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Month: October 2021

SnapFulfil hires new personnel to meet demand

Posted on by David Priestman

Demand for SnapFulfil’s functionally rich cloud-based WMS has seen the technology innovator invest £2m in building its team to support growth.

In recent months, 20 team members have joined the company – in roles such as project manager, implementation analyst, network engineer, technical developer, QA manager – as the best-of-breed WMS provider continues to experience growth across the board.

In addition to increased demand from existing customers, SnapFufil has continued to win more varied and bigger business contracts in both its UK/Europe and US territories.

Areas witnessing a particular surge in activity include the 3PL and direct-to-consumer (D2C) sectors, with the global pandemic accelerating the bricks and mortar retail move towards D2C and many enterprise-level businesses experiencing unprecedented annual e-commerce growth of up to 35%.

New clients in the UK include rapidly growing online florist Bloom & Wild. SnapFulfil has been implemented to optimise distribution efficiencies, shorten delivery times and help provide a faster and more expedient digital shopping experience.

In the US, Watch Gang is a Los Angeles-based luxury and collectable online watch retailer and SnapFulfil’s ability to consistently and accurately track the movements of every piece of stock in its new DC has delivered a number of benefits for the D2C firm including a zero rate of shrinkage rate for the first time.

SnapFulfil CEO, Tony Dobson, explains: “We’ve invested heavily to attract new talent and I’m delighted to welcome so many new faces to the team. Our business continues to grow at an exponential rate and we still have a number of vacancies to fill.

“With customer purchasing habits irreversibly shifted and the D2C boom set to escalate, there are lots more opportunities to come. SnapFulfil can be cost effectively rolled out across multiple sites and easily configured to meet the ever-changing needs of the modern e-commerce market.”

 

SnapFulfil hires new personnel to meet demand

Posted on by David Priestman

Demand for SnapFulfil’s functionally rich cloud-based WMS has seen the technology innovator invest £2m in building its team to support growth.

In recent months, 20 team members have joined the company – in roles such as project manager, implementation analyst, network engineer, technical developer, QA manager – as the best-of-breed WMS provider continues to experience growth across the board.

In addition to increased demand from existing customers, SnapFufil has continued to win more varied and bigger business contracts in both its UK/Europe and US territories.

Areas witnessing a particular surge in activity include the 3PL and direct-to-consumer (D2C) sectors, with the global pandemic accelerating the bricks and mortar retail move towards D2C and many enterprise-level businesses experiencing unprecedented annual e-commerce growth of up to 35%.

New clients in the UK include rapidly growing online florist Bloom & Wild. SnapFulfil has been implemented to optimise distribution efficiencies, shorten delivery times and help provide a faster and more expedient digital shopping experience.

In the US, Watch Gang is a Los Angeles-based luxury and collectable online watch retailer and SnapFulfil’s ability to consistently and accurately track the movements of every piece of stock in its new DC has delivered a number of benefits for the D2C firm including a zero rate of shrinkage rate for the first time.

SnapFulfil CEO, Tony Dobson, explains: “We’ve invested heavily to attract new talent and I’m delighted to welcome so many new faces to the team. Our business continues to grow at an exponential rate and we still have a number of vacancies to fill.

“With customer purchasing habits irreversibly shifted and the D2C boom set to escalate, there are lots more opportunities to come. SnapFulfil can be cost effectively rolled out across multiple sites and easily configured to meet the ever-changing needs of the modern e-commerce market.”

 

Globalia’s annual meeting goes virtual

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Globalia concluded its second Virtual Meeting successfully, which was organised to expedite networking among the members and reunite them virtually. After the great reception of its first Online Conference, Globalia’s team worked hard to surpass the previous meeting experience. The Virtual Meeting that was held on 14th and 15th October 2021 presented a perfect opportunity for the members to assemble on one platform and consolidate relationships with their network partners without having to leave their homes.

Members participated in more than 1,150 one-to-one videoconferences during the two days of the event. The professional and user-friendly meeting platform created by Globalia made for a seamless conferencing experience. It ensured that all the videoconferences were automatically organised according to the agenda and time zone of the delegates.

“It has been wonderful experience, thanks to the whole Globalia team, who made it possible,” said a  Globalia Member in Karachi, Pakistan.

The primary goal of the conference was to encourage a perfect working partnership between the network members that majorly contributed to expanding the scope and opportunities of the member companies. Moreover, Globalia’s team was always at hand to help members with every step of the meeting process and resolve any technical issues.

“Globalia Logistics’ Virtual Meeting is a great platform where to improve your work and increase your business activities,” declares a Globalia member in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

This year, the delegates also had the chance to touch base with their network partners during the coffee breaks just like they used to do during in-person meetings. They had the choice to access a room with up to five random participants and engage in informal discussions. This was done to promote a sense of trust and bonding within the network, which obviously had a positive impact on the number of concerted projects.

The event started with a welcome speech from Antonio Torres, the President and Founder of Globalia Logistics Network. This was followed by the one-to-one meetings between the network members. Additionally, members also took part in the FreightViewer workshops where Andrea Martin, Globalia’s FreightViewer Coordinator, explained the new features added to the software.

In the words of Antonio Torres: “In the face of the ongoing pandemic, we once again organised a cloud conference keeping in mind the safety concerns of our members and our virtual meeting yielded a remarkable outcome for the second time. All in all, it had been a wonderful and highly productive experience that gave the members a chance to expand their operations in a time when the shipping industry is going through an unprecedented crisis.

“The meeting allowed the delegates to set the stage for many new collaborative projects that forms the basis of our network. I am confident we will be able to conduct an in-person meeting next year when we leave the pandemic behind us.”

 

 

Globalia’s annual meeting goes virtual

Posted on by David Priestman

Globalia concluded its second Virtual Meeting successfully, which was organised to expedite networking among the members and reunite them virtually. After the great reception of its first Online Conference, Globalia’s team worked hard to surpass the previous meeting experience. The Virtual Meeting that was held on 14th and 15th October 2021 presented a perfect opportunity for the members to assemble on one platform and consolidate relationships with their network partners without having to leave their homes.

Members participated in more than 1,150 one-to-one videoconferences during the two days of the event. The professional and user-friendly meeting platform created by Globalia made for a seamless conferencing experience. It ensured that all the videoconferences were automatically organised according to the agenda and time zone of the delegates.

“It has been wonderful experience, thanks to the whole Globalia team, who made it possible,” said a  Globalia Member in Karachi, Pakistan.

The primary goal of the conference was to encourage a perfect working partnership between the network members that majorly contributed to expanding the scope and opportunities of the member companies. Moreover, Globalia’s team was always at hand to help members with every step of the meeting process and resolve any technical issues.

“Globalia Logistics’ Virtual Meeting is a great platform where to improve your work and increase your business activities,” declares a Globalia member in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

This year, the delegates also had the chance to touch base with their network partners during the coffee breaks just like they used to do during in-person meetings. They had the choice to access a room with up to five random participants and engage in informal discussions. This was done to promote a sense of trust and bonding within the network, which obviously had a positive impact on the number of concerted projects.

The event started with a welcome speech from Antonio Torres, the President and Founder of Globalia Logistics Network. This was followed by the one-to-one meetings between the network members. Additionally, members also took part in the FreightViewer workshops where Andrea Martin, Globalia’s FreightViewer Coordinator, explained the new features added to the software.

In the words of Antonio Torres: “In the face of the ongoing pandemic, we once again organised a cloud conference keeping in mind the safety concerns of our members and our virtual meeting yielded a remarkable outcome for the second time. All in all, it had been a wonderful and highly productive experience that gave the members a chance to expand their operations in a time when the shipping industry is going through an unprecedented crisis.

“The meeting allowed the delegates to set the stage for many new collaborative projects that forms the basis of our network. I am confident we will be able to conduct an in-person meeting next year when we leave the pandemic behind us.”

 

 

New updates to EU Mobility Package

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The logistics sector is expecting further road transportation regulatory changes to be instated in February 2022. Last year, the European Commission adopted a Mobility Package governing road deliveries in EU countries. The changes to the Mobility Package will safeguard the working rights of truck drivers in Europe by imposing work, rest, and cabotage regimes.

EU Regulation 2020/1054 concerning drivers’ work and rest schedules came into force on 20th August 2020. The legislation requires drivers to return to their employers’ country of legal registration and take at least one week off every four weeks. Drivers may not spend their off week in a vehicle cabin. If a driver cannot spend his week off at his own home, his employer is obliged to pay for alternative temporary accommodation.

As of February 2022, EU Regulation 2020/1055 and EU Directive 2020/1057 will introduce the following regulatory changes to the Mobility Package:

  1. A trucker performing a one-way international delivery must register as a worker on a business trip. If the market wages in the destination country are higher than those in the driver’s home country, the driver’s wages must be adjusted accordingly.
  2. Drivers making cabotage deliveries in one country for an employer registered in another country must also register as workers on business trips. A maximum of three such transport operations in one country may be performed within a seven-day period. After this period, the truck may not enter this country for four days.
  3. A vehicle owned by an EU company used for international transport must be returned to the country of its registered owner within at most eight weeks of its departure from that country.

The purpose of the new rules is to regulate truck drivers’ work and rest regimes as well as to provide equal access to the profession and local markets. Thanks to the new regulations, an international truck driver will be entitled to better business trip compensation, especially when market wages in the country of delivery are higher than the driver’s home country. Cabotage will also be regulated so that drivers from higher-wage EU countries will not be at a competitive disadvantage vs. drivers from lower-wage countries.

For logistics and transport companies, the new rules will entail structural changes. Small- and medium-sized carriers from Eastern Europe are highly likely to refocus on domestic markets, as the financial costs of transporting goods to other EU countries will be unprofitable. Capacity shortages are therefore expected in Western Europe, and excess capacity is expected in Eastern Europe.

“The road transport market is going through difficult times. Diesel fuel prices are rising in EU countries,” says Vitali Eremenco (pictured), AsstrA Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Road Transportation. “Demand for oil is projected to continuing increasing until the end of 2022. Moreover, the shortage of drivers is becoming more acute. The new regulations will make the industry more attractive for drivers. At the same time, however, the new rules will also lead to higher road transport costs for logistics companies. In certain areas with significant carrier shortages, costs are expected to increase by 15% or more. If logistics providers have not yet begun to work closely with their partners to seek solutions, now is the time to do it. Otherwise, their businesses are at risk.”

New updates to EU Mobility Package

Posted on by David Priestman

The logistics sector is expecting further road transportation regulatory changes to be instated in February 2022. Last year, the European Commission adopted a Mobility Package governing road deliveries in EU countries. The changes to the Mobility Package will safeguard the working rights of truck drivers in Europe by imposing work, rest, and cabotage regimes.

EU Regulation 2020/1054 concerning drivers’ work and rest schedules came into force on 20th August 2020. The legislation requires drivers to return to their employers’ country of legal registration and take at least one week off every four weeks. Drivers may not spend their off week in a vehicle cabin. If a driver cannot spend his week off at his own home, his employer is obliged to pay for alternative temporary accommodation.

As of February 2022, EU Regulation 2020/1055 and EU Directive 2020/1057 will introduce the following regulatory changes to the Mobility Package:

  1. A trucker performing a one-way international delivery must register as a worker on a business trip. If the market wages in the destination country are higher than those in the driver’s home country, the driver’s wages must be adjusted accordingly.
  2. Drivers making cabotage deliveries in one country for an employer registered in another country must also register as workers on business trips. A maximum of three such transport operations in one country may be performed within a seven-day period. After this period, the truck may not enter this country for four days.
  3. A vehicle owned by an EU company used for international transport must be returned to the country of its registered owner within at most eight weeks of its departure from that country.

The purpose of the new rules is to regulate truck drivers’ work and rest regimes as well as to provide equal access to the profession and local markets. Thanks to the new regulations, an international truck driver will be entitled to better business trip compensation, especially when market wages in the country of delivery are higher than the driver’s home country. Cabotage will also be regulated so that drivers from higher-wage EU countries will not be at a competitive disadvantage vs. drivers from lower-wage countries.

For logistics and transport companies, the new rules will entail structural changes. Small- and medium-sized carriers from Eastern Europe are highly likely to refocus on domestic markets, as the financial costs of transporting goods to other EU countries will be unprofitable. Capacity shortages are therefore expected in Western Europe, and excess capacity is expected in Eastern Europe.

“The road transport market is going through difficult times. Diesel fuel prices are rising in EU countries,” says Vitali Eremenco (pictured), AsstrA Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Road Transportation. “Demand for oil is projected to continuing increasing until the end of 2022. Moreover, the shortage of drivers is becoming more acute. The new regulations will make the industry more attractive for drivers. At the same time, however, the new rules will also lead to higher road transport costs for logistics companies. In certain areas with significant carrier shortages, costs are expected to increase by 15% or more. If logistics providers have not yet begun to work closely with their partners to seek solutions, now is the time to do it. Otherwise, their businesses are at risk.”

MAT Foundry Group moves to lithium-ion

Posted on by David Priestman

MAT Foundry Group UK, a leading manufacturer of cast and machined products, has announced its move to lithium-ion in partnership with Jungheinrich.

Consisting of eight companies and stretching across three continents, the MAT Foundry Group’s seven foundries produce over 350,000 tonnes of iron per year, maintaining ten machining facilities across Europe, Asia, Central and North America combining to form one of the world’s biggest manufacturers of car parts.

The MAT Foundry group subsidiary Eurac Poole started using a combination of diesel and electric Jungheinrich trucks three years ago. Jungheinrich’s lithium-ion EFG trucks will be used to combat ergonomic and efficiency challenges that the drivers faced with the previous outdated warehouse fleet, such as easily rotating 180° within the tight working aisles.

Additionally, the investment in electric forklift trucks is just the latest in a growing number of green initiatives designed to improve the Group’s wider environmental efforts. In a bid to reduce MAT Foundry’s carbon footprint and work towards its sustainability goals, the move to lithium-ion trucks will create a cleaner atmosphere for workers, removing 279 tonnes of Co2 and reducing diesel consumption by as much as 60,000 litres.

Shaun Lindfield, Commercial Director at MAT Foundry Group UK, comments: “We are thrilled to integrate a fully electric fleet into our warehouse in January 2022. The desire for an efficient and more flexible fleet is paramount in our 24/7 operations. We currently use hydrostatic diesel but many retailers have stopped producing this, accelerating our move to lithium-ion and further allowing us to increase our commitment to sustainability initiatives.”

Phil Pearson, Director Region Two at Jungheinrich UK, comments: “MAT Foundry Group is a leader in engineering and manufacturing that requires a flexible, efficient and reliable fleet. Jungheinrich is thrilled to partner with such a forward thinking organisation to support its sustainability efforts in the move to a lithium-ion fleet.

The installation of the new fleet consisting of five EFG 425k, two EFG 535k and two EFG S50 will be deployed in January 2022.

 

 

MAT Foundry Group moves to lithium-ion

Posted on by David Priestman

MAT Foundry Group UK, a leading manufacturer of cast and machined products, has announced its move to lithium-ion in partnership with Jungheinrich.

Consisting of eight companies and stretching across three continents, the MAT Foundry Group’s seven foundries produce over 350,000 tonnes of iron per year, maintaining ten machining facilities across Europe, Asia, Central and North America combining to form one of the world’s biggest manufacturers of car parts.

The MAT Foundry group subsidiary Eurac Poole started using a combination of diesel and electric Jungheinrich trucks three years ago. Jungheinrich’s lithium-ion EFG trucks will be used to combat ergonomic and efficiency challenges that the drivers faced with the previous outdated warehouse fleet, such as easily rotating 180° within the tight working aisles.

Additionally, the investment in electric forklift trucks is just the latest in a growing number of green initiatives designed to improve the Group’s wider environmental efforts. In a bid to reduce MAT Foundry’s carbon footprint and work towards its sustainability goals, the move to lithium-ion trucks will create a cleaner atmosphere for workers, removing 279 tonnes of Co2 and reducing diesel consumption by as much as 60,000 litres.

Shaun Lindfield, Commercial Director at MAT Foundry Group UK, comments: “We are thrilled to integrate a fully electric fleet into our warehouse in January 2022. The desire for an efficient and more flexible fleet is paramount in our 24/7 operations. We currently use hydrostatic diesel but many retailers have stopped producing this, accelerating our move to lithium-ion and further allowing us to increase our commitment to sustainability initiatives.”

Phil Pearson, Director Region Two at Jungheinrich UK, comments: “MAT Foundry Group is a leader in engineering and manufacturing that requires a flexible, efficient and reliable fleet. Jungheinrich is thrilled to partner with such a forward thinking organisation to support its sustainability efforts in the move to a lithium-ion fleet.

The installation of the new fleet consisting of five EFG 425k, two EFG 535k and two EFG S50 will be deployed in January 2022.

 

 

Prologis publishes Q3 activity report

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Prologis Europe has published a report on its Q3 2021 activity, showing operating performance highlights and insights into select milestones and achievements.

Ben Bannatyne, President, Prologis Europe, said: “It has been a record quarter of demand, low vacancy and new supply in Europe as we continue to deliver on our customers’ expectations. We continue to return healthy outcomes for our customers and investors in areas including urban fulfilment, sustainability and value-add services – such as our Prologis Essentials Marketplace. Our robust Europe portfolio is supported by positive rent change, strong leasing appetite and heightened demand, which acts as a tailwind to covered land plays and build-to-suit development.”

Prologis Europe Operating Performance – Q3 2021:

  • Total portfolio: 19.6 million sq m
  • Total leasing activity: 752,813 sq m:
  • –          306,997 sq m of new leases
  • –          445,816 sq m of lease renewals
  • Rent change: + 8.4%
  • Leasing Highlights:
  • –          36,609 sq m at Prologis Park Venlo DC4 (NL)
  • –          30,607 sq m at Prologis Park Norrkoping DC1 (S)
  • –          17,072 sq m at Prologis Park Coventry DC8 (UK)
  • –          15,990 sq m at Prologis Park Isle d’Abeau (F)

Capital Deployment – Third Quarter 2021

Q3 Development Starts:

There have been nine new development starts comprising a total net rentable area of 174,730 sq m across the Czech Republic, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom. Two starts were significant build-to-suits (Prologis Park Dortmund, Germany; Prologis Park Interporto Bologna, Italy) and seven were speculative developments in direct response to growing customer demand.

Q3 Acquisitions:

Prologis Europe acquired one building with a total net rentable area of 47,807 sq m in the gateway market of Belgium, as well as nine land parcels with a combined total area of 285,898 sq m in Germany, Italy, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Bannatyne notes: “While supply constraints remain a reality, our third quarter activity reveals that our data-based, forward-thinking insights and strong industry and community relationships continue to yield attractive opportunities for our customers and investors.

“With our commitment to innovation, technology and continuous improvement, we’re able to provide our customers with industry-leading development solutions in dynamic European markets such as Berlin, Paris and London. Our ability to unlock core land for logistics is critical, as is having an urban fulfilment strategy that actively plans for the logistics need of today’s discerning customers.

“In today’s market, innovation is key. At Prologis, we actively encourage our people to think creatively and outside the industry norms. Our commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility and governance (ESG) is a great example. We fundamentally believe that being a good neighbour in our communities is crucial to building long-term trusted partnerships while creating the sustainable development opportunities our customers desire.”

 

 

Prologis publishes Q3 activity report

Posted on by David Priestman

Prologis Europe has published a report on its Q3 2021 activity, showing operating performance highlights and insights into select milestones and achievements.

Ben Bannatyne, President, Prologis Europe, said: “It has been a record quarter of demand, low vacancy and new supply in Europe as we continue to deliver on our customers’ expectations. We continue to return healthy outcomes for our customers and investors in areas including urban fulfilment, sustainability and value-add services – such as our Prologis Essentials Marketplace. Our robust Europe portfolio is supported by positive rent change, strong leasing appetite and heightened demand, which acts as a tailwind to covered land plays and build-to-suit development.”

Prologis Europe Operating Performance – Q3 2021:

  • Total portfolio: 19.6 million sq m
  • Total leasing activity: 752,813 sq m:
  • –          306,997 sq m of new leases
  • –          445,816 sq m of lease renewals
  • Rent change: + 8.4%
  • Leasing Highlights:
  • –          36,609 sq m at Prologis Park Venlo DC4 (NL)
  • –          30,607 sq m at Prologis Park Norrkoping DC1 (S)
  • –          17,072 sq m at Prologis Park Coventry DC8 (UK)
  • –          15,990 sq m at Prologis Park Isle d’Abeau (F)

Capital Deployment – Third Quarter 2021

Q3 Development Starts:

There have been nine new development starts comprising a total net rentable area of 174,730 sq m across the Czech Republic, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom. Two starts were significant build-to-suits (Prologis Park Dortmund, Germany; Prologis Park Interporto Bologna, Italy) and seven were speculative developments in direct response to growing customer demand.

Q3 Acquisitions:

Prologis Europe acquired one building with a total net rentable area of 47,807 sq m in the gateway market of Belgium, as well as nine land parcels with a combined total area of 285,898 sq m in Germany, Italy, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Bannatyne notes: “While supply constraints remain a reality, our third quarter activity reveals that our data-based, forward-thinking insights and strong industry and community relationships continue to yield attractive opportunities for our customers and investors.

“With our commitment to innovation, technology and continuous improvement, we’re able to provide our customers with industry-leading development solutions in dynamic European markets such as Berlin, Paris and London. Our ability to unlock core land for logistics is critical, as is having an urban fulfilment strategy that actively plans for the logistics need of today’s discerning customers.

“In today’s market, innovation is key. At Prologis, we actively encourage our people to think creatively and outside the industry norms. Our commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility and governance (ESG) is a great example. We fundamentally believe that being a good neighbour in our communities is crucial to building long-term trusted partnerships while creating the sustainable development opportunities our customers desire.”

 

 

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