Warehouse Storage Space in West Midlands

Tandem Group is excited to announce the immediate availability of state-of-the-art warehouse storage solutions in the West Midlands area. Tandem Group, located in Birmingham, is a UK distributor of wheeled and outdoor toys, e-mobility products, bicycles, golf products, sporting goods, garden and homewares to several leading British national retailers, across multiple categories.

Last year, the business consolidated its warehouse facilities in Northampton and Felixstowe into their primary Birmingham site to enhance operational efficiency. This strategic move led to significant investments in a state-of-the-art warehouse, featuring solar panels and other sustainable energy solutions. The facility, located just 10 minutes from Birmingham Airport and easily accessible from Junction 5 of the M6 motorway, is designed to meet diverse storage and fulfilment needs with unparalleled convenience and sustainability.

The new warehouse offers a range of flexible storage solutions, including racked, bulk, and tailored spaces to accommodate various requirements. With adjustable racking designed to store oversized freight and pallet heights up to 2.1 meters, the warehouse provides extensive capacity, featuring 3,500 pallet spaces immediately available for use. Specialized storage options for hazardous goods are also available, ensuring the safe and secure handling of such items.

In addition to storage, Tandem Group offers comprehensive services such as 3PL pick and pack, palletisation, order fulfilment, container devan, and inventory management. Operational efficiency is further enhanced with readily available loading and unloading services. The facility also includes on-site office amenities such as toilets, showers, breakout areas, and a kitchenette, providing a comfortable and functional workspace.

Peter Kimberley, Group Chief Executive of Tandem Group Plc stated “We are delighted with our state-of-the-art warehouse facility in the West Midlands, strategically located for easy access and designed with sustainability in mind. Our flexible and comprehensive storage solutions are available at market-leading rates, making us the ideal partner for businesses looking to optimize their logistics and fulfilment operations.”

Security is a top priority at the new warehouse, with secure yard space monitored 24/7 by CCTV, alarms, and security personnel. The company offers both long-term and short-term storage solutions to accommodate high or low volume needs, ensuring flexibility for businesses of all sizes. Moreover, Tandem Group will guarantee the best rates in the market, making the solutions not only efficient but also cost-effective.

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New Intermodal Hub Launched in UK’s East Midlands

 

Amplify Cost and Time Savings at Brownfield Warehouses

The 2024 supply chain landscape is witnessing a significant shift towards brownfield warehousing, states the report titled ‘Navigating Warehouse Space Challenges in 2024: Unlocking the Value of Brownfield Warehouses’ from Bart De Muynck, LLC, a consultancy providing strategic advice on supply chains including focuses on strategy, leadership and technology.

FORTNA is one leading automation and software company for the full logistics value chain that is leading the charge by automating brownfield processes to enhance cost savings and efficiencies. During the pandemic, there was a substantial investment push for greenfield construction to accommodate the surge of inventory entering the United States. However, with vacancy rates decreasing and the high costs associated with greenfield projects, companies are now turning to retrofitting existing warehouses through brownfield projects to meet current consumer behavior and industry developments.

Bart De Muynck, CEO of Bart De Muynck, LLC, emphasized the importance of brownfield projects, stating, “Brownfield projects are crucial to limiting warehousing costs going forward. FORTNA sits at the cutting edge of warehouse automation to allow for labour costs and efficiencies to be further enhanced.”

“FORTNA is on the precipice of brownfield warehouse automation,” said Jeff Cashman, SVP of Corporate Development at FORTNA. “Our expertise in warehouse execution systems and warehouse automation enables companies to unlock the full potential of brownfield warehouses.”

The report states that in 2023, the United States saw a 25% decrease in new warehouse construction, according to research from Interact Analysis. With greenfield investment projects costing $100 million or more, companies are exploring brownfield projects to minimize development costs, increase operational efficiency and improve the performance of existing facilities.

While brownfield investments come with limitations related to building layout and existing equipment, the benefits often outweigh these challenges. Redeveloping brownfield sites involves lower development costs since infrastructure like roads, utilities, and loading docks is already in place. This significantly reduces the need for additional construction, permits, and architectural involvement.

“Key factors to consider when selecting facilities for brownfield projects include proximity to transportation routes and urban areas, site contamination levels, and access to a skilled workforce,” added Cashman. “Companies, especially in the retail sector, can convert underperforming stores into e-Commerce fulfillment centres or ‘dark stores’ that offer ample space and are located near populated areas.”

Technology plays a crucial role in optimizing brownfield warehouses, according to the report. Gartner states by 2028, 80% of warehouses and distribution centres will deploy some form of warehouse automation. Brownfield sites are particularly suited to point solutions that automate specific workflows, such as mobile robots and automated storage and retrieval systems, which maximize storage density within a smaller footprint.

Warehouse execution system (WES) software is paramount at brownfield sites, serving as the brain behind warehouse operations. A WES optimizes order fulfillment processes, minimizes idle time, maximizes resource utilization, and integrates old and new automation technologies. This is especially important in smaller, space-constrained brownfield facilities where every square foot counts.

A knowledgeable WES partner like FORTNA works with companies to determine inventory, throughput, service level agreements, and other requirements. Advanced algorithms simulate different types of equipment and technology to predict success in a brownfield environment.

“By seamlessly integrating with automation technologies like mobile robots and robotic arms, FORTNA optimizes workflows and reduces manual intervention,” concluded Cashman. “This is particularly beneficial where space optimization is critical for vertical storage and seamless order fulfillment.”

One of the added benefits of redeveloping brownfields is sustainability. By reusing existing land, companies avoid utilizing additional resources. Automation technologies can incorporate energy-saving designs to reduce consumption, enhancing the energy efficiency of brownfield warehouses. Improved inventory management and order fulfillment accuracy minimize waste and reduce the environmental impact of excess inventory. Additionally, optimized transportation routes and schedules reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

The demand for adaptable, cost-effective, and efficient warehousing solutions continues to evolve, making brownfield initiatives a strategic imperative. Brownfield warehouses provide flexibility and customization, aligning warehousing strategies with evolving inventory management goals. With proper planning and execution, brownfield warehouses can become significant sources of storage solutions in 2024 and beyond.

read more

Cost-efficient Brownfield, Retrofit Solutions

 

Amplify Cost and Time Savings at Brownfield Warehouses

The 2024 supply chain landscape is witnessing a significant shift towards brownfield warehousing, states the report titled ‘Navigating Warehouse Space Challenges in 2024: Unlocking the Value of Brownfield Warehouses’ from Bart De Muynck, LLC, a consultancy providing strategic advice on supply chains including focuses on strategy, leadership and technology.

FORTNA is one leading automation and software company for the full logistics value chain that is leading the charge by automating brownfield processes to enhance cost savings and efficiencies. During the pandemic, there was a substantial investment push for greenfield construction to accommodate the surge of inventory entering the United States. However, with vacancy rates decreasing and the high costs associated with greenfield projects, companies are now turning to retrofitting existing warehouses through brownfield projects to meet current consumer behavior and industry developments.

Bart De Muynck, CEO of Bart De Muynck, LLC, emphasized the importance of brownfield projects, stating, “Brownfield projects are crucial to limiting warehousing costs going forward. FORTNA sits at the cutting edge of warehouse automation to allow for labour costs and efficiencies to be further enhanced.”

“FORTNA is on the precipice of brownfield warehouse automation,” said Jeff Cashman, SVP of Corporate Development at FORTNA. “Our expertise in warehouse execution systems and warehouse automation enables companies to unlock the full potential of brownfield warehouses.”

The report states that in 2023, the United States saw a 25% decrease in new warehouse construction, according to research from Interact Analysis. With greenfield investment projects costing $100 million or more, companies are exploring brownfield projects to minimize development costs, increase operational efficiency and improve the performance of existing facilities.

While brownfield investments come with limitations related to building layout and existing equipment, the benefits often outweigh these challenges. Redeveloping brownfield sites involves lower development costs since infrastructure like roads, utilities, and loading docks is already in place. This significantly reduces the need for additional construction, permits, and architectural involvement.

“Key factors to consider when selecting facilities for brownfield projects include proximity to transportation routes and urban areas, site contamination levels, and access to a skilled workforce,” added Cashman. “Companies, especially in the retail sector, can convert underperforming stores into e-Commerce fulfillment centres or ‘dark stores’ that offer ample space and are located near populated areas.”

Technology plays a crucial role in optimizing brownfield warehouses, according to the report. Gartner states by 2028, 80% of warehouses and distribution centres will deploy some form of warehouse automation. Brownfield sites are particularly suited to point solutions that automate specific workflows, such as mobile robots and automated storage and retrieval systems, which maximize storage density within a smaller footprint.

Warehouse execution system (WES) software is paramount at brownfield sites, serving as the brain behind warehouse operations. A WES optimizes order fulfillment processes, minimizes idle time, maximizes resource utilization, and integrates old and new automation technologies. This is especially important in smaller, space-constrained brownfield facilities where every square foot counts.

A knowledgeable WES partner like FORTNA works with companies to determine inventory, throughput, service level agreements, and other requirements. Advanced algorithms simulate different types of equipment and technology to predict success in a brownfield environment.

“By seamlessly integrating with automation technologies like mobile robots and robotic arms, FORTNA optimizes workflows and reduces manual intervention,” concluded Cashman. “This is particularly beneficial where space optimization is critical for vertical storage and seamless order fulfillment.”

One of the added benefits of redeveloping brownfields is sustainability. By reusing existing land, companies avoid utilizing additional resources. Automation technologies can incorporate energy-saving designs to reduce consumption, enhancing the energy efficiency of brownfield warehouses. Improved inventory management and order fulfillment accuracy minimize waste and reduce the environmental impact of excess inventory. Additionally, optimized transportation routes and schedules reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

The demand for adaptable, cost-effective, and efficient warehousing solutions continues to evolve, making brownfield initiatives a strategic imperative. Brownfield warehouses provide flexibility and customization, aligning warehousing strategies with evolving inventory management goals. With proper planning and execution, brownfield warehouses can become significant sources of storage solutions in 2024 and beyond.

read more

Cost-efficient Brownfield, Retrofit Solutions

 

Asyad Acquires Skybridge Freight Solutions

Asyad Group, Oman’s end-to-end global logistics provider, has acquired Skybridge Freight Solutions (SFS), a leading global freight forwarding company. The landmark acquisition is the group’s first international acquisition in core logistics activities and marks a strategic move to significantly expand Asyad’s footprint through active operations in key trade hubs and the major economies of China, India, the USA and the GCC, supported by unhindered access to SFS’ well-established, dynamic network that covers over 90 geographies across six continents.

Now acquired by Asyad Group, SFS is a premier freight solutions provider offering leading freight forwarding services across air, sea and land in addition to warehousing and distribution. The fast-growing company boasts a strong financial footing and caters to a diverse array of major industries including food, energy, automotive, pharmaceuticals and construction. The company serves over 1,400 customers, including Fortune 500 and blue-chip companies, leveraging its longstanding relationships with global freight forwarding networks, government bodies, shipping lines and airlines to carve a substantial competitive edge and open multiple avenues for growth.

With this acquisition, Asyad aims to bolster its competitiveness in the global marketplace by magnifying its end-to-end capabilities in providing unparalleled multimodal logistics services to meet evolving customer needs. The impacts of the recent acquisition are far-reaching and will extend across the entire logistics ecosystem, with more capabilities in freight forwarding leading to advances in supply chain, e-commerce, ports and container lines.

Additionally, Asyad will now have active operations in key cargo origin economies. As a result, the group – now leveraging SFS’ capabilities and network of associates – will reinforce its position as the partner of choice for international enterprises seeking comprehensive GCC logistics solutions under one integrated entity, setting itself apart by leveraging its advanced capabilities and Oman’s unique location and innate advantages.

Acquiring SFS will play a significant role in bolstering Oman’s connectivity with vital global trade routes. By unlocking new connections and strengthening existing ones with the world’s biggest markets, all logistics players will reap the benefits of unrestricted multimodal access and amplified trade opportunities resulting in higher volumes.

With these targeted moves, Asyad aims to ultimately redraw the global trade map. The SFS acquisition marks a significant milestone for the group and underlines its integrated logistics model that has consistently set new standards and trends in the logistics industry. The new addition is a critical step to pursue Asyad’s portfolio diversification plans and uphold the group’s unwavering commitment to its customers of increasing global service coverage.

By integrating the capabilities and market access of SFS, Asyad’s flag will consistently make its way into prime global markets, opening new avenues for exponential growth and cementing the group’s position as a reliable global logistics powerhouse. With SFS now part of Asyad Group, the integrated logistics provider will take its bullish approach to global expansion forward with future plans focused on long-term financial returns and an enhanced offering of globally competitive logistics solutions to trade communities around the world.

Both Asyad and SFS customers will be the first to experience the returns of this integration through improved reach and heightened service excellence, exemplified by multimodal freight forwarding solutions. Asyad will equip players in GCC markets with stronger connectivity to major cargo origin markets through SFS’ network of associate offices that covers key trade location around the world from China and India in the east to the United States and Europe in the west.

Asyad Group’s year-over-year growth reflects a robust commercial mindset built around operational excellence and dynamic decision-making. In 2023, the group reported a 21% compound annual growth rate in revenue and 73% compound annual growth rate in profits, two record numbers in its history. The recent acquisition will further support Asyad’s ongoing streak of double-digit year-on-year growth by providing new opportunities and resources, ensuring sustained success and market leadership.

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Oman Air and Cargolux Extend Indian Freighter Network To Mumbai

 

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