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Month: September 2023

Warehouse Portfolio in Southeast Europe

Posted on by David Priestman

As one of the leading transport and logistics providers in Southeast Europe, cargo-partner has traditionally placed a strategic focus on this region. In recent months, the company has upgraded its warehouse facilities in Croatia, Slovenia and Türkiye.

Expansion in Zagreb: from 12,900 to 17,500 m²

In late August 2023, cargo-partner expanded its warehouse in Zagreb by 4,600 m² due to rapidly growing customer demand in Croatia. The warehouse was opened in June 2022 and is located ten minutes from the international airport in Zagreb. The latest expansion brings the logistics center’s capacity from the previous 12,900 m² to a total of 17,500 m². The modern facility now includes 20,000 pallet slots as well as a 900 m² mezzanine where the local team provides e-fulfillment and value added services. In addition to short- and long-term storage, the Zagreb warehouse offers daily pallet and parcel distribution to EU- and non-EU countries, a customs bonded area and customs brokerage services. Following the expansion, the warehouse now contains 28 truck docks and three drive-in gates for oversized shipments.

“As we celebrate 40 remarkable years of cargo-partner, it is important to recognize the invaluable role Southeast Europe has played in shaping our company’s enduring success. This expansion is a testament to the extraordinary journey we’ve embarked on together with our customers and our expert teams throughout the region,” said Stefan Krauter, CEO & Founder of cargo-partner.

Zoran Starcevic, Managing Director of cargo-partner in Croatia, stated: “The added storage capacity in Zagreb will allow us to stock a wider range of products – from foodstuffs to pharmaceuticals and a variety of other goods – and respond promptly to market fluctuations and customer needs. Thus, the expansion not only strengthens our market position, but also reinforces our promise to deliver top-notch products and services to our customers.”

Otto Zsivkovits, Regional Director SEE, added: “Our expansion in Zagreb is part of our strategic plan to strengthen our footprint in Southeast Europe, as this region holds immense importance for cargo-partner. In this context, Zagreb serves as a gateway connecting Eastern and Western Europe. As we continue to expand our network, we benefit from growing synergies between our logistics centers in Croatia, Slovenia, Türkiye, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

Rooftop delivers clean energy in Ljubljana

Earlier in August, cargo-partner installed a photovoltaic system with 1,192 panels on the roof of its iLogistics Center Ljubljana. The system will produce an estimated 575 MWh of energy per year, covering 34 percent of cargo-partner’s energy consumption in Slovenia. In addition, the solar power plant will save 146 tons of CO₂ annually, which is equivalent to planting 6,698 trees. The iLogistics Center Ljubljana was opened in 2019 and expanded in 2022, bringing its total capacity from 25,000 m² up to 39,100 m².

New iLogistics Center in Istanbul

In July 2023, cargo-partner opened a new iLogistics Center with 20,000 m² of warehouse space in Istanbul. With 25,000 pallet slots and 17 loading docks, the facility provides ideal conditions for customs bonded warehousing, handling of oversized goods and high-tech products, fast trans-shipment and distribution as well as comprehensive e-fulfilment services, including a parcel pickup and return point. In addition to the warehouse facility, the building also contains modern office spaces, providing the new base of operations for cargo-partner’s head office in Türkiye.

Strong warehouse network in Southeast Europe

Aside from these recent expansions, cargo-partner has long had a solid warehouse network in Southeast Europe. In Bulgaria, the logistics provider’s iLogistics Center Sofia offers 22,000 pallet slots on 16,700 m². In Serbia, cargo-partner maintains a strategically located warehouse near the Belgrade airport with 8,000 m² of storage space. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, cargo-partner operates a 1,000 m² warehouse, to which the company has recently added a separate 300 m² area for temporary customs bonded storage.

Warehouse Portfolio in Southeast Europe

Posted on by David Priestman

As one of the leading transport and logistics providers in Southeast Europe, cargo-partner has traditionally placed a strategic focus on this region. In recent months, the company has upgraded its warehouse facilities in Croatia, Slovenia and Türkiye.

Expansion in Zagreb: from 12,900 to 17,500 m²

In late August 2023, cargo-partner expanded its warehouse in Zagreb by 4,600 m² due to rapidly growing customer demand in Croatia. The warehouse was opened in June 2022 and is located ten minutes from the international airport in Zagreb. The latest expansion brings the logistics center’s capacity from the previous 12,900 m² to a total of 17,500 m². The modern facility now includes 20,000 pallet slots as well as a 900 m² mezzanine where the local team provides e-fulfillment and value added services. In addition to short- and long-term storage, the Zagreb warehouse offers daily pallet and parcel distribution to EU- and non-EU countries, a customs bonded area and customs brokerage services. Following the expansion, the warehouse now contains 28 truck docks and three drive-in gates for oversized shipments.

“As we celebrate 40 remarkable years of cargo-partner, it is important to recognize the invaluable role Southeast Europe has played in shaping our company’s enduring success. This expansion is a testament to the extraordinary journey we’ve embarked on together with our customers and our expert teams throughout the region,” said Stefan Krauter, CEO & Founder of cargo-partner.

Zoran Starcevic, Managing Director of cargo-partner in Croatia, stated: “The added storage capacity in Zagreb will allow us to stock a wider range of products – from foodstuffs to pharmaceuticals and a variety of other goods – and respond promptly to market fluctuations and customer needs. Thus, the expansion not only strengthens our market position, but also reinforces our promise to deliver top-notch products and services to our customers.”

Otto Zsivkovits, Regional Director SEE, added: “Our expansion in Zagreb is part of our strategic plan to strengthen our footprint in Southeast Europe, as this region holds immense importance for cargo-partner. In this context, Zagreb serves as a gateway connecting Eastern and Western Europe. As we continue to expand our network, we benefit from growing synergies between our logistics centers in Croatia, Slovenia, Türkiye, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

Rooftop delivers clean energy in Ljubljana

Earlier in August, cargo-partner installed a photovoltaic system with 1,192 panels on the roof of its iLogistics Center Ljubljana. The system will produce an estimated 575 MWh of energy per year, covering 34 percent of cargo-partner’s energy consumption in Slovenia. In addition, the solar power plant will save 146 tons of CO₂ annually, which is equivalent to planting 6,698 trees. The iLogistics Center Ljubljana was opened in 2019 and expanded in 2022, bringing its total capacity from 25,000 m² up to 39,100 m².

New iLogistics Center in Istanbul

In July 2023, cargo-partner opened a new iLogistics Center with 20,000 m² of warehouse space in Istanbul. With 25,000 pallet slots and 17 loading docks, the facility provides ideal conditions for customs bonded warehousing, handling of oversized goods and high-tech products, fast trans-shipment and distribution as well as comprehensive e-fulfilment services, including a parcel pickup and return point. In addition to the warehouse facility, the building also contains modern office spaces, providing the new base of operations for cargo-partner’s head office in Türkiye.

Strong warehouse network in Southeast Europe

Aside from these recent expansions, cargo-partner has long had a solid warehouse network in Southeast Europe. In Bulgaria, the logistics provider’s iLogistics Center Sofia offers 22,000 pallet slots on 16,700 m². In Serbia, cargo-partner maintains a strategically located warehouse near the Belgrade airport with 8,000 m² of storage space. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, cargo-partner operates a 1,000 m² warehouse, to which the company has recently added a separate 300 m² area for temporary customs bonded storage.

German Chemical Logistics Partnership

Posted on by David Priestman

The German Chemical Industry Association (Verband der Chemischen Industrie e.V., or VCI) and DACHSER Chem Logistics have extended their purchasing partnership in logistics ahead of time by five years. Johann-Peter Nickel, Executive Director at VCI, and Michael Kriegel, Department Head DACHSER Chem Logistics, signed the agreement at Dachser’s Head Office in Kempten.

VCI and Dachser established their purchasing partnership for European groupage logistics back in 2009. As the chemical industry became more and more international, in 2015 the partnership was expanded to include air and sea freight transports. With some 1,900 member companies employing a total of almost 550,000 people in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry and related economic sectors, VCI one of the Germany’s three largest industry associations.

“Dachser is a competent partner for our member companies, one that can handle their European logistics safely with uniform quality standards using its own network while also supplying the intercontinental markets from a single source,” Nickel says in describing the long-standing partnership. Gisa Omlor, who is in charge of the purchasing partnership at VCI, adds: “With some sensitive products and numerous special legal regulations, the chemical industry is very demanding, especially when it comes to logistics. Having a long-standing partner that has the requisite expertise and commitment as well as the ability to communicate with German SMEs as an equal provides crucial added value and a competitive edge.”

Strong partners

The energy crisis and the current state of the global economy present the chemical industry with enormous challenges, particularly in Germany. “That’s why our members need a reliable logistics partner capable of ensuring a secure, resilient supply chain—now more than ever,” Nickel says. Both the logistics provider and the association believe their partnership has a bright future. “We greatly appreciate that VCI acknowledges our commitment to logistics for the chemical industry,” Kriegel says with regard to the early five-year extension of the contract. “DACHSER Chem Logistics is a specialized industry solution that offers all the benefits of Dachser’s global logistics network combined with a central pool of expertise specific to chemical logistics. We speak the chemical industry’s language. By investing in the expansion of our network, in digital innovations, and in climate protection, we’re also ideally placed to tackle the challenges of the future.”

Expertise across the board

In 2022, Dachser transported around four million shipments containing chemical products; 1.18 million of those shipments contained dangerous goods. Dachser dovetails the network’s standardized core groupage services—transport, contract logistics, and IT support systems—with service modules tailored to the chemical industry. The logistics provider underpins its dangerous goods expertise with its central dangerous goods management teams for overland transport and air and sea freight, plus some 250 regional dangerous goods safety advisers in its operational branches. Dachser has 23 branches in seven countries ready to handle the storage of hazardous materials. A total of 29 European branches have been evaluated for Safety and Quality Assessment for Sustainability (SQAS) certification by the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC). This means that Dachser is ideally placed to continue offering its customers in the chemical industry top-quality logistics services in the future.

German Chemical Logistics Partnership

Posted on by David Priestman

The German Chemical Industry Association (Verband der Chemischen Industrie e.V., or VCI) and DACHSER Chem Logistics have extended their purchasing partnership in logistics ahead of time by five years. Johann-Peter Nickel, Executive Director at VCI, and Michael Kriegel, Department Head DACHSER Chem Logistics, signed the agreement at Dachser’s Head Office in Kempten.

VCI and Dachser established their purchasing partnership for European groupage logistics back in 2009. As the chemical industry became more and more international, in 2015 the partnership was expanded to include air and sea freight transports. With some 1,900 member companies employing a total of almost 550,000 people in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry and related economic sectors, VCI one of the Germany’s three largest industry associations.

“Dachser is a competent partner for our member companies, one that can handle their European logistics safely with uniform quality standards using its own network while also supplying the intercontinental markets from a single source,” Nickel says in describing the long-standing partnership. Gisa Omlor, who is in charge of the purchasing partnership at VCI, adds: “With some sensitive products and numerous special legal regulations, the chemical industry is very demanding, especially when it comes to logistics. Having a long-standing partner that has the requisite expertise and commitment as well as the ability to communicate with German SMEs as an equal provides crucial added value and a competitive edge.”

Strong partners

The energy crisis and the current state of the global economy present the chemical industry with enormous challenges, particularly in Germany. “That’s why our members need a reliable logistics partner capable of ensuring a secure, resilient supply chain—now more than ever,” Nickel says. Both the logistics provider and the association believe their partnership has a bright future. “We greatly appreciate that VCI acknowledges our commitment to logistics for the chemical industry,” Kriegel says with regard to the early five-year extension of the contract. “DACHSER Chem Logistics is a specialized industry solution that offers all the benefits of Dachser’s global logistics network combined with a central pool of expertise specific to chemical logistics. We speak the chemical industry’s language. By investing in the expansion of our network, in digital innovations, and in climate protection, we’re also ideally placed to tackle the challenges of the future.”

Expertise across the board

In 2022, Dachser transported around four million shipments containing chemical products; 1.18 million of those shipments contained dangerous goods. Dachser dovetails the network’s standardized core groupage services—transport, contract logistics, and IT support systems—with service modules tailored to the chemical industry. The logistics provider underpins its dangerous goods expertise with its central dangerous goods management teams for overland transport and air and sea freight, plus some 250 regional dangerous goods safety advisers in its operational branches. Dachser has 23 branches in seven countries ready to handle the storage of hazardous materials. A total of 29 European branches have been evaluated for Safety and Quality Assessment for Sustainability (SQAS) certification by the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC). This means that Dachser is ideally placed to continue offering its customers in the chemical industry top-quality logistics services in the future.

XPO Logistics Rolling out Hunic Exoskeleton

Posted on by David Priestman

XPO, a leading provider of innovative and sustainable end-to-end logistics solutions across Europe, has successfully completed a pilot trial of Hunic exoskeleton suit safety equipment at specific business sites and will deploy the technology across the UK and Ireland before the end of this year.

The suits were introduced to XPO Logistics network sites and some dedicated warehouses in January, including Crick (Scania), the Leicester shared user warehouse (Samsung), and the Volkswagen Group UK National Parts Distribution Centre in Dordon, Glen Dimplex, and Daimler in Milton Keynes. Current users at each site are helping to train wider groups on how to use the suits.

Hunic Exoskeleton technology assists wearers with heavy lifting duties, ensuring their posture is correct to reduce the chance of injury. It significantly reduced the fatigue felt by those working in the five XPO depots where the suits were tested. Productivity improved as well: After using the suits at the Samsung operations, there was a 15-20% reduction in unloading time.

Ian Fox, head of health and safety – UK and Ireland, XPO Logistics, said: “The feedback from our XPO colleagues using the exoskeletons during the pilot was hugely positive. The wearers reported significantly less fatigue and effort required in the routine handling activities, which has supported the decision to expand the use and invest in the equipment for the benefit of our colleagues. Additionally, we found that the exoskeleton assists in forming good postural habits that will benefit the wearer even while not using the equipment.”

The Hunic Exoskeleton is designed to prevent the wearer from lifting with incorrect posture. It will only allow the body to move in connection with safe manual handling techniques. For example, it will not allow the back to make an incorrect posture movement. The suit helps the wear undertake repetitive lifting safely while also improving turnaround time.”

XPO’s innovative, end-to-end service offerings include technology-enabled logistics, truckload, less-than-truckload, truck brokerage, managed transport, last mile and freight forwarding. The company tailors its solutions to customer-specific needs across consumer, trade and industrial sectors.

XPO Logistics Rolling out Hunic Exoskeleton

Posted on by David Priestman

XPO, a leading provider of innovative and sustainable end-to-end logistics solutions across Europe, has successfully completed a pilot trial of Hunic exoskeleton suit safety equipment at specific business sites and will deploy the technology across the UK and Ireland before the end of this year.

The suits were introduced to XPO Logistics network sites and some dedicated warehouses in January, including Crick (Scania), the Leicester shared user warehouse (Samsung), and the Volkswagen Group UK National Parts Distribution Centre in Dordon, Glen Dimplex, and Daimler in Milton Keynes. Current users at each site are helping to train wider groups on how to use the suits.

Hunic Exoskeleton technology assists wearers with heavy lifting duties, ensuring their posture is correct to reduce the chance of injury. It significantly reduced the fatigue felt by those working in the five XPO depots where the suits were tested. Productivity improved as well: After using the suits at the Samsung operations, there was a 15-20% reduction in unloading time.

Ian Fox, head of health and safety – UK and Ireland, XPO Logistics, said: “The feedback from our XPO colleagues using the exoskeletons during the pilot was hugely positive. The wearers reported significantly less fatigue and effort required in the routine handling activities, which has supported the decision to expand the use and invest in the equipment for the benefit of our colleagues. Additionally, we found that the exoskeleton assists in forming good postural habits that will benefit the wearer even while not using the equipment.”

The Hunic Exoskeleton is designed to prevent the wearer from lifting with incorrect posture. It will only allow the body to move in connection with safe manual handling techniques. For example, it will not allow the back to make an incorrect posture movement. The suit helps the wear undertake repetitive lifting safely while also improving turnaround time.”

XPO’s innovative, end-to-end service offerings include technology-enabled logistics, truckload, less-than-truckload, truck brokerage, managed transport, last mile and freight forwarding. The company tailors its solutions to customer-specific needs across consumer, trade and industrial sectors.

Loneliest Lion gets Qatar Airways Journey

Posted on by Keith McKinley

After enduring five years of isolation in an abandoned Armenian zoo, Ruben, known as the world’s loneliest lion, embarked on a remarkable journey of rehabilitation in Free State, South Africa, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Animals Defenders International (ADI) and Qatar Airways Cargo.

Ruben, who was left behind when a private zoo closed down in Armenia, suffered in a tiny concrete cell with no contact with other lions. Ruben’s happy ending was at risk when ADI could not find a suitable flight for him out of Armenia.

Qatar Airways Cargo orchestrated a 5,200-mile journey for the 15-year-old lion, where he is now re-discovering his voice and confidence as he roams the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. Despite physical challenges from years of captivity, Ruben’s resilience and determination shine through, offering hope for his remarkable recovery.

Elisabeth Oudkerk, SVP Cargo Sales & Network Planning at Qatar Airways Cargo said: “We are committed to preserving wildlife and endangered species, that is why we launched our WeQare Chapter 2 initiative: ‘Rewild the Planet’ back in 2020. We pledged to return wildlife and endangered species back to their natural habitat, free of charge and we will continue to do so.”

“When ADI approached us and explained the sad story of Ruben, we immediately knew we had to help them. There are a lot of logistics involved in moving animals like Ruben; from the logistics at the airports involved, the process for loading and unloading the animals from the aircraft, to ensuring the correct cages and wellbeing of the animals are in place. It takes a lot of effort from our team to organise such transport – but it is something we are all collectively very proud to be a part of, knowing we helped give back to our planet.”

Jan Creamer, President, Animals Defenders International added: “Ruben was really in trouble until Qatar Airways Cargo stepped up. ADI had been funding his care in Armenia since December and when we could find no flights for him we feared he could be stuck there.

“Then Qatar Airways Cargo ‘WeQare’ initiative stepped in, moving a larger aircraft with hold doors big enough for Ruben’s crate, into the scheduled passenger route out of Yerevan. We are so thankful to Qatar Airways Cargo for all their support in helping get Ruben to South Africa. Seeing Ruben walk on grass for the first time, hearing the voices of his own kind, with the African sun on his back, brought us all to tears.”

Qatar Airways Cargo’s WeQare sustainability programme consists of a series of focus chapters based on four core pillars: environment, society, economy, and culture and is a conscious endeavour to create a more positive impact on the industry and the world. Chapter 2 – Rewild the Planet encourages the preservation of ecological balance by offering free transport to organisations involved in returning wild animals to their natural habitat.

Loneliest Lion gets Qatar Airways Journey

Posted on by David Priestman

After enduring five years of isolation in an abandoned Armenian zoo, Ruben, known as the world’s loneliest lion, embarked on a remarkable journey of rehabilitation in Free State, South Africa, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Animals Defenders International (ADI) and Qatar Airways Cargo.

Ruben, who was left behind when a private zoo closed down in Armenia, suffered in a tiny concrete cell with no contact with other lions. Ruben’s happy ending was at risk when ADI could not find a suitable flight for him out of Armenia.

Qatar Airways Cargo orchestrated a 5,200-mile journey for the 15-year-old lion, where he is now re-discovering his voice and confidence as he roams the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. Despite physical challenges from years of captivity, Ruben’s resilience and determination shine through, offering hope for his remarkable recovery.

Elisabeth Oudkerk, SVP Cargo Sales & Network Planning at Qatar Airways Cargo said: “We are committed to preserving wildlife and endangered species, that is why we launched our WeQare Chapter 2 initiative: ‘Rewild the Planet’ back in 2020. We pledged to return wildlife and endangered species back to their natural habitat, free of charge and we will continue to do so.”

“When ADI approached us and explained the sad story of Ruben, we immediately knew we had to help them. There are a lot of logistics involved in moving animals like Ruben; from the logistics at the airports involved, the process for loading and unloading the animals from the aircraft, to ensuring the correct cages and wellbeing of the animals are in place. It takes a lot of effort from our team to organise such transport – but it is something we are all collectively very proud to be a part of, knowing we helped give back to our planet.”

Jan Creamer, President, Animals Defenders International added: “Ruben was really in trouble until Qatar Airways Cargo stepped up. ADI had been funding his care in Armenia since December and when we could find no flights for him we feared he could be stuck there.

“Then Qatar Airways Cargo ‘WeQare’ initiative stepped in, moving a larger aircraft with hold doors big enough for Ruben’s crate, into the scheduled passenger route out of Yerevan. We are so thankful to Qatar Airways Cargo for all their support in helping get Ruben to South Africa. Seeing Ruben walk on grass for the first time, hearing the voices of his own kind, with the African sun on his back, brought us all to tears.”

Qatar Airways Cargo’s WeQare sustainability programme consists of a series of focus chapters based on four core pillars: environment, society, economy, and culture and is a conscious endeavour to create a more positive impact on the industry and the world. Chapter 2 – Rewild the Planet encourages the preservation of ecological balance by offering free transport to organisations involved in returning wild animals to their natural habitat.

Warehouse and Transport Automation Banquet

Posted on by David Priestman

Global supply chain software provider EPG (Ehrhardt Partner Group) has announced another major client win for its fast-growing Australian division.

Long-established national food importer Mayers Fine Food is to implement EPG’s state-of-the-art LFS Warehouse Management System (WMS) and Transportation Management System (TMS) across its transport and distribution operations, enabling Mayers’ fabled efficiency and customer service to meet the challenges of a fast-changing food and beverage economy, both now and in the future. The double signing underlines EPG’s growing status as the provider of choice for supply chain software across entire company ecosystems.

Automation speed and accuracy

The pairing of the two products will lead to a step change in the speed and efficiency of Mayers’ operations. The WMS will automate and streamline processes at the company’s two DCs in Sydney and Melbourne, while the TMS will enable faster, more accurate and sustainable transport operations across the country, as well as the further bonus of improved communications with drivers, receiving docks and customers. Both systems will be backed up by EPG’s intuitive and easy-to-use analytical dashboard, which offers a broad operational overview as well as precise real-time reports and up-dates to Mayers staff.

Mayers Fine Food is Australia’s leading importer and distributor of food delicacies and specialty products from all around the world. They import over 2000 premium food and beverage products and distribute nationally to supermarkets, retailers, wholesalers, hotels, restaurants, delicatessens, manufacturers, shipping providers and airline caterers. Their product range includes cheese, butter, water and beverages, frozen lines, dry goods, seafood, chocolate, patisserie ingredients, coffee and pasta to name a few.

Single-source unique capability

In 2022, the company’s continuing success in a fast-changing economic landscape led it to address the growing complexity of its distribution and transport operations. After a competitive tender process, EPG’s LFS was selected ahead of WMS rivals because it is best able to demonstrate a broader range of key features capable of addressing critical operational requirements for Mayers. Batch and lot tracking, random weight capture and multiple order handling are just three of the many functionalities which support Mayers’ specific needs.

Meanwhile, EPG engineers and project specialists were able to demonstrate to the Mayers team the unique value of a single-source supply chain software suite. EPG’s TMS interweaves with LFS to allow a seamless product journey from storage to distribution to customer, with the benefits of continuous product and shipment tracking. Route optimisation enables transport managers to oversee the automated selection and allocation of transport routes to suit specific criteria, such as speed, number of stops, fuel miles and carbon emissions. Everything is overseen by EPG’s TIMESQUARE, a control tower dashboard providing access to real-time reports and updates that contribute to a full bird’s-eye view of the transport and distribution state of play.

“We were looking for an automation system that would equip us for the challenges and opportunities of today and the future in the food and beverage industry,” commented John Aerlic, Head of Operations for Mayers Fine Food. “EPG have given us a very satisfying double helping, with warehouse and transport systems that we expect to have a significant positive impact on our service to customers, efficiencies and, ultimately, our bottom line.”

EPG is delighted with the start it has made since opening its Australia office in 2022. “We are excited to be supporting Mayers Fine Food on the next stage in their growth,” said David Archer, Head of Sales, Australia/New Zealand. “We are confident that our solutions have the best answers for customers in Australasia, as they continue to do for our global client base in Europe, the Americas and Asia.”

System integration discussions have now begun, with a smooth implementation process expected by all parties. Further potential efficiency optimization between the partners includes LYDIA Voice picking solution.

Warehouse and Transport Automation Banquet

Posted on by David Priestman

Global supply chain software provider EPG (Ehrhardt Partner Group) has announced another major client win for its fast-growing Australian division.

Long-established national food importer Mayers Fine Food is to implement EPG’s state-of-the-art LFS Warehouse Management System (WMS) and Transportation Management System (TMS) across its transport and distribution operations, enabling Mayers’ fabled efficiency and customer service to meet the challenges of a fast-changing food and beverage economy, both now and in the future. The double signing underlines EPG’s growing status as the provider of choice for supply chain software across entire company ecosystems.

Automation speed and accuracy

The pairing of the two products will lead to a step change in the speed and efficiency of Mayers’ operations. The WMS will automate and streamline processes at the company’s two DCs in Sydney and Melbourne, while the TMS will enable faster, more accurate and sustainable transport operations across the country, as well as the further bonus of improved communications with drivers, receiving docks and customers. Both systems will be backed up by EPG’s intuitive and easy-to-use analytical dashboard, which offers a broad operational overview as well as precise real-time reports and up-dates to Mayers staff.

Mayers Fine Food is Australia’s leading importer and distributor of food delicacies and specialty products from all around the world. They import over 2000 premium food and beverage products and distribute nationally to supermarkets, retailers, wholesalers, hotels, restaurants, delicatessens, manufacturers, shipping providers and airline caterers. Their product range includes cheese, butter, water and beverages, frozen lines, dry goods, seafood, chocolate, patisserie ingredients, coffee and pasta to name a few.

Single-source unique capability

In 2022, the company’s continuing success in a fast-changing economic landscape led it to address the growing complexity of its distribution and transport operations. After a competitive tender process, EPG’s LFS was selected ahead of WMS rivals because it is best able to demonstrate a broader range of key features capable of addressing critical operational requirements for Mayers. Batch and lot tracking, random weight capture and multiple order handling are just three of the many functionalities which support Mayers’ specific needs.

Meanwhile, EPG engineers and project specialists were able to demonstrate to the Mayers team the unique value of a single-source supply chain software suite. EPG’s TMS interweaves with LFS to allow a seamless product journey from storage to distribution to customer, with the benefits of continuous product and shipment tracking. Route optimisation enables transport managers to oversee the automated selection and allocation of transport routes to suit specific criteria, such as speed, number of stops, fuel miles and carbon emissions. Everything is overseen by EPG’s TIMESQUARE, a control tower dashboard providing access to real-time reports and updates that contribute to a full bird’s-eye view of the transport and distribution state of play.

“We were looking for an automation system that would equip us for the challenges and opportunities of today and the future in the food and beverage industry,” commented John Aerlic, Head of Operations for Mayers Fine Food. “EPG have given us a very satisfying double helping, with warehouse and transport systems that we expect to have a significant positive impact on our service to customers, efficiencies and, ultimately, our bottom line.”

EPG is delighted with the start it has made since opening its Australia office in 2022. “We are excited to be supporting Mayers Fine Food on the next stage in their growth,” said David Archer, Head of Sales, Australia/New Zealand. “We are confident that our solutions have the best answers for customers in Australasia, as they continue to do for our global client base in Europe, the Americas and Asia.”

System integration discussions have now begun, with a smooth implementation process expected by all parties. Further potential efficiency optimization between the partners includes LYDIA Voice picking solution.

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