever and Walmart.

With over 100 years of knowledge and expertise gained from the manufacturing industry, Panasonic aims to solve vital societal issues caused by extreme fluctuations in demand and the logistics issues brought on by dynamics such as COVID-19, changing shopping trends, and labour shortages. With Blue Yonder, Panasonic will be better equipped to empower customers to optimize their supply chains using the combined power of AI/ML and IoT and edge devices.

Panasonic CEO Yuki Kusumi stated: “I’m extremely happy to welcome Blue Yonder and its associates to the Panasonic Group. Both companies have the same mission to support customers’ frontline operations and we have a high affinity in our corporate cultures. By merging the two companies, we would like to realise a world where waste is autonomously eliminated from all supply chain operations and the cycle of sustainable improvement continues.

“There are still many such losses and stagnation in supply chain operations, so through the drastic reduction of wasted labour and resources, we would like to provide better ways of working, and contribute to customers’ management reform and also to the realisation of a sustainable society by carefully using limited global resources. I am confident that by combining the power of Blue Yonder and Panasonic, we can create innovation in global supply chains.”

Girish Rishi, CEO of Blue Yonder stated: “This association came about as a result of three years of working together, first with Panasonic as a Blue Yonder customer and thereafter as joint venture partner. We have developed mutual trust and have a shared vision for an Autonomous Supply Chain that delivers a better life and a better world. As the essential platform for essential times, we are relentlessly focused in fulfilling our customers’ potential.”

Transaid scores training success in Uganda

Posted on by David Priestman

An independent assessment of international development organisation Transaid ’s Professional Driver Training Programme in Uganda has found that 100% of trainees felt the knowledge and experience acquired during the training equipped them with the necessary skills needed to enter the job market.

Of 194 drivers surveyed for the end of project evaluation report, conducted by an external evaluator, 90% also reported feeling safer on the road as a result of the training and 99% felt the training either met or exceeded their expectations.

The four-year project began in 2016 to improve the standards of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) and public service vehicle (PSV) driver training and to expand training capacity throughout the country.

The objective has been to improve road safety in a country which suffers one of Africa’s worst road traffic incident rates, claiming an estimated 12,000 lives each year and to ensure Ugandan drivers can meet the needs of the private sector as demand for qualified drivers grows.

To date, the project has delivered specialist HGV & PSV training to 17 Ugandan trainers, representing 7 different training schools, and responsible for training 642 drivers overall – all to the standards of the East African Community (EAC) curriculum for large commercial vehicle drivers, developed by Transaid to harmonise road safety standards in the region.

A core component of the programme has been to train trainers and subsequently drivers of commercial vehicles, building local skills that will enable communities to continue the important road safety work in a sustainable manner, without requiring external support in the long term.

Reflecting on the work of the programme, Caroline Barber, CEO of Transaid, said: “We are incredibly proud of what this project has achieved over the last four years.

“The programme has driven up training standards and made training far more accessible to Ugandan drivers, upskilling the workforce. This will have a lasting impact on the transport and logistics sector in Uganda, and road safety more generally.

“Prior to the programme starting in 2016, driver training expertise was commonly imported from outside the country, whereas now we are seeing the transport sector utilising Uganda’s highly-qualified trainers – who are considered to be amongst the best in the region – a testament to the scheme’s success.

“As ever, none of this would have been possible without the phenomenal support from the UK transport and logistics industry, which has been pivotal to this programme’s success in providing staff and equipment for training and sharing industry best practice and knowledge with the local teams on the ground.”

Transaid’s involvement in this phase of the programme came to an end in November 2020, but the important work continues under the stewardship of its project partner Safe Way Right Way, at the specialist HGV & PSV training school in Mukono. Transaid is currently exploring options for a second phase to the programme to widen the impact and bring in a strong focus on women’s empowerment in the sector.

The programme has been undertaken in partnership with the German development cooperation’s Employment and Skills for Eastern Africa initiative, local non-governmental organisation Safe Way Right Way and the Ugandan government and local private sector.

The Professional Driver Training Programme in Uganda (PDTU) is an initiative of the GIZ Employment and Skills for Development in Africa (E4D) programme which is funded by the German and Norwegian governments. The initiative is being implemented in partnership with Transaid and Safe Way Right Way on behalf of GIZ E4D.

Hörmann dock leveller offers flexibility and safety

Posted on by David Priestman

With the most recent ONS retail sales survey showing a 32% growth in on-line sales during 2020, retail distributors and operators are looking for even greater flexibility and speed when loading and unloading of all types of fleet vehicle. The innovative HTLV-3 dock leveller from Hörmann provides the safe solution, with a unique 3-part telescopic lip making it suitable for standard trailer sizes including euro-trailers, right down to smaller vans.

The installation of a HTLV-3 dock leveller is a cost effective and space-saving solution, reducing the need for separate loading bays for lorries and vans. It been specifically designed and developed to operate either across the full telescopic lip as a conventional dock leveller or with the extension of just the middle section to accommodate smaller vehicles and vans.

For the loading and unloading of vans the HTLV-3 has been manufactured with an intelligent and patented hydraulic system. Fitted with two hydraulic cylinders, which allow the dock leveller to follow the movement of the loading surface of the van during loading, the HTLV-3 reduces the transference of weight from the leveller onto the back of the van. This combined with the positive positioning of the leveller at every point of the loading operation, results in a safer working environment for loading operatives and protects the vehicle from harsh loading forces.

For lorries, the HTLV-3 is operated across its whole telescopic width without any compromise in performance and safety standards when compared to a standard dock leveller. Fully extended the HTLV-3 provides an impressive maximum rated load of 60kN, whilst a maximum load of 20kN applies when the leveller is operating with just the middle section extended.

Paul Tulley, Key Account Manager at Hörmann UK, comments: “The HTLV-3 dock leveller is just one of the innovative loading bay solutions on offer from Hörmann. Whilst there are other products available on the market that facilitate the loading and unloading of different sized vehicles, Hörmann is the only manufacturer to offer a solution that has been designed specifically for this requirement.

“Not only does the HTLV-3 offer flexibility, but it also ensures that operators can maximise their loading capacity in terms of performance, whilst not compromising safety considerations.”

Loadsmart appoints former OneSpan CFO

Posted on by David Priestman

Loadsmart, a leading digital freight technology company, has appointed Mark Hoyt as chief financial officer (CFO). Hoyt will lead Loadsmart’s financial strategy and oversee the company’s accounting, finance, treasury and tax functions, championing financial and operational excellence to drive value creation.

“Mark’s impressive and broad-based background working primarily with technology firms at varying levels of maturity – from startup to multinational – make him an invaluable addition to Loadsmart’s executive bench,” stated Felipe Capella, president, COO and co-founder of Loadsmart. “Joining us on the heels of our $90 million Series C funding round, Mark will play a pivotal role in stewarding our financial strategy, allowing for continued capital-efficient, sustainable growth.”

Hoyt brings to Loadsmart global experience and a track record of successful leadership focused on high-growth SaaS solutions, mergers and acquisitions, platform development and change management. Over more than 25 years, he has held management and executive roles across finance, operations, systems, business intelligence and accounting. Most recently, he served as CFO for digital identity and anti-fraud firm, OneSpan, and previously held roles in the U.S. and internationally at Groupon, CareerBuilder, Motorola and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

“Following an extensive six-month search, Mark clearly stood out among the candidates we considered,” noted Ricardo Salgado, co-founder and CEO of Loadsmart. “His credentials, breadth and depth of experience, and a shared enthusiasm for our vision make him a welcome addition to the Loadsmart executive team.”

In Q4 2020, Loadsmart reported 208% year-on-year revenue growth, while improving service quality, increasing gross margins and maintaining operational expenses at prior year levels. The substantial revenue increase – 85% of which is recurring automated revenue with no human intervention – was driven by continued product innovation, strategic partnerships, and a record number of direct integrations with large shippers.

“Loadsmart is positioned to make a lasting impact, automating how freight is priced, booked and shipped, leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning and strategic partnerships,” stated Hoyt. “I’m thrilled to join the company and enthusiastic about providing financial leadership to drive and support the company’s commitment to the future of freight. By doubling down on the technology, delivering outstanding operational performance, as well as expanding an unparalleled suite of value-added services, including mode optimisation and data insights, Loadsmart is poised for continued accelerated growth.”

Hoyt is a certified public accountant and holds a Bachelor of Science in accountancy from Miami University and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He will join Loadsmart in the coming weeks and be based at the company’s headquarters in Chicago.

Xpediator integrates and rebrands UK logistics division

Posted on by David Priestman

Xpediator, a leading provider of freight management services across the UK and Central and Eastern Europe, is to integrate and rebrand its UK logistics division, which currently operates under three different brands, to Delamode International Logistics Limited.

The new division will have over 230 employees and brings together the operating businesses of Delamode Plc (Logistics Division – Braintree, Essex), EMT Logistics (Beckton, E. London) and Import Services Limited (Southampton).

Each business will remain in the same location with the same warehouse and logistics capabilities but will operate under the new Delamode International Logistics brand and critically, will now share centralised resources, including finance, legal, human resource and administration services. Combining under one brand and centralising support services is expected to create significant economies of scale and a much more simplified business model.

As a result of becoming a single business in the UK and centralising a number of key functions, the new company will have additional resource to strengthen key areas, specifically logistics operations and facilities, alongside customer services and account management.

Also, with the Group’s focus on port-centric warehousing and logistics in the UK, the completion of the new purpose-built facility at Southampton’s Container Port (pictured), expected this summer, will increase Delamode International Logistics’ UK warehousing capability by 200,000 sq ft.

The integration and rebranding of the UK logistics division is part of wider integration and re-branding project across the UK freight forwarding division. Already, Anglia Forwarding Limited has become Delamode Anglia Limited and other parts of the UK freight forwarding division will incorporate the Delamode brand in the coming months. Similarly, the freight forwarding division is also centralising functions such as finance and customer services to gain the same advantages.

Robert Ross, CEO of Xpediator, said: “We share the same values and aspirations across the Group and so it makes sense to operate under a single brand, so that our clients easily recognise us and can see the breadth of the services we offer. Unlike many integration and simplification plans this is not about reducing employee numbers instead it is about growth and creating a new simplified structure removing complexity and providing sustainable solutions to our clients.”

Cimcorp launches new Düsseldorf branch

Posted on by David Priestman

Cimcorp, the global manufacturer and integrator of turnkey robotic handling solutions, is opening new premises in Willich, near Düsseldorf. An addition to the Group’s existing locations, Cimcorp Germany will operate as a sales and service facility for Central Europe, supporting Cimcorp’s controlled and moderate growth strategy.

Cimcorp’s involvement in the food distribution industry has expanded significantly in recent years, with many European grocery retailers having ordered its automation solutions. Cimcorp therefore sees this as the perfect time to return to Germany with its own facility to strengthen its position in Central Europe. “Although Germany has been a significant market for Cimcorp for over 30 years,” says Tero Peltomäki, CEO of Cimcorp Group (pictured), “recent orders – including major fresh food logistics systems for grocery retailers such as Netto and Edeka – mean that we need a local customer service presence in order to support these 24/7 distribution centres.”

The location of the premises in the heart of Europe will enable fast and reliable customer service right across the Continent. “Although high-quality remote support is sufficient, sometimes on-site services are needed. We think that it is vital for our large and growing customer base to have support services closer to them,” comments Peltomäki.

The choice of Düsseldorf was a natural one, as Cimcorp’s owner, Murata Machinery, has a number of premises and many employees in the area. Peltomäki explains: “The scope for co-operation opens up a wider range of solutions in collaboration with Murata’s logistics experts.”

There is huge potential for automation in the area, as approximately 60 million people live within a range of 200km of Willich. “We think that this location has many advantages,” continues Peltomäki. “Approximately a quarter of the food distribution in Europe takes place in this same area, so we are in the middle of our existing and potential customers, making the location ideal for serving German and Central European markets.”

Intralogistics automation is a highly competitive industry in Germany and Europe in general. “As such, we are delighted that we have such huge and well-known customers in this market area,” Peltomäki continues. “We have proven our reliability to some of the biggest grocery retailers in Europe. They have recognised the benefits of our unique automation solution: simple to use, reliable and scalable to meet the individual needs of different logistics centres.”

To begin with, the service centre will have a dozen employees. “We’re starting with a small but powerful team to support our existing customers, but we will grow our operations as needed,” concludes Peltomäki.

INFORM Webinar: optimise container and reuseable packaging operations

Posted on by David Priestman

WEBINAR: Algorithms are a proven way to optimise pooling operations, as they provide the vital ability to move the right containers at the right time to the right place. In the latest of its Logistics Tech Short webinars, INFORM Software, a developer of optimisation software, will take a deep dive into how pooling operators can improve transitions between their container and reusable packaging software and other supply chain systems to boost overall productivity.

Hosted by Jennifer Stead, Business Development Manager within the logistics division of INFORM, the 20-minute Logistics Tech Short aims to cover a number of topics, including:

  • Choosing the best line-up that uses YMS, TMS, APS, and other supply chain software
  • Achieving successful transition between container management software and your supply chain line-up
  • Exercises to improve your transitions in either direction
  • Managing individual supply chain products into a single solution

Designed to explore and explain how technology impacts modern logistics operations, INFORM’s programme of Logistic Tech Shorts delivers a blend of big-picture thinking with practical ideas that can be applied today.

Date and Time

8th June 2021
10:00 (London/Lisbon), 11:00 (Amsterdam/Warsaw)

Presenter

Jennifer Stead, Business Development Manager within the logistics division of INFORM, helps companies drive the performance of their packaging and container management. She holds a master’s degree in business administration and has over 10 years’ experience working for INFORM.

Location

Online

Registration

Click here to register: https://lts.news/topscorer. Participation is free, but spaces are limited so register now to secure your place.

If you can’t attend live, all registrants will receive a recording of the webinar, along with the slide deck.

INFORM Software is a developer of optimisation software designed to help businesses make intelligent decisions for customers ranging from container terminals, commercial airports, financial services providers, manufacturing companies and wholesalers to warehousing and handling centres as well as transport companies.

https://lts.news/topscorer

Samskip Air opens at Schiphol Airport

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Samskip has established a dedicated air freight business, adding significant new options to a service portfolio that already includes rail, road, shortsea and inland waterway links throughout Europe and global cargo logistics solutions.

On 1st May 2021, Samskip Air opened its doors at new offices at Schiphol Airport, tasked with growing the air freight volumes Samskip already books, establishing new routes and developing opportunities for cooperation with Samskip’s pan-European multimodal network. The ‘one-stop shop’ logistics options already available to Samskip generate 850,000TEU in container traffic each year, as well as sizeable general, breakbulk and project cargo volumes.

Samskip Air will be managed by Hans Blauw, whose 35-year resumé reads like a Who’s Who of air freight, including executive positions with KLM, Hellman Worldwide, FedEx, TNT and ALM (Aircraft Load Management). Joining Samskip as Airfreight Manager after four years of running Fairways Group to support Aeroméxico and DHL Aviation, Blauw reports to Mon Verstegen, General Manager Freight Forwarding, Samskip Logistics.

“As a career logistics professional, the opportunity to help Samskip Air become a force in airfreight logistics was too good to miss, in a market that is currently under-served on quality,” says Blauw. “The group has exceptional skills in temperature-controlled goods, pharmaceuticals, electrical goods and automotive parts, and there is always room for services that offer reliability, cargo handling expertise, security and robust documentation.

“With 47 offices in 35 countries, Samskip has the network, the local staff, the customs know-how and the digital booking systems to flourish in offering airfreight services for high value cargoes, pier-to-pier and door-to-door.”

While Covid-19 brought a dip in 2020 traffic, recent years have seen annual freight volumes handled by Dutch airports stabilise at between 1.6 million and 1.8 million tonnes. Around 93% of this freight is handled at Schiphol, Europe’s no.2 airport for freight.

“Schiphol is a global gateway for air freight business with China, the United States, South America, Russia, the Middle East and Africa, and provides a European gateway to Samskip’s multimodal network of trucks, trains, barges and short sea vessels,” says Martijn Tasma, Director Global Forwarding, Samskip Logistics.

“Hans’s track record speaks for itself and we are delighted to welcome him aboard as the entrepreneurial engine driving Samskip Air. We look forward to consolidating our leading logistics role in Scandinavian fisheries exports and working with our global offices to develop other volumes and links at other airports.

“In the weeks ahead, we will be presenting Samskip Air and explaining how, as a major transport group, Samskip has the negotiating power that works to the advantage of its airfreight customers and the support network to de-risk the air freight supply chain.”

CEVA ready to serve Eastern European market

Posted on by David Priestman

CEVA Logistics is ready to serve the rapidly growing logistics and fulfilment services market in Eastern Europe. This market reveals an unflagging demand for warehousing space, a booming e-commerce market and developing economy require increasingly advanced logistics services.

With strong know-how, a wide range of services, innovations, and an extensive transport and warehousing network, CEVA is fully committed to support the growth of the EE region and meet the demanding market requirements.

Eastern Europe, despite the pandemic, confirms its enormous growth potential and its key role on the logistics map of Europe. The EE region saw the highest growth in demand for logistics space in Europe, in markets like Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania or Slovakia.

The drivers are logistics operators and the e-commerce industry, as well as manufacturing and distribution companies, all of them using Eastern European based operations, to supply local markets as well as Western Europe via cross-border solution. For example, in Poland, at the end of December 2020, the total supply of modern warehouse space stood at around 20 million sq m, with more than 5 million sq m under lease and more than 2 million sq m under construction, about 6% more than in the same period of 2019.

According to the Global eCommerce 2020 Report, the CEE region recorded about 21.5% growth in eCommerce channel sales, which is the highest rate in the world. Further development of the warehousing market in Eastern Europe will be fostered by the nearshoring trend, i.e. relocation of production and logistics functions from Asia to Western European countries.

As a provider of integrated logistics solutions, including air freight, sea freight, road freight, contract logistics services, customs, IP&ES (Project Cargo) CEVA Logistics is able to meet the highest demands of customers. Particularly when it comes to fulfilment services, which include packaging and repackaging, returns management, value-added services (picking, palletising, labelling, etc.), quality control, and post-warranty services.

All this is based on innovative solutions and systems such as CEVA Matrix WMS, solution design tools, automation and robotisation (RPA).

CEVA, being part of the CMA CGM Group, also has access to a broad base in sea and air freight which fosters creative cross-selling initiatives, like the shortsea LCL solution between EE and the UK based on Containerships LNG-powered vessels, or CEVA EE’s contribution to the newly formed specialised division of CMA CGM Air Cargo, with its own four Airbus A330-200F cargo aircraft.

In the Eastern Europe region, CEVA’s strength is based on an extensive network of branches in Poland, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Latvia and Russia. In total, CEVA Logistics runs operations in more than 40 sites (warehouses or stations) with almost 600,000 sq m of dedicated and multi-user space in the region, employing more than 2,200 people. It works with companies from industrial, automotive, pharmaceutical, technology and e-commerce sectors.

This year CEVA also launched a new sea freight service for less-than-truckload (LTL) cargo between China and Europe, from three major ports in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Ningbo. CEVA’s strong position brought a new win, the contract signed in March of this year with the Polish Ministry of Defence for the handling of air deliveries of general cargo from the USA. The contract is to be executed as part of a consortium of three companies, with CEVA as its leader and main contractor.

Guillaume Sauzedde, CEVA Logistics’ Managing Director Eastern Europe, said: “Eastern Europe is a strategically important market, due to its huge economic potential and the unique position on the European logistics services market. We have ambitious growth plans in this region, including the development of a direct presence into new countries in the years to come.

“Thanks to the resources of the CMA CGM Group, of which we are a part, our extensive logistics network, the know-how and experience of our local teams, combined with innovation and a comprehensive offer of integrated logistics services, we can respond flexibly to the needs of the market and customers from different industries.”

 

Suez crisis boosts China-Europe rail freight

Posted on by Keith McKinley

With increasing volumes of cargo being experienced on its LCL and FCL rail freight services between China and Europe, the U-Freight Group says that the recent problems in the Suez Canal have made the transport of freight by rail from China into Europe look all the more attractive.

Simon Wong, chief executive officer of the U-Freight Group, comments: “Clearly supply chain planners are reappraising what was once a completely dominant Suez Canal route from China into Europe, with intermodal rail continuing a sharp upward trajectory in 2021, following on from a strong 2020.

“Although the first China-Europe container freight train was in 2011, it has taken a decade and considerable investment by China’s government to see the route become an established part of logistics networks.

“The COVID pandemic, and the capacity problems in the air and ocean sectors have pushed the route to much heavier usage, with the recent blockage of the Suez Canal leading to additional traffic.”

U-Freight started its regular service in 2014, consolidating cargo in Zhengzhou and using the daily service that operates from that railhead to and from Malaszewicze in Poland, Hamburg in Germany, and Liege in Belgium.

Last year, it added  a second consolidation centre at its logistics hub in Shanghai.

Wong concludes: “We now handle significant consol shipments from China to Germany, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland and The Netherlands in particular, as well as smaller volumes to other European countries, handled by our network of long-standing agents once the shipments arrive at the three rail freight hubs on the continent.

“We chose the service from Zhengzhou as it offers a daily frequency, although for FCL shipments our large Chinese presence enables us to arrange container pickup from across the country and select a service from the rail freight gateway that is nearest to our customers.

“While other transport modes still face significant capacity and schedule issues, our overland rail freight service is clearly demonstrating that it offers a competitive alternative to air freight in regards to price, and considerably faster transit times compared to the ocean freight alternative.”

Typical transit times from Zhengzhou to Malaszewicze are between 12 to 14 days, and 16-18 days to Hamburg.

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