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Day: 7 November 2023

DHL Supply Chain and AutoStore Partner

Posted on by David Priestman

DHL Supply Chain, global leader in contract logistics, and AutoStore™, a pioneering robotic technology company specializing in automated storage and retrieval systems, are expanding their partnership in a move set to further automated warehouse operations on global scale.

DHL Supply Chain, already involved in nine operational AutoStore warehouse projects with four more in the planning stage, is poised to become one of AutoStore’s largest 3PL clients, reinforcing their commitment to digitalization and automation. The nine existing Systems effectively operate 800,000 bins, with the forthcoming four Systems elevating the total number of bins to a remarkable 1.2 million. In the future, DHL also intends to construct five further facilities in addition to those already in operation or planning.

This innovative automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) technology has been developed to efficiently manage and optimize inventory using vastly reduced space within warehouses. Its highly modular and scalable design makes it a preferred solution for e-commerce and businesses handling smaller products such as fashion and tech items. The strategic aim of DHL and AutoStore through this partnership is to accelerate the implementation of this ground-breaking technology that enhances abilities to meet diverse client needs.

Fleet of more than 1,000 robots will enhance operational efficiency and throughput

Markus Voss, COO and CIO at DHL Supply Chain, emphasizes the importance of this collaboration: “We are pleased to expand our existing relationship with AutoStore as we continue to implement our digitalization and automation strategy in a growing number of warehouses, allowing us to better and faster serve our customers. AutoStore’s standardized and modular technology perfectly aligns with our aim to make our operations more efficient, enabling swift scalability and adaptability across various use cases and end-markets – a crucial factor for us as a third-party logistics provider. Through a standardized approach and dedicated stock availability we will be able to significantly drive down implementation times. Additionally, AutoStore’s network of partners is invaluable in supporting our growth strategy across multiple geographies.”

Since 2012, DHL Supply Chain and AutoStore have partnered to implement cutting-edge solutions across sites in Singapore, Poland, Germany, Australia, and the US. The ongoing collaboration has already led to expansions at all operational sites, resulting in a fleet of more than 1,000 Robots worldwide that significantly increasing operational efficiency and throughput.

Mats Hovland Vikse, CEO of AutoStore, expressed excitement about the expansion: “Our longstanding collaboration with DHL Supply Chain has showcased the strength, reliability, and efficiency of AutoStore’s technology. We are thrilled to further expand this valued partnership, supporting DHL Supply Chain’s global deployment of automated warehouse solutions. We are excited about the significant growth opportunity that this represents for AutoStore, as we continue to drive innovation in the world of logistics.”

This expanded partnership between DHL Supply Chain and AutoStore promises to redefine the future of warehousing, offering scalable, adaptable, and efficient solutions that cater to the ever-evolving needs of customers worldwide.

DHL Supply Chain and AutoStore Partner

Posted on by David Priestman

DHL Supply Chain, global leader in contract logistics, and AutoStore™, a pioneering robotic technology company specializing in automated storage and retrieval systems, are expanding their partnership in a move set to further automated warehouse operations on global scale.

DHL Supply Chain, already involved in nine operational AutoStore warehouse projects with four more in the planning stage, is poised to become one of AutoStore’s largest 3PL clients, reinforcing their commitment to digitalization and automation. The nine existing Systems effectively operate 800,000 bins, with the forthcoming four Systems elevating the total number of bins to a remarkable 1.2 million. In the future, DHL also intends to construct five further facilities in addition to those already in operation or planning.

This innovative automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) technology has been developed to efficiently manage and optimize inventory using vastly reduced space within warehouses. Its highly modular and scalable design makes it a preferred solution for e-commerce and businesses handling smaller products such as fashion and tech items. The strategic aim of DHL and AutoStore through this partnership is to accelerate the implementation of this ground-breaking technology that enhances abilities to meet diverse client needs.

Fleet of more than 1,000 robots will enhance operational efficiency and throughput

Markus Voss, COO and CIO at DHL Supply Chain, emphasizes the importance of this collaboration: “We are pleased to expand our existing relationship with AutoStore as we continue to implement our digitalization and automation strategy in a growing number of warehouses, allowing us to better and faster serve our customers. AutoStore’s standardized and modular technology perfectly aligns with our aim to make our operations more efficient, enabling swift scalability and adaptability across various use cases and end-markets – a crucial factor for us as a third-party logistics provider. Through a standardized approach and dedicated stock availability we will be able to significantly drive down implementation times. Additionally, AutoStore’s network of partners is invaluable in supporting our growth strategy across multiple geographies.”

Since 2012, DHL Supply Chain and AutoStore have partnered to implement cutting-edge solutions across sites in Singapore, Poland, Germany, Australia, and the US. The ongoing collaboration has already led to expansions at all operational sites, resulting in a fleet of more than 1,000 Robots worldwide that significantly increasing operational efficiency and throughput.

Mats Hovland Vikse, CEO of AutoStore, expressed excitement about the expansion: “Our longstanding collaboration with DHL Supply Chain has showcased the strength, reliability, and efficiency of AutoStore’s technology. We are thrilled to further expand this valued partnership, supporting DHL Supply Chain’s global deployment of automated warehouse solutions. We are excited about the significant growth opportunity that this represents for AutoStore, as we continue to drive innovation in the world of logistics.”

This expanded partnership between DHL Supply Chain and AutoStore promises to redefine the future of warehousing, offering scalable, adaptable, and efficient solutions that cater to the ever-evolving needs of customers worldwide.

Global Cold Chain Alliance in Latin America

Posted on by David Priestman

AR Racking, a leading company in the industrial storage solutions sector, has joined the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) as a partner. This strategic collaboration seeks to transform the cold chain logistics arena in Latin America.

The Global Cold Chain Alliance, with representation in more than 90 countries, brings together over 1,100 companies worldwide, dedicated to providing logistics services and essential supplies for the food industry. In Latin America, the GCCA encompasses 85 member countries distributed across 13 countries, operating an impressive total of 5.9 billion cubic feet of temperature-controlled storage space.

The membership associated with GCCA represents a significant milestone for AR Racking, giving it a privileged platform to build credibility and recognition in the cold chain industry, establishing itself as a leading player committed to the highest food quality and safety standards. By joining this global network, the company is broadening its scope and access to a diverse and passionate community, which promises to open new avenues of growth and collaboration internationally. This collaboration also gives AR Racking the opportunity to optimise its operations and expand its business through access to technical resources, training and international opportunities.

AR Racking is part of Grupo Arania, an industrial group of companies with extensive experience and scope, and with a multi-sectoral activity based on the transformation of steel that dates back more than 80 years. AR Racking provides the market with a wide range of solutions with high certified quality standards and a comprehensive project management service. AR Racking’s industrial storage systems stand out for their innovation, reliability and optimum efficiency.

Global Cold Chain Alliance in Latin America

Posted on by David Priestman

AR Racking, a leading company in the industrial storage solutions sector, has joined the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) as a partner. This strategic collaboration seeks to transform the cold chain logistics arena in Latin America.

The Global Cold Chain Alliance, with representation in more than 90 countries, brings together over 1,100 companies worldwide, dedicated to providing logistics services and essential supplies for the food industry. In Latin America, the GCCA encompasses 85 member countries distributed across 13 countries, operating an impressive total of 5.9 billion cubic feet of temperature-controlled storage space.

The membership associated with GCCA represents a significant milestone for AR Racking, giving it a privileged platform to build credibility and recognition in the cold chain industry, establishing itself as a leading player committed to the highest food quality and safety standards. By joining this global network, the company is broadening its scope and access to a diverse and passionate community, which promises to open new avenues of growth and collaboration internationally. This collaboration also gives AR Racking the opportunity to optimise its operations and expand its business through access to technical resources, training and international opportunities.

AR Racking is part of Grupo Arania, an industrial group of companies with extensive experience and scope, and with a multi-sectoral activity based on the transformation of steel that dates back more than 80 years. AR Racking provides the market with a wide range of solutions with high certified quality standards and a comprehensive project management service. AR Racking’s industrial storage systems stand out for their innovation, reliability and optimum efficiency.

LCL Service for Dangerous Goods

Posted on by David Priestman

The international transport and logistics provider cargo-partner has once again expanded its range of LCL solutions and introduced a new sea freight consolidation service for dangerous goods from China to Europe. The service is suitable for a wide range of products and industries, including automotive components, car batteries and electronic goods with various types of integrated batteries.

As shipping companies react to lower demand with blank sailings, cargo-partner has recognized the need to offer its customers more flexibility and respond to special requirements. To meet these challenges, the logistics provider has introduced a new weekly consolidated transport service for goods that are classified as DG Class 8 and DG Class 9 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This classification includes products such as various types of batteries, whole electric vehicles, handheld power tools, e-bikes and e-scooters as well as many other electronic devices with an integrated power source.

cargo-partner offers this service with weekly departures from Shanghai to Koper and average port-to-port transit times of 29 days. An additional door-to-door service includes pickup and consolidation from anywhere in China, deconsolidation at cargo-partner’s logistics centres in Budapest and Ljubljana, and delivery to any destination in Europe. In addition, the logistics provider can offer a range of ocean shipper’s and buyer’s consolidation options.

“Many of our customers are currently looking for a reliable solution for their import shipments from Asia – especially for industries that require specific battery components,” explains Felix Miletich, Corporate Director Product Management Sea Cargo LCL at cargo-partner. “With our dedicated LCL services for dangerous goods that include a wide variety of batteries, accumulators and other rechargeable cells, we can provide a stable and reasonable alternative to other forms of transportation.”

Additional air and road transport solutions for dangerous goods

In addition to this cost-effective LCL sea freight service, the transport provider also offers air freight and road transport solutions for DG cargo on request. cargo-partner long-standing experience in transporting dangerous goods from Asia to Europe and vice versa, as well as on other popular international transport routes, including door-to-door solutions, customs clearance and comprehensive logistics services through the company’s extensive warehouse network.

cargo-partner is a privately owned full-range info-logistics provider offering a comprehensive portfolio of air, sea, land transport and warehousing solutions. With 40 years of expertise in information technology and supply chain optimization, the company designs tailor-made services for a wide range of industries to create competitive benefits for its customers all around the world. Founded in 1983, cargo-partner generated a turnover of over 2.06 billion euro in 2022 and currently employs more than 4,000 people worldwide.

 

LCL Service for Dangerous Goods

Posted on by David Priestman

The international transport and logistics provider cargo-partner has once again expanded its range of LCL solutions and introduced a new sea freight consolidation service for dangerous goods from China to Europe. The service is suitable for a wide range of products and industries, including automotive components, car batteries and electronic goods with various types of integrated batteries.

As shipping companies react to lower demand with blank sailings, cargo-partner has recognized the need to offer its customers more flexibility and respond to special requirements. To meet these challenges, the logistics provider has introduced a new weekly consolidated transport service for goods that are classified as DG Class 8 and DG Class 9 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This classification includes products such as various types of batteries, whole electric vehicles, handheld power tools, e-bikes and e-scooters as well as many other electronic devices with an integrated power source.

cargo-partner offers this service with weekly departures from Shanghai to Koper and average port-to-port transit times of 29 days. An additional door-to-door service includes pickup and consolidation from anywhere in China, deconsolidation at cargo-partner’s logistics centres in Budapest and Ljubljana, and delivery to any destination in Europe. In addition, the logistics provider can offer a range of ocean shipper’s and buyer’s consolidation options.

“Many of our customers are currently looking for a reliable solution for their import shipments from Asia – especially for industries that require specific battery components,” explains Felix Miletich, Corporate Director Product Management Sea Cargo LCL at cargo-partner. “With our dedicated LCL services for dangerous goods that include a wide variety of batteries, accumulators and other rechargeable cells, we can provide a stable and reasonable alternative to other forms of transportation.”

Additional air and road transport solutions for dangerous goods

In addition to this cost-effective LCL sea freight service, the transport provider also offers air freight and road transport solutions for DG cargo on request. cargo-partner long-standing experience in transporting dangerous goods from Asia to Europe and vice versa, as well as on other popular international transport routes, including door-to-door solutions, customs clearance and comprehensive logistics services through the company’s extensive warehouse network.

cargo-partner is a privately owned full-range info-logistics provider offering a comprehensive portfolio of air, sea, land transport and warehousing solutions. With 40 years of expertise in information technology and supply chain optimization, the company designs tailor-made services for a wide range of industries to create competitive benefits for its customers all around the world. Founded in 1983, cargo-partner generated a turnover of over 2.06 billion euro in 2022 and currently employs more than 4,000 people worldwide.

 

Partnership Supports METRO e-commerce in France

Posted on by David Priestman

XPO, a leading provider of innovative and sustainable end-to-end logistics solutions across Europe, announces a partnership with METRO Markets on the occasion of the inauguration of METRO France’s new logistics platform dedicated to non-food e-commerce, as France’s leading foodservice supplier.

METRO Marketplace, which has already been launched in Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Germany, is METRO’s online marketplace. Unique in Europe, it offers a wide range of non-food products for hotels and restaurants. Building on the success of these initial launches, METRO inaugurated an 18,300 m2 warehouse in Roye, France, on 12 September, to accelerate the roll-out across Europe.

The new warehouse brings together 3,300 direct non-food references (furniture, small and large appliances, tableware, food preparation, disposable solutions, hygiene and maintenance, office supplies and equipment, etc.) for a total of 100,000 references available for order.

To ensure the delivery of the heavy and bulky products on offer, METRO Markets selected XPO Logistics as its partner because of its expertise in palletised distribution and its last-mile delivery service.

One of XPO Logistics’ largest distribution centres in France is located in the same industrial estate as METRO France’s Roye warehouse, with a 7,500 m2 cross-dock. With a workforce of 175 employees, including 93 drivers, and a fleet of 127 semi-trailers, an average of 600 deliveries are made daily for all XPO Logistics customers. The geographical proximity of the two sites is one of the key advantages of the collaboration, with deliveries possible throughout France within 24 hours.

By handling these deliveries for METRO Markets, XPO is reinforcing its position as a key partner for companies wishing to transform and accelerate their business by relying on a reliable and innovative expert. XPO Logistics’ territorial coverage, its 10 years of expertise in last-mile delivery, and its tracking system, which enables customers to follow the various stages of their shipments in real time, are among the main reasons why METRO Markets has placed its trust in XPO Logistics.

Frédéric Aziron, director of less-than-truckload and last mile – France, XPO Logistics, said: “We are very excited about this new partnership with METRO Markets. The power of our LTL network, its high volume capacity, our last-mile expertise and our agility enable us to design robust, tailor-made solutions to meet our customers’ ambitions.”

Benjamin Baraza, Country Manager France, METRO Markets, said: “Our customers and the foodservice market have high expectations, which we are meeting to with our marketplace. Their satisfaction is also based on fast, reliable deliveries, in particular those provided by XPO Logistics on our behalf”.

XPO Logistics is a leading innovative supply chain company in Europe, offering end-to-end logistics solutions that combine full-truck-load, less-than-truck-load, pallet, last-mile delivery, global freight forwarding and warehousing services. The company tailors its solutions to the specific needs of its customers in a wide range of industrial and consumer sectors.

Partnership Supports METRO e-commerce in France

Posted on by David Priestman

XPO, a leading provider of innovative and sustainable end-to-end logistics solutions across Europe, announces a partnership with METRO Markets on the occasion of the inauguration of METRO France’s new logistics platform dedicated to non-food e-commerce, as France’s leading foodservice supplier.

METRO Marketplace, which has already been launched in Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Germany, is METRO’s online marketplace. Unique in Europe, it offers a wide range of non-food products for hotels and restaurants. Building on the success of these initial launches, METRO inaugurated an 18,300 m2 warehouse in Roye, France, on 12 September, to accelerate the roll-out across Europe.

The new warehouse brings together 3,300 direct non-food references (furniture, small and large appliances, tableware, food preparation, disposable solutions, hygiene and maintenance, office supplies and equipment, etc.) for a total of 100,000 references available for order.

To ensure the delivery of the heavy and bulky products on offer, METRO Markets selected XPO Logistics as its partner because of its expertise in palletised distribution and its last-mile delivery service.

One of XPO Logistics’ largest distribution centres in France is located in the same industrial estate as METRO France’s Roye warehouse, with a 7,500 m2 cross-dock. With a workforce of 175 employees, including 93 drivers, and a fleet of 127 semi-trailers, an average of 600 deliveries are made daily for all XPO Logistics customers. The geographical proximity of the two sites is one of the key advantages of the collaboration, with deliveries possible throughout France within 24 hours.

By handling these deliveries for METRO Markets, XPO is reinforcing its position as a key partner for companies wishing to transform and accelerate their business by relying on a reliable and innovative expert. XPO Logistics’ territorial coverage, its 10 years of expertise in last-mile delivery, and its tracking system, which enables customers to follow the various stages of their shipments in real time, are among the main reasons why METRO Markets has placed its trust in XPO Logistics.

Frédéric Aziron, director of less-than-truckload and last mile – France, XPO Logistics, said: “We are very excited about this new partnership with METRO Markets. The power of our LTL network, its high volume capacity, our last-mile expertise and our agility enable us to design robust, tailor-made solutions to meet our customers’ ambitions.”

Benjamin Baraza, Country Manager France, METRO Markets, said: “Our customers and the foodservice market have high expectations, which we are meeting to with our marketplace. Their satisfaction is also based on fast, reliable deliveries, in particular those provided by XPO Logistics on our behalf”.

XPO Logistics is a leading innovative supply chain company in Europe, offering end-to-end logistics solutions that combine full-truck-load, less-than-truck-load, pallet, last-mile delivery, global freight forwarding and warehousing services. The company tailors its solutions to the specific needs of its customers in a wide range of industrial and consumer sectors.

French Sustainable Warehouse Portfolio Acquired

Posted on by David Priestman

AXA IM Alts, a global leader in alternative investments with over €185 billion of assets under management, announces that it has signed a preliminary contract to acquire, on behalf of clients, six Grade-A logistics properties in France, from a Joint Venture owned by CBRE Investment Management and Virtuo Industrial Property.

The c. 190,000 sqm portfolio comprises five completed properties, ranging from c. 20,000 sqm to c. 43,000 sqm, all constructed since 2020. They are 100% occupied by a mix of domestic and international businesses across manufacturing, distribution and 4PL sectors*. Construction of a sixth, c. 37,000 sqm warehouse, in the North of France, will complete by the end of this year.

In line with AXA IM Alts’ global sustainability approach, the completed assets have been built by Virtuo Industrial Property with the aim of achieving a very high ESG standard, having utilised 100% LED lights. The three Southern assets feature solar PV rooftop panels, exclusively dedicated to tenants’ auto consumption. All the properties are located in strong macro locations in the major logistics markets of Lille, Lyon and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.

This transaction will further extend AXA IM Alts’ exposure to the French logistics market, where vacancy in many markets remains at or near historic lows[2]. Once completed, the acquisition will bring AXA IM Alts global direct equity logistics platform to over 7.5 million sqm across 14 countries, representing a total value of c. €11 billion in assets under management globally[3].

AXA IM Alts retains its long-term conviction for high-quality logistics assets in strategic locations, as supported by strong leasing dynamics and favourable supply/ demand metrics driven by shifts in worldwide consumption habits.

Louis Leveillé-Nizerolle, Head of Transactions France, at AXA IM Alts comments: “This is an excellent opportunity to further our exposure to one of our leading conviction sectors through the acquisition of a high-quality portfolio. Demand for modern warehouse and distribution space offering strong ESG credentials continues to strengthen, driven by the growth of e-commerce, multi-channel retail and ongoing supply chain reconfiguration. Furthermore, occupiers are increasingly seeking the most sustainable space to align with their own corporate obligations. This portfolio provides an attractive mix of secured income coupled with interesting leasing opportunities which will enable us to drive value for our clients over the longer term.”

French Sustainable Warehouse Portfolio Acquired

Posted on by David Priestman

AXA IM Alts, a global leader in alternative investments with over €185 billion of assets under management, announces that it has signed a preliminary contract to acquire, on behalf of clients, six Grade-A logistics properties in France, from a Joint Venture owned by CBRE Investment Management and Virtuo Industrial Property.

The c. 190,000 sqm portfolio comprises five completed properties, ranging from c. 20,000 sqm to c. 43,000 sqm, all constructed since 2020. They are 100% occupied by a mix of domestic and international businesses across manufacturing, distribution and 4PL sectors*. Construction of a sixth, c. 37,000 sqm warehouse, in the North of France, will complete by the end of this year.

In line with AXA IM Alts’ global sustainability approach, the completed assets have been built by Virtuo Industrial Property with the aim of achieving a very high ESG standard, having utilised 100% LED lights. The three Southern assets feature solar PV rooftop panels, exclusively dedicated to tenants’ auto consumption. All the properties are located in strong macro locations in the major logistics markets of Lille, Lyon and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.

This transaction will further extend AXA IM Alts’ exposure to the French logistics market, where vacancy in many markets remains at or near historic lows[2]. Once completed, the acquisition will bring AXA IM Alts global direct equity logistics platform to over 7.5 million sqm across 14 countries, representing a total value of c. €11 billion in assets under management globally[3].

AXA IM Alts retains its long-term conviction for high-quality logistics assets in strategic locations, as supported by strong leasing dynamics and favourable supply/ demand metrics driven by shifts in worldwide consumption habits.

Louis Leveillé-Nizerolle, Head of Transactions France, at AXA IM Alts comments: “This is an excellent opportunity to further our exposure to one of our leading conviction sectors through the acquisition of a high-quality portfolio. Demand for modern warehouse and distribution space offering strong ESG credentials continues to strengthen, driven by the growth of e-commerce, multi-channel retail and ongoing supply chain reconfiguration. Furthermore, occupiers are increasingly seeking the most sustainable space to align with their own corporate obligations. This portfolio provides an attractive mix of secured income coupled with interesting leasing opportunities which will enable us to drive value for our clients over the longer term.”

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