DHL Supply Chain has been appointed by Cotswold Outdoor Group in a new multi-year contract. The contract will see DHL provide expert warehousing and fulfilment solutions for the British company behind high-street brands Cotswold Outdoor, Runners Need and Snow + Rock.
Cotswold Outdoor Group’s warehousing and fulfilment will now operate out of DHL’s multi-user facility in Coventry. The new partnership will enable Cotswold Outdoor Group to benefit from newer facilities and technology, delivering a smoother, more efficient service for its customers and partners. Leveraging its industry expertise and extensive network, DHL will manage warehousing, e-commerce fulfilment and product distribution to 75 stores nationwide.
Entirely powered by renewable electricity, the Coventry facility was DHL’s first operationally carbon-neutral new build site in the UK, with a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and an EPC ‘A’ rating, supporting the retailer’s sustainability pledges.
“Through this new partnership, we’re proud to be supporting a growing British retailer, known for its quality and commitment to sustainable practices. With a wealth of experience in delivering optimised logistics solutions, we’re perfectly positioned to help Cotswold Outdoor Group drive operational efficiencies.”
Jamie Kristow, CEO, Cotswold Outdoor Group, said:
“Making sure our customers and partners have an exceptional experience working with us is always a top priority. By partnering with DHL, we are ensuring our supply chain is strong and agile, while also delivering against our sustainability commitments.”
The new contract coincides with Cotswold Outdoor Group relocating its head office to Swindon.
DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 84.2 billion euros in 2024. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.
The CMA CGM Group has today announced the acquisition of Freightliner in the United Kingdom. Freightliner, a leading provider of rail and road freight transport services, operates across the UK and Europe. The transaction includes its rail and road operations, inland terminals, as well as the Freightliner brand.
This acquisition underlines CMA CGM’s ambition to build a sustainable and competitive transport offering in Europe. By adding a long-standing name in UK rail freight, the Group reaffirms its commitment to supporting the modal shift from road to rail – a cornerstone of decarbonizing global supply chains.
The transaction is expected to close in early 2026, subject to the required regulatory approvals. Other Freightliner businesses – Heavy Haul, Rotterdam Rail Feeding, and Freightliner Poland/Germany – will remain under existing ownership. Freightliner operations will remain focused on its multi-user and multi-customer approach, and will be run independently with existing teams who have proven their expertise and dedication.
Rail freight is a major lever for reducing CO₂ emissions. With Freightliner UK’s expertise and know-how, CMA CGM aims to strengthen its ability to offer European customers seamless and integrated intermodal solutions including transport and terminal operations.
Strong synergies between two major brands
The addition of Freightliner opens the way to significant enhanced-value offerings: developing comprehensive intermodal offerings combining maritime, rail, and road; enhancing connectivity between Europe’s major ports and the UK hinterland through strategically located inland terminals; and driving shared innovation in decarbonized logistics solutions.
Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group, said:
“The acquisition of Freightliner, a leading rail freight operator, strengthens our intermodal presence in the United Kingdom, a strategic market for CMA CGM. It enables us to connect sea, rail and road more efficiently, delivering better solutions for our customers. It is also a concrete step in expanding lower-carbon transport options, supporting both their needs and the decarbonization of global trade.”
Commenting on the divestment, Tim Shoveller, Chief Executive Officer of Freightliner Group, said:
“This transaction marks an exciting new chapter for Intermodal and Heavy Haul, allowing each to focus on their distinct markets under separate ownership. The Intermodal business will become a stand-alone business within CMA CGM’s portfolio, with opportunities to collaborate with other arm’s length CMA CGM companies. Heavy Haul will continue its growth journey in the bulk materials sector under a new brand with a clear focus on strengthening its position as a key freight operator. Our customers will continue to receive the same high-quality leadership and operational teams, and we have robust plans in place to ensure a smooth transition of ownership.”
Sustainability has become one of the defining challenges for the logistics industry. Global supply chains are under growing pressure to reduce their environmental footprint, while at the same time ensuring efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Forbo Movement Systems is taking decisive steps in this direction with two innovative solutions that demonstrate how advanced technology and responsible material choices can go hand in hand: the Amp Miser energy-saving conveyor belt and the Transilon ECOFIBER conveyor belt line made from recycled PET bottles. Together, they highlight Forbo’s commitment to strengthening sustainable practices in logistics and material handling.
At the core of Amp Miser is patented Texglide technology, a special layer on the underside of the belt that significantly reduces friction between the belt and the conveyor slider bed. The result is up to 50 percent lower energy consumption, as verified by TÜV Rheinland, making Amp Miser the best energy-saving belt in the industry by far. This means that every conveyor running with Amp Miser consumes far less power than with conventional belts, directly translating into a reduced carbon footprint during daily operations. In large distribution centres where hundreds of conveyors are in constant use, the cumulative energy savings are substantial.
But sustainability is not only about saving energy in operation — it is also about making smarter use of resources in production. This is where ECOFIBER comes in. The tension members of Transilon ECOFIBER are manufactured from recycled PET bottles, giving new life to a material that would otherwise become waste. By integrating post-consumer plastics into durable, high-performance conveyor belts, Forbo reduces the need for virgin raw materials and lowers CO₂ emissions associated with belt production. ECOFIBER represents a clear step toward the circular economy by demonstrating how recycled resources can be transformed into advanced industrial solutions.
The environmental benefits of both Amp Miser and ECOFIBER are reinforced by their strong performance characteristics. Both belt types are engineered for durability, consistent conveying reliability, and easy integration into existing systems. This ensures that companies can adopt sustainable technologies without compromising productivity or facing additional downtime. In fact, the improved energy efficiency and reduced wear can even extend the overall lifespan of conveyor systems, leading to fewer replacements and lower maintenance needs over time.
For logistics operators, the introduction of these technologies means more than just environmental progress. It enables them to align with stricter regulatory frameworks, meet corporate sustainability targets, and respond to growing expectations from stakeholders and consumers who demand greener supply chains. The cost savings from reduced energy consumption, combined with the reputational benefits of implementing circular materials, create a compelling case for adopting these solutions across a wide range of industries — from e-commerce fulfillment centres to airport baggage handling and parcel distribution hubs.
Forbo’s approach reflects a broader philosophy: sustainability must be built into the very fabric of industrial innovation. By focusing on measurable energy savings, transparent certifications, and tangible use of recycled resources, the company demonstrates that ecological responsibility can go hand in hand with technological advancement. Amp Miser and ECOFIBER are not isolated products, but part of an ongoing strategy to deliver solutions that contribute to climate action, resource efficiency, and the long-term transformation of logistics infrastructure.
As supply chains continue to expand and global commerce accelerates, the importance of sustainable logistics will only increase. Forbo is committed to helping its partners navigate this challenge with practical, effective, and future-ready solutions. Amp Miser and ECOFIBER illustrate how the industry can move forward — reducing environmental impact, improving operational efficiency, and paving the way toward a logistics sector that is both economically and ecologically resilient.
In this enlightening episode of “Logistics Business Conversations,” host Peter MacLeod engages with Matt Harling, AutoStore Sales Manager for Kardex, to explore the intricacies of automation partnerships in the logistics sector. Recorded live at IMHX, the episode serves as an educational platform for listeners eager to understand the dynamics of true partnerships in automation.
Harling shares valuable insights into how Kardex differentiates itself by offering comprehensive solutions that go beyond mere product sales. The discussion emphasizes the importance of educating clients about the full spectrum of operational elements that can be optimized through automation. By engaging with both executive leaders and operational staff, Kardex ensures that its solutions are not only implemented effectively but also embraced by those who use them daily.
The episode delves into the flexibility of AutoStore systems, highlighting their adaptability to evolving business needs. Harling underscores the role of continuous education and partnership in fostering long-term success, encouraging businesses to view automation as a journey rather than a one-time investment.
Listeners are invited to learn from the challenges and successes shared in the episode, gaining a deeper understanding of how automation can drive efficiency and growth. The conversation also touches on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, illustrating how automation has become a critical component in overcoming labor shortages and enhancing operational resilience.
By subscribing to “Logistics Business Conversations,” listeners can continue to expand their knowledge and stay informed about the latest trends and innovations in the logistics industry.
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