Subscribe

Category: Uncategorised

AustralianSuper Invests in European Industrial & Logistics Portfolio

Posted on by Keith McKinley

AustralianSuper, Australia’s largest superannuation fund, and Oxford Properties Group (“Oxford”), a global real estate investor, developer and manager, today announce a new strategic partnership that aims to build a significant industrial and logistics venture across Europe, which will be managed by M7 Real Estate. AustralianSuper has acquired a 50% stake in Oxford’s c. €840 million European industrial and logistics portfolio (the “Portfolio”) and in M7 Real Estate, the market leading European investment and asset management business that was acquired by Oxford in 2021.

The joint venture is the first between AustralianSuper and Oxford and brings together two like-minded global institutional investors managing a combined €270billion of long-term capital on behalf of over four million pension fund members. The partnership will provide further capital to fund the growth of the Portfolio, known as the European Supply Chain Income Partnership (“ESCIP”), with a target of up to €4.5 billion GAV of high-quality ‘last mile’ and mid-box warehouses over the next three to five years.

The Portfolio currently comprises c.730,000 sqm high-quality urban logistics and distribution warehouses across 76 assets. The properties are well located in 19 of the most strategic urban ‘last mile’ and distribution hubs in the UK, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain. With a diversified base of more than 200 tenants, the Portfolio is well-positioned to capitalise on increased occupier demand and rental growth throughout western Europe.

M7 Real Estate, as investment and asset manager, will be tasked to source and execute on new opportunities for the strategy targeting income-led exposure across the pan-European supply chain, with a continued focus on both smaller, multi-tenanted, core+ or value-add assets located near large cities and population centres, alongside a core+ mid-box strategy seeking investments into larger distribution and warehouse assets in key logistics corridors, throughout the six target markets of the venture.

The assets have strong environmental credentials and are focussed in submarkets that are characterised by acute supply demand tension, with 53% weighting to urban assets by estimated rental value (“ERV”). In the UK these include London and the South-East (19% of total ERV) and the Midlands (14%), as well as Paris (15%), Copenhagen (11%) and Barcelona (8.2%) in mainland Europe.

The Portfolio is c. 90% occupied and delivers a highly diverse and defensive income stream secured against 214 tenants, across a range of business types and geographies. No single tenant represents more than 5% of the total in-place rent.

Paul Clark, Head of European Real Assets at AustralianSuper, commented: “We believe urban logistics and distribution represents one the most compelling sector opportunities in European real estate today, and have been tracking the sector for several years to find the right portfolio that meets our ambitions, with strong fundamentals and significant growth potential. We are delighted to partner with the Oxford and M7 teams, investors with proven track records operating and growing high-quality logistics portfolios, to scale the ESCIP platform together using our collective expertise, generating long-term performance for members.”


Joanne McNamara (pictured above), Executive Vice President, Head of Europe at Oxford Properties, commented: “This strategic partnership with AustralianSuper brings a significant and, importantly, a like-minded capital partner alongside us into both the M7 portfolio and the M7 Real Estate platform. This creates full alignment between all three parties from day one, while providing fresh capital from both partners to grow the platform as we enter into a new real estate cycle. We believe there are exciting prospects in this high conviction strategy, a major pillar of Oxford’s capital deployment ambitions in the region for 2025, with a compelling pipeline of investment opportunities which we expect to announce in short order.”

David Ebbrell, CEO of M7 Real Estate, commented: “Since its foundation M7 Real Estate has been a go-to partner for some of the world’s largest and most respected real estate investors wishing to access the European multi let and urban logistics sector. Having been acquired by Oxford Properties in 2021 and enjoyed a very successful partnership over the past four years, we are very excited at the prospect of now working alongside AustralianSuper as well. Not only is AustralianSuper’s investment into our business another huge endorsement of M7 Real Estate’s team, its expertise and long track record of creating value, the support of Australia’s largest superannuation fund also brings with it a commitment to invest significantly through our platform alongside Oxford Properties into the European industrial and logistics sector over the next few years, helping us achieve our own ambitions for growth.”

AustralianSuper’s global real assets portfolio totals c. €35 billion, including more than €6 billion invested in Europe. The Fund’s property portfolio includes the King’s Cross Estate and the Canada Water regeneration projects in London. Within industrials, the Fund has invested in Moorebank Logistics Park, Australia’s largest intermodal logistics facility, the Craigieburn Logistics Estate housing a new Amazon Robotics Fulfilment Centre in Australia, and the Wiri Logistics Estate in New Zealand.

M7 Real Estate is an award-winning pan-European investor and asset manager, with a European network spanning 10 offices and an on-the-ground presence of 170 team members across nine countries. Led by CEO David Ebbrell, M7 Real Estate has 4.1 million sqm and c. €5.5 billion of assets under management and specialises in the mid-box, multi-let and urban logistics sectors. It has a strong track record of creating value by aggregating assets into institutional sized portfolios and via intensive asset management, leveraging its experienced team and market leading data and information management systems.

The transaction is expected to complete at the end of Q1 of 2025 and is conditional, amongst other things, on customary regulatory approvals.

similar news

Logistics Property a Major Contribution to UK economy, Report Reveals

 

Custom Ball Tables and Transfer Units

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Alwayse Engineering Ltd has entered a strategic partnership with Rapid Racking Ltd, a British specialist in shelving and racking solutions, to integrate its precision range of ball transfer units into custom tables for roll-on/roll-off capability.

This collaboration between the two UK businesses aims to reduce the risk of physical strain and fatigue for warehousing and logistics workers when loading and unloading shelves, particularly when handling heavy items.

The integration of Birmingham-based Alwayse Engineering’s 3016 series ball transfer units into Rapid Racking’s tables also offers enhanced customisation and flexibility for warehousing operators. They can be introduced during the design stage for new storage systems, as well as to improve the efficiency of existing installations.

The ball tables will be available across Rapid Racking’s Rapid 1 workbench range and are available in 1830x760mm and 1830x915mm tables.

“We are thrilled to partner with Rapid Racking and begin integrating our ball transfer units into their custom tables,” said James Turner, Head of UK and Ireland Sales at Alwayse Engineering. “Poor manual handling is one of the biggest causes of workplace injury, so finding a safe, efficient and repeatable way to improve processes was a key driver behind the partnership.”

Tom Ellis, Head of Product & Services at Rapid Racking Ltd, added: “We are always on the lookout for innovative ways to help make our customers’ lives easier. The integration of Alwayse ball tables into our racking units will deliver a step-change in workplace safety and productivity. Our team is very excited at the opportunity of partnering with another UK business that shares our vision of transforming the warehousing industry.”

similar news

“Game-changing” Belting Product Makes LogiMAT debut

 

Polish Prime Logistics Hub Sold

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Kajima Europe, a pan-European real asset investor, developer, and manager with £10bn AUM, has successfully completed the sale of it’s prime logistics scheme in Zgorzelec, Poland. The asset was held in JV with Panattoni and sold to Arete Investment Group.

Strategically located next to the German border along the A4 highway, this state-of-the-art facility provides unparalleled access to Germany, Europe’s largest economy, and key consumer markets across Central Europe. Split across two buildings totalling 65,000 SQM, the logistics hub currently houses two institutional tenants in the global logistics and healthcare equipment sectors on long-term leases, highlighting the hub’s strategic positioning in serving businesses’ supply chain needs in the region.

Polish Prime Logistics Hub

Positioned between Prague, Wroclaw, and Dresden, it offers excellent connectivity for goods transport. The A4 corridor, linking Zgorzelec to the rail terminal in Kodersdorf and Leipzig Airport, Germany’s second-largest airfreight hub, reinforces its role as a crucial European logistics centre.

The facility’s BREEAM Excellent certification highlights Kajima Properties’ commitment to sustainability on all of its development projects across Europe.

Jan Trybulski, Investment Director and Head of Poland, said: “The Zgorzelec scheme is an example of a high-end, sustainable warehouse developed in a strategic location in Poland. The sale of this scheme demonstrates liquidity in the Polish market and shows demand for high quality logistics is strong despite more challenging economic environment.”

similar news

Routing and Scheduling Software now Available in Polish Language

 

Logistics Site Acquisition Highlights Key Warehousing Trends

Posted on by Will Priestman

Prologis, a global leader in logistics real estate, has made an acquisition of a flagship logistics site in Park Royal, London, from DTZ Investors. This move is not only significant for Prologis but also highlights broader trends shaping the warehousing industry in the UK and globally, particularly in light of current events and evolving market dynamics.

The Evolving Role of Warehousing in a Post-Pandemic World

The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally transformed the warehousing industry. As consumer behavior shifted dramatically towards e-commerce, the demand for warehousing space, especially in urban areas, surged. The need for efficient supply chains and last-mile delivery capabilities became more critical than ever. This shift has led to a rapid expansion of the warehousing sector, with companies like Prologis investing heavily in strategically located properties to meet this new demand.

Prologis’ acquisition of the Park Royal estate is a direct response to these market changes. Park Royal, as one of the UK’s largest and most established industrial hubs, offers the modern infrastructure and prime location that are essential for meeting the logistical challenges of a post-pandemic world. The estate’s ability to support last-mile delivery is particularly valuable as consumers increasingly expect faster delivery times, putting pressure on supply chains to be more responsive and efficient.

Warehousing as a Key Component of Supply Chain Resilience

The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains, leading to a reevaluation of how goods are stored and distributed. Warehousing has emerged as a critical element in enhancing supply chain resilience. Companies are increasingly looking to invest in warehousing space that can act as buffer stock, ensuring that they can continue to meet customer demands even when disruptions occur.

Prologis’ investment in Park Royal reflects this broader industry trend. By acquiring a large, strategically located logistics estate, Prologis is positioning itself to offer the kind of flexible, high-capacity warehousing solutions that are now in high demand. This move also aligns with the growing emphasis on reshoring and nearshoring manufacturing and distribution activities to mitigate the risks associated with global supply chain disruptions.

The Impact of Geopolitical Events on the Warehousing Industry

Current geopolitical events, such as Brexit and ongoing trade tensions, have further underscored the importance of warehousing in maintaining supply chain continuity. The uncertainty surrounding trade agreements and border controls has led businesses to increase their inventory levels, driving up demand for warehousing space. In the UK, the effects of Brexit have made it more crucial for companies to have secure, reliable logistics infrastructure within the country.

Prologis’ acquisition in Park Royal, a key logistics hub within Greater London, is a strategic move that acknowledges these challenges. By securing a prime location in one of the UK’s most significant industrial areas, Prologis can offer its clients a robust platform to navigate the complexities of post-Brexit trade and ensure that their operations remain efficient and uninterrupted.

Sustainability and the Future of Warehousing

Another key trend influencing the warehousing industry is the growing focus on sustainability. As environmental concerns take center stage, companies are under increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint. This has led to a demand for green logistics facilities that incorporate energy-efficient technologies, renewable energy sources, and sustainable building materials.

Prologis has been at the forefront of this movement, and the Park Royal estate is expected to reflect these values. Modern logistics estates like Park Royal are not just about location and infrastructure; they are also about sustainability. Prologis’ commitment to incorporating sustainable practices into its properties is likely to enhance the value of the Park Royal estate and attract tenants who are looking to align with global sustainability goals.

Conclusion: A Sign of the Times for the Warehousing Industry

The acquisition of the Park Royal logistics estate by Prologis is emblematic of the broader changes sweeping through the warehousing industry. In a world where e-commerce is booming, supply chains are being restructured, and sustainability is becoming a top priority, the need for strategically located, modern, and resilient logistics facilities has never been greater.

As the warehousing industry continues to evolve in response to current events, Prologis’ strategic investments in key markets like Park Royal position the company as a leader in providing the infrastructure necessary for businesses to thrive in an increasingly complex and demanding global environment. This acquisition not only enhances Prologis’ portfolio but also signals the ongoing transformation of the warehousing sector as it adapts to new challenges and opportunities.

Read Similar…

Logistics Powering Growth in Britain’s Booming Pet Industry

Dynamic Voyage Optimization Platform used by MOL

Posted on by David Priestman

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has decided to introduce the dynamic voyage optimization platform ‘Wayfinder’ developed by Sofar Ocean from the USA to its group’s operating vessels, aiming to reduce GHG emissions by improving fuel efficiency.

Wayfinder provides the optimal speed and route for safe and efficient navigation to each ship daily. These recommendations leverage real-time weather forecasts based on information from Sofar’s global network of ocean sensors, the ship’s fuel efficiency calculated using a data-driven model, and market and safety constraints. The Dashboard shows a vessel’s current route, the suggested route optimized by Wayfinder and real-time weather and voyage information.

The ocean sensor ‘Spotter buoy’ (pictured), developed by Sofar, collects ocean data such as wave spectra, wind, sea surface temperature, and atmospheric pressure in real time, and is used by various government agencies. By combining the collected ocean data with weather data from satellites and other sources, Sofar’s weather forecasts, including wave field predictions, are up to 50% more accurate than other operational forecasts. Waves have a significant impact on the efficient operation of a ship, and Sofar’s weather forecasts are expected to be impactful in this regard.

In a trial with 40 of MOL group’s operating vessels, it has confirmed an average fuel/GHG emission reduction of about 6% per voyage. More than 80% of the captains participating in the trial have highly evaluated the convenience of the platform and accuracy of the weather and ocean forecasts, and MOL has decided to introduce it to its group’s operating vessels as a platform that contributes to further safe and efficient navigation.

MOL Group aims to achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050 and reduce GHG emissions intensity by 45% by 2035 (versus 2019) under the ‘MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.2.’ The introduction of Wayfinder is a measure that contributes to the achievement of these goals, and MOL will continue to expand the number of vessels using the platform across the group. We will further promote the digital transformation of maritime operation by utilizing a common platform for vessels and operators, realizing real-time information sharing.

read more

Wait Times for Transiting Ships Back to Normal Levels Due to Panama Canal Measures, Improving Weather

 

New Clark Sales Partner for Morocco

Posted on by David Priestman

Clark Europe has gained a new contractual partner for Morocco in Techniplus. The market leader for the maintenance and repair of vehicles in port handling in Morocco will take over all sales activities for Clark Europe in Morocco in future. With this strategic step, Clark aims to further expand its sales activities in the North African market.

Techniplus was founded in 1991 in Casablanca and is owned by Motherwell Bridge Industries Ltd. based in Malta. The company is managed by Amine Rfiqi. The company’s core competences lie in the provision of high-quality industrial equipment solutions and after-sales services for the industrial, logistics and port handling sectors. Its customer base includes operators of the largest Moroccan ports in Casablanca, Tangier, Agadir and Jorf Lasfar as well as well-known companies from the industrial, steelworks and mining sectors.

Techniplus offers its customers a comprehensive range of services, including sales, rental, spare parts and lifetime maintenance and repair services. The company is also active in this segment in Mauritania, Senegal, Tunisia and Algeria. The Casablanca site has sales offices, a warehouse and a workshop covering a total area of 500 m2. The company currently employs a total of 52 people in administration, sales, workshop and warehouse – 41 of whom work in customer service alone. Techniplus has further service centres in Tangier, Agadir, Jorf Lasfar and Safi.

Techniplus offers its customers in Morocco the complete Clark range of services. In addition to the sale of all forklift truck classes and warehouse trucks, this also includes the supply of Clark spare parts and accessories. A comprehensive range of services including rental and financing as well as a comprehensive technical service for new and used Clark industrial trucks rounds off the range of services. The highly qualified service technicians receive regular training and are equipped with the latest tools and technologies. Techniplus offers its customers both on-site and off-site service options.

“With Techniplus, we can welcome a very experienced partner with in-depth expertise in the logistics sector to our team. We are very pleased to be able to further expand our sales in Morocco with our new sales partner. We wish Techniplus every success in their new role,” says Rolf Eiten, President & CEO at Clark Europe.

“Our cooperation with Clark Europe is an significant milestone for Techniplus. It enables us to expand our product offering and provide our customers with reliable and innovative industrial trucks. We look forward to a continued and prosperous partnership,” said Amine Rfiqi, Managing Director of Techniplus, at the signing of the contract.

read more

Clark Europe Introduces New Management

 

Olympic Fencing Supplier Transforms Warehousing

Posted on by David Priestman

Leon Paul, one of the world’s premier fencing equipment manufacturers, has transformed its warehousing and logistic operations and driven significant growth following its adoption of Forterro’s ERP and Warehouse Management Solution, Orderwise.

The 100-year-old family-run business produces and distributes 90% of its products from its London manufacturing and warehousing facility and had previously relied on a paper-based system. This was highly inefficient and resulted in a warehouse environment best described as ‘chaos’ and an estimated £150,000 wastage every year in lost time and products, according to James Fay, Commercial Director, Leon Paul:

“We had no control of ordering from stock to delivery, no barcoding technology in the warehouse, no form of KPIs to manage our performance. We couldn’t vet orders properly and weren’t even sure if products were being sent to the right places,” he said. “Morale was low amongst staff because they felt they couldn’t do their jobs to the best of their ability, and we were wasting money, time and products hand over fist. We were known for the quality of our fencing equipment, but our warehousing was far from Olympic standard. Orderwise was cost-effective and scalable, and it was actually recommended to me by a competitor, so it felt like the best fit for us right from the off.”

Since implementing Orderwise, Leon Paul has been able to automate many processes and see vast efficiency improvements. It has eased pressure on employees, improved order management and customer service, and delivered a ten-fold increase in order processing. Order shipping time went from an average of nine days to less than one day.

In a complex manufacturing environment — Leon Paul makes more than 3,000 SKUs, which can then become any one of 98,000 SKUs — Orderwise has become integral. It allows the business to make quick and informed decisions, and it has meant that when the company turned over £3.5m, there were seven people in the warehouse, whereas in 2024 (turnover of £10m), there are five.

Leon Paul has more than 75% of the UK market — including supplying the entire Team GB Olympic fencing team — and recently won the 2024 Kings Award for Enterprise in Innovation and Export, strengthening its recent strategy of focusing mostly on exports.

“To further our global growth plans, we needed a modern warehouse and an ERP system to support our e-commerce engine, ensuring our customers all over the world get the right product in good time,” continued James Fay. “Orderwise has done exactly that and more. Our global agents are also connected to it, and we now all have the information to make smarter, data-based decisions about the business.”

Orderwise is an ERP solution that provides wholesalers, distributors, retailers and manufacturers with a platform for growth. It was initially deployed by Leon Paul in operational logistics, sales, and customer service, followed by accounts, and is currently being implemented in the manufacturing plant.

“Leon Paul is an iconic UK manufacturer, rightly celebrated for its quality, longevity and commitment to fencing,” said Jon Roberts, Director, Forterro. “Our ERP solutions are all designed with specific industries in mind, and we are very proud that Orderwise has played a role in Leon Paul’s success.”

read more

Forterro Expands with Acquisition of Wise Software

 

NHS Distribution Centre Opens in England

Posted on by David Priestman

A new NHS Supply Chain regional distribution centre that will support 115 NHS Trusts is now fully operational, providing a more resilient and efficient supply of products and medical equipment to hospitals and other health care providers across the North West of England.

The 400,000 square foot Gorsey Point facility – the size of six professional football pitches – is around three times larger than the facility it replaces, providing 60,000 pallet spaces – an eightfold increase (7,500).

NHS Supply Chain manages the sourcing, delivery and supply of healthcare products, services and food for NHS trusts and healthcare organisations across England and Wales. The regional distribution centre is located in Widnes 400 and will support 360 jobs, with the majority relocating from the smaller previous warehouse in nearby Runcorn. It will serve 3,500 delivery locations and 18,400 individual requisition points that deliver the products and equipment needed to care for patients across the region.

NHS Supply Chain CEO Andrew New said the new facility would improve resilience of the NHS’ supply chain in the North West and provide a more efficient service to NHS organisations in the area.

“NHS Supply Chain’s Gorsey Point facility is a major investment in the North West and a significant part of our long term national growth plans, future-proofing our logistics operation in this part of the country and allowing us to better meet the growing needs of NHS trusts in the region,” he said. “The purpose-built facility gives us the capacity to store not only a greater level of stock overall but also a broader range of products used by the NHS, boosting the resilience of our supply chain. This is something NHS trusts really wanted. Our reason for being is to help the NHS to put patients first and in this case we are delivering on that by working to make sure clinicians can rely on our supply chain to provide the products and equipment they need to do their job in a reliable, clinically assured and cost efficient way.”

Gorsey Point is strategically located within 3.5 miles of junction 7 of the M62, 5 miles from junction 12 of the M56 and close to the access point onto the Mersey Gateway Bridge, which links Runcorn and Widnes. The site benefits from excellent connectivity to the regional motorway network as well as the 3M Rail Freight Terminal at Widnes, Garston Docks, The Port of Liverpool, and Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

read more

Case Study: The Building of NHS Nightingale

 

CMA CGM and Google AI Partnership for Shipping and Logistics

Posted on by David Priestman

CMA CGM and Google today announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across CMA CGM’s operations worldwide.

By leveraging Google’s proven AI solutions and insights from experts, CMA CGM will help empower its employees’ decision-making. In fact, every program and tool developed within the partnership will be designed to assist users in their decision-making processes across several key workflows.

This comprehensive collaboration aims to revolutionize shipping by enhancing efficiency, responsiveness, and adaptability to market fluctuations and disruptions, resulting in faster and more responsive customer service. As part of the partnership, CMA CGM will actively seek to optimize vessel routes, container handling, and inventory management to ensure efficient and timely delivery of goods while minimizing costs and carbon footprints.

CEVA Logistics, the logistics arm of CMA CGM, will pioneer the data-driven future of logistics, focusing first on warehouse smart management aimed at better operating its 10.3 million square meters of warehouse space. The smart management tool, built on Google technology, will allow CEVA Logistics to better anticipate and plan its operations thanks to an enhanced volume and demand forecasting.

The partnership will eventually benefit all CMA CGM associates thanks to dedicated high-impact training sessions at TANGRAM, the Group’s excellence centre for learning and innovation. This collaboration is part of CMA CGM’s overall strategy to transform its business through AI innovation. It follows key moves such as CMA CGM’s investment in Mistral AI, PoolSide, and Dataiku, as well as the launch of open science lab, Kyutai.

Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM, stated: “I am pleased to announce this global partnership between the CMA CGM Group and Google to accelerate AI adoption across our operations. This collaboration aligns with our digital roadmap and investments, marking a crucial step in our transformation strategy. Together with Google, we will lead the digital revolution in shipping, logistics and media, optimize our processes, and enhance our competitive edge. We are committed to driving innovation with tangible benefits for our staff members and our customers”.

Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, said, “by combining CMA CGM’s deep expertise in shipping and logistics with Google’s AI tools and secure infrastructure we can help CMA CGM digitally transform its own operations and those of its customers. This partnership is a prime example of how AI can assist employees, improve outcomes for customers, and revolutionize industries.”

read more

CMA CGM Completes Tender Offer to Acquire CEVA Logistics

 

Digital Catapult Platform to Solve Supply Chain Setbacks

Posted on by David Priestman

Digital Catapult has today launched the Digital Supply Chain Hub, a platform designed to facilitate strategic collaboration between manufacturers and digital solution providers across the UK. The new platform will meet industry demand to accelerate the digitalisation of supply chain operations, driving resilience and sustainability through the application of deep tech solutions.

Immediately available to businesses, the Hub has been developed by Digital Catapult to tackle problems often encountered during the search for a suitable supply chain partner, such as siloed operations and ineffective information transfer. The platform will remedy these problems by offering bespoke educational modules to address critical skills shortages in the UK, empowering users to leverage the Hub’s matching functionality to connect to businesses relevant to their specific challenge areas.

For businesses keen to commence their digitalisation journey, the Hub will have valuable resources available including tools such as the Edge Digital Manufacturing readiness tool and the supply chain resilience navigator by WMG. Both tools will help businesses to better understand how to make their supply chains more sustainable, resilient and efficient, strengthening sectors including advanced manufacturing, energy, food and drink, and more.

Community forums, known as Circles, will also be a feature of the Hub, encouraging users to engage in meaningful discussions on supply chain challenges such as logistics optimisation, sustainability and risk management. It is hoped that these forums, educational modules and matching capabilities will enhance the UK’s overall supply chain resilience and efficiency, fostering greater understanding of new solutions, and enabling technology providers to scale faster with an enriched understanding of the state of global supply chains.

Solve Supply Chain Setbacks

The launch of the Hub comes as over 60% of most industrial companies’ CO2 emissions originate from the supply chain, encouraging more businesses to explore applications of deep technology to advance industrial sustainability in their operations. The majority of the UK’s logistics industry is also seeking digital solutions to optimise their operations, with 86.5% planning to invest in at least one digital technology solution over the next two years, fuelling demand for the services available on the platform.

Ravi Gidoomal, director of Edge Digital Manufacturing, said: “Navigating new technologies can be overwhelming and many leaders we speak with don’t know where to start or what to do next. Others find it hard to maintain momentum and get their team excited about change with all the other pressing demands on their time. We’ve developed the Digital Supply Chain Readiness course to provide real-life examples and practical actions, helping leaders to take their first or next step to digitalise their supply chains.”

Tim Lawrence, Director of the Digital Supply Chain Hub at Digital Catapult, said: “We are excited to launch the new Digital Supply Chain Hub, reflecting the hard work, dedication and commitment of our team. The platform marks a significant step towards greater collaboration, cooperation and communication in the supply chain sector, fuelling innovation and new ideas. By creating a commercially neutral ecosystem, we will enable industry leaders, researchers, and technology providers to address critical supply chain challenges directly, strengthening critical economic sectors and empowering businesses to apply new solutions to transform their operations.”

read more

Industry View: Quick Automation Solutions Can Solve Labour Shortage

 

Subscribe

Get notified about New Episodes of our Podcast, New Magazine Issues and stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter.