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UK Logistics Fund Raises £427m

Posted on 11 January, 2024 by David Priestman

Clarion Partners Europe, the real estate investment fund manager specialising in logistics and industrial assets, announces that it has held the final closing of its core-plus, closed-end UK logistics fund (“Fund”). Exceeding its capital-raising target, equity commitments totaling £427 million have been secured from a mix of European, North American, and Asian institutions, including investors in Clarion Partner Europe’s previous pan-European logistics strategies. The Fund, with gearing, will provide c. £650 million of investable capital and is now closed to new investors.

The Fund is Clarion Partners Europe’s first to solely focus on the UK, a market it recently re-entered following a seven-year break. It will target a portfolio of high-quality, ESG-compliant logistics assets underpinned by strong rental growth fundamentals in established UK logistics hubs. With the flexibility to invest across the asset class, from last mile logistics to big box single tenant warehouses, the Fund will target both best-in-class assets whilst also seeking to create value through investing in underperforming assets and selective development opportunities.

The Fund will leverage Clarion Partners Europe’s management’s 24-year investment and asset management history, which includes over £3 billion of logistics asset transactions across the UK and Europe, as well as the broader expertise of Clarion Partners, which has a 40-year track record in real estate investment management and a $45 billion, 1000+ property global industrial portfolio.

Alistair Calvert, CEO of Clarion Partners Europe, commented: “This is an opportune time to be scaling up in the UK, a market with strong long-term property fundamentals and where we have deep experience, and which is witnessing a pricing adjustment the likes of which hasn’t been seen in at least the last 30 years. We focus on delivering strong investor returns by identifying the industrial sector’s evolving trends and tailoring our strategy accordingly. Having amassed a portfolio of highly sustainable product that meets the demand of today’s occupier on the Continent, we are convinced we have the local, on-the-ground origination and asset management expertise to replicate this in the UK.”

Rory Buck, Head of Investment at Clarion Partners Europe, added: “Significant rental growth in recent years means many existing properties have baked in reversion and lease rent review mechanics, which provides investors the ability to capture this regardless of lease length. Additionally, our specialisation in the industrial sector allows us to enhance certainty of execution to potential sellers which contributed to completing two transactions in the UK last year.”

Weserport Rail Loading Facility

Posted on 11 January, 2024 by David Priestman

For more than 25 years, Rhenus Weserport Bremen has stood for expert and professional transshipment of various goods and materials. As a member of the Rhenus Group, the port agency has previously focused on transferring cargo from seagoing vessels onto trucks and inland waterway vessels.

But for its recently forged partnership with Nabaltec AG, Rhenus Weserport is now substantially extending its existing railway line. The rail loading facility in Germany’s southernmost seaport will be used for the shipment of imported aluminum hydroxide and aluminum oxide.

Nabaltec AG supplies growing markets all over the world with eco-friendly flame retardant fillers and specialty alumina. Due to high energy costs, and given the trend towards de-industrialization, which is expected in Germany as a result, the company is looking to expand its ability to purchase aluminum hydroxide and aluminum oxide, two materials which are of vital importance for its product portfolio, from smelters in Europe, in Brazil and – depending on cost and quality – all over the world.

The materials are shipped to Germany by sea, as German ports offer cost advantages for Nabaltec over Dutch and Belgian ports and storage of the materials in Bremen ensures a reliable supply.
“The decision to route the aluminum hydroxide and aluminum oxide through Rhenus Weserport was made because of its existing railway line, which is perfectly suited for a project-based extension. Other crucial factors included the direct link to oceangoing traffic and the existing loading and storage facilities. The materials are shipped by rail from Bremen right to us in Bavaria. We expect to see cost benefits due to the extension of our supplier portfolio, which will allow us to continue offering our products on a competitive basis,” explains Johannes Heckmann, the CEO of Nabaltec AG.
Aluminum hydroxide is a flame retardant and a key component in plastic cables and other metallic conductors. Aluminum oxide is used in the production of technical ceramics and in the refractory and polishing industries.

Rhenus Weserport has already started shipping goods for Nabaltec. By extending its facilities for the shipment of cargo by rail, the port services provider is positioning itself for the future: “This new area of business is an important development for us. Our first rail loading facility will allow us to unlock new markets and potential relationships,” explains Rudolf Egbert, Managing Director of Rhenus Weserport. “This creates new opportunities for us, particularly in a time when Germany is de-industrializing.”

Until the new fully automated rail loading system in Terminal 4 is completed, Nabaltec is temporarily using Terminal 2, in Bremen’s industrial harbor, for the shipment of aluminum hydroxide. The licensing procedure for the alterations to Terminal 4, as well as the construction process, are fully underway. The new system is scheduled to go into operation at the end of 2024. With the extensions to the terminal and the automated rail loading system, Nabaltec will be able to meet its target of shipping 70,000 to 140,000 tons of aluminum hydroxide and aluminum oxide per year.
The contractual agreement between Rhenus Weserport and Nabaltec has been concluded for a term of 10 years, with an option to extend the term of the agreement.

Combating Illicit Cargo

Posted on 10 January, 202429 July, 2025 by David Priestman

The global maritime and transportation industries have long played a vital role in facilitating the movement of goods and people across borders, writes Captain Steve Bomgardner, VP Commercial Markets, Pole Star Global. However, these industries are vulnerable to exploitation by illicit actors who seek to transport contraband goods, evade sanctions, and launder money.

In a recent announcement, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) highlighted the growing threat posed by illicit cargo shipments and called for heightened vigilance from all stakeholders in the maritime and transportation sectors.

Despite the new era of sanctions compliance challenges that such Deceptive Shipping Practices (DSP)s have created, it is possible to comprehend, detect and mitigate these practices using maritime intelligence services. The key points follow below:

• Deceptive Shipping Practices: Malignant actors utilise deceptive shipping practices to conceal illicit cargo by manipulating location data, tampering with vessel tracking systems, falsifying documentation, and using false identities. Another common method involves counterfeiting cargo and vessel documents to disguise the true nature of shipments. Ship-to-ship transfers at sea are employed to complicate tracking. Additionally, malicious entities use complex ownership or management structures to obscure their control of vessels or companies, making it challenging to identify the true beneficiaries of illicit shipments. What types of DSP’s are there? How can this issue be addressed?

• OFAC’s Advice/Measures for Compliance: The maritime and transportation industries face significant risks from deceptive practices, leading to legitimate cargo diversion, illicit goods proliferation, and eroded trust in the global supply chain. To address these risks, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) highlights five key measures for robust compliance. These include establishing effective sanctions and export control programmes, implementing location monitoring best practices, conducting thorough “Know Your Customer” (KYC) investigations, exercising supply chain due diligence, and sharing information with law enforcement. These measures involve comprehensive policies, location history monitoring, rigorous background checks, supply chain risk evaluation, and prompt reporting of suspicious activities to authorities.

• The Power of Maritime Intelligence: Effectively countering deceptive shipping practices and aligning with the five key measures outlined by OFAC presents inherent challenges. However, access to advanced maritime intelligence technology and risk intelligence can empower the maritime and transportation industries to address these complexities. This technology provides a global supply chain overview, enabling proactive identification of red flags. What are the red flags? What other advanced features does maritime intelligence have to combat this issue?

How to Overcome Supply Chain Crises

Posted on 10 January, 2024 by David Priestman

Supply chain crises are becoming more frequent in today’s fast-paced business landscape, posing challenges for global firms that demand proactive and strategic solutions. The ever-evolving global economy, coupled with unforeseen events such as natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, and pandemics, presents the need for businesses to strengthen their supply chains.
This guide aims to provide insightful strategies and practical tips for businesses to weather the storms of supply chain disruption and emerge stronger and more resilient in the face of global
trade and uncertainty.

Key Takeaways
● Supply chain crises arise from a combination of factors, such as increased demand, labour shortages, and logistical challenges. Recognizing these issues highlights the importance of resilience and adaptable strategies.
● Resilience, technology adoption, and ongoing improvement are critical for long-term success in the dynamic global business landscape.

What caused the supply chain crisis?

The supply chain crisis resulted from a convergence of factors, including increased consumer demand, labour shortages, and logistical challenges. These elements created a complex web of
disruptions, beyond production capacity, exposing vulnerabilities and emphasizing the need for supply chain resilience and adaptable strategies.

How to fix the supply chain disruptions?

Addressing the complexities of supply chain disruptions requires a strategic and proactive approach. Let’s delve into five essential ways to fix this issue and ensure seamless operations in the global supply chains.

Diversify Supply Chains

Diversifying supply chains involves strategically expanding sourcing and production options to reduce vulnerability to disruptions.
● Identify critical suppliers and explore alternatives in different geographic regions.
● Establish transparent communication channels with current and potential suppliers,
fostering collaborative relationships.
● Assess and prioritize risks, considering geopolitical stability, transportation logistics, and regulatory environments.

Implement Technology Solutions

The global supply chain can be more resilient and efficient using technology solutions like blockchain and artificial intelligence. Begin by assessing specific needs and selecting technologies that align with business goals. Integrate robust data analytics for real-time insights and predictive capabilities. Keep an eye out for new technologies to remain ahead of the curve and promote competitiveness and agility in the supply chain ecosystem.

Building resilience amidst the global supply chain crisis needs a multifaceted strategy. Start by identifying weaknesses through comprehensive risk assessment. To lessen any interruptions to
critical goods, create safety stock and backup procedures. Additionally, review and improve resilience plans regularly to guarantee ongoing development and readiness for unforeseen difficulties and future shocks.

Collaborate with Partners

Effective collaboration with partners in the supply chain involves open communication and mutual trust. Create clear channels for information exchange to promote responsiveness and
transparency. Align goals and expectations through collaborative planning sessions. Share data and insights to enhance collective decision-making. Invest in technologies that facilitate seamless collaboration and real-time visibility. Regularly engage in feedback loops to resolve issues promptly. Build strong relationships by recognizing and rewarding successful collaborations, promoting a culture of shared responsibility and continuous improvement within the companies and the supply chain network.

Invest in Talent and Training

For supply chain management to have a resilient workforce for future disruptions, talent and training investments are essential. Identify key skills required for current and future challenges.
Develop tailored training programs encompassing technologies, crisis management, and adaptability skills. Encourage a collaborative and knowledge-sharing atmosphere by promoting open communication, shared goals, and mutual support. In addition, it is essential to provide opportunities for cross-functional training to enhance versatility. To sum up, regularly assess training effectiveness and adjust programs to align with evolving industry demands, ensuring a skilled and agile workforce capable of both global production and navigating supply chain complexities.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, a proactive approach is a must to improve supply chain resilience. By implementing these strategies, businesses can navigate new challenges and other supply chain issues with agility, ensuring stability and adaptability. In an ever-changing global landscape, commitment to innovation, collaboration, and ongoing improvement will be the cornerstone of supply chain success.

St. Modwen Logistics Lets DC in Wales

Posted on 10 January, 2024 by Keith McKinley

St. Modwen Logistics, one of the UK’s leading industrial and logistics developers and managers, has leased an additional 76,000 sq ft of logistics space at St. Modwen Park Newport, Gwent in Wales as an increasing number of businesses seek to capitalise on its strong location for distribution and manufacturing.

Solus, the Aviva-owned accident repair group, has leased a 24,000 sq ft unit to be used as a centre for paint repair work, whilst a separate 52,500 sq ft unit at the park has also been let to an unnamed ecommerce business.

The units, which form part of the c.345,000 sq ft of space delivered at St. Modwen Park Newport to date, have been built to St. Modwen’s ‘Swan Standard’ of sustainable development and incorporate various energy efficiency features including LED lighting and PV panels, achieving an EPC ‘A’ rating as a result. The scheme’s existing units also support customers on their own journeys to net zero by facilitating electric vehicle charging and providing occupiers with the necessary tools to limit their operational carbon emissions, including low-energy lighting.

St. Modwen Park Newport is strategically located just two miles from Junction 23A of the M4 motorway, providing excellent connectivity to South Wales and South West England. The Park’s location between major urban centres either side of the Severn Bridge, and the quality of space delivered at the scheme, is encouraging a diverse range of manufacturing and distribution businesses to choose Newport as their preferred location to facilitate their growth.

Solus joins a number of other high-profile occupiers at St. Modwen Park Newport including Amazon, Genpower, Mitel and Ureka Global.

Ben Quarrie, Development Director at St. Modwen Logistics, commented: “We are pleased to be welcoming Solus to St. Modwen Park Newport, with this deal adding to the growing number of businesses already operating at the park. We know how important access to the national transport infrastructure is for our customers and being placed at the gateway to South Wales makes Newport an ideal location for Solus and our community of businesses to thrive.

“There remains an acute undersupply of suitable logistics space in the region and we are continuing to explore opportunities to deliver even more space, including the possibility of a variety of bespoke, build-to-suit units upto 600,000 sq ft for interested companies.”

St. Modwen Logistics Lets DC in Wales

Posted on 10 January, 2024 by David Priestman

Solus joins a number of other high-profile occupiers at St. Modwen Park Newport including Amazon, Genpower, Mitel and Ureka Global.

Premiere for Yale Reliant Lift Truck

Posted on 9 January, 2024 by David Priestman

With Yale Reliant, a package of advanced operator assistance systems, Yale Lift Truck Technologies is putting ergonomics and occupational safety centre stage at LogiMAT in Stuttgart. In Hall 10 F20 from 19 to 21 March 2024 the intralogistics solutions provider will bring its international insight, local knowledge, and previously unseen products and new technologies to show how warehouses can optimise opportunities and outsmart their biggest challenges.

At LogiMAT, visitors can see a live demo of Yale Reliant, a system that can continually monitor people, trucks and loads and can recognise and help avoid hazards. With around 5,000 units already in use in the USA, it is a multiple award-winning solution developed with customer-driven design.

The system combines location-based and event-based functionality. Examples include if the operator lifts a load above recommended heights or where there is increased pedestrian traffic, obstacles or other hazards.

The speed is automatically reduced at the end of an aisle, at junctions or in the event of obstacles. Among other features, pedestrian areas are avoided, the fork height adapts to the surroundings and the sight lines support the driver.

Logistics managers around the world are looking for solutions that support warehouse safety across all lift truck types. With this solution, Yale Lift Truck Technologies is also responding to the trend towards higher goods turnover and the simultaneous shortage of skilled labour in the logistics market.

“With 100 years of experience and a network of independent dealers with local knowledge, we are helping customers worldwide by delivering solutions for the real-world challenges they face today,” says Ron Farr, Director, Warehouse Sales EMEA at Yale. “At the same time, our experience gives us the insight to understand the future intralogistics roadmap and provide the support to guide our customers past the next challenges.”

“Yale Reliant demonstrates how we tailor our advanced technologies as a customised solution. Key customers in the USA are already using the solution and we look forward to launching in Europe with decision makers who are concerned about the growing skills shortage as volumes increase,” he continues. “From order pickers and reach trucks to tow tractors and counterbalance trucks, we offer a wide range of integrated technologies and are one of the few suppliers on the market to offer comprehensive and customised solutions for operator assistance systems.”

Yale Lift Truck Technologies leverages over a century of material handling experience and substantial investment in innovation to bring the most advanced technology-driven lift truck solutions to market. The company offers a full line of award-winning lift trucks, including reach trucks, order pickers, very narrow aisle trucks, pallet jacks and trucks, pallet stackers, tow tractors and counterbalanced forklifts, as well as powerful operator assist solutions, proven robotics and a wide range of power sources to help customers adapt to today’s demanding supply chain. Yale and its independent dealer network support these solutions with comprehensive after-sales service, parts, financing and training.

Traceability in Logistics with new Labelling Machine

Posted on 9 January, 202429 July, 2025 by David Priestman

With the global logistics labels market poised for significant growth in the coming years, Domino Printing Sciences is pleased to announce the launch of its new Mx-Series print and apply labelling machines. The growing need for traceability within global supply chains is fuelling demand for reliable product labelling solutions that promote quick and accurate data sharing. Recognising this need, Domino developed the Mx-Series for fully integrated, automated, GS1-compliant coding of products and pallets.

Feedback from extended customer testing, which took place at sites across Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands, highlighted two key benefits that specifically resonated with Domino’s test customers: the printer’s high-speed variable data printing capabilities, up to ten times faster than previous generation print and apply labellers, and enhanced connectivity options to facilitate data sharing.

Designed and manufactured to European Standards, Domino’s Mx-Series printers offer market-leading build quality and reliability, alongside variable data capabilities, and Industry-4.0 connectivity, for data collection and sharing across supply chains. Advanced connectivity and configuration options include machine vision for automated code inspection and validation; and coding automation for enhanced data sharing, including integration into factory MES and ERP systems.

“Reliable, consistent, and accurate product labelling is crucial for the global logistics sector,” says Jan Lindgren, Customer Operations and Site Director at Domino. “Our Industry-4.0 ready Mx-Series print and apply labellers have been created in recognition of this need – providing fully-variable data coding, with labels printed to exact customer specifications, and connectivity options to enable seamless sharing with supply chain partners.”

As all production lines are unique, printers in the Mx-Series range have been developed to suit a range of different production environments, and with a smaller overall footprint compared with previous print and apply labellers for easy integration. Printers are available as both left- and right-hand options, with options for 4” and 6” printheads, and both tamp and swing applicators, with variants providing different running modes to suit different production applications. The company is expected to announce more customisable features, including additional applicator types and further connectivity options, in the coming months.

“The Mx-Series platform builds on our global reputation for excellence – with the quality standards our customers have come to expect from Domino – while delivering a whole new range of capabilities to satisfy new market demands,” says Sharmil Ghouse, Global Head of TTO and P&A at Domino. “We are very pleased to be able to offer this state-of-the-art solution to our existing customers, and any business looking to embrace automation, integration, and increased traceability.”

Creating Safe Conveyor Transitions

Posted on 9 January, 202429 July, 2025 by David Priestman

At LogiMAT this year Flexco Europe will showcase innovative solutions for safe belt conveyor transport. LogiMAT 2024 will take place in Stuttgart from March 19th to 21st. Flexco Europe is a specialist for mechanical belt conveyor fastening systems and will once again focus on its transfer solutions at this year’s trade show. The new transfer plates for roller conveyors will be showcased together with the proven segmented transfer plates. Flexco Europe will be demonstrating how the individual solutions are used in Hall 5, Stand 5G52, using a demonstration model.

At LogiMAT, Flexco Europe will present its new roller conveyor transfer plates (RCTP) to a specialist public. The RCTPs can be installed in belt driven, line shaft driven, chain-driven and motorized drive roller conveyors. This solution ensures that envelopes, polybags, and small parcels do not get lost between the rollers – a common problem in conveyor systems. The RCTP covers the gap between two rollers. With the new solution, conveyors are not only more productive, but also safer, because employees no longer have to reach between the rollers to pull out products, reducing the risk of injury. The roller conveyor transfer plates are suitable for large quantities of packaged products that can differ greatly, ranging from soft and flexible to dense and compact.

Visitors to the trade show will also see Flexco’s Segmented Transfer Plates for conveyor systems. With a low coefficient of friction, they work together to provide reliable transfer points where items can easily slide from belt to belt or to the transfer hopper to transport packages and cartons safely. Conveyed material frequently accumulates at transfer points and falls to the ground, especially at airports. This can damage the contents of packages. The Segmented Transfer Plates allow the material to slide easily over the transfer plate. Flexco Europe has two transfer plate variants, suitable for belts of up to 1,524 millimeters and gaps of 100 250 or 38 75 millimeters. The bright yellow color of the segments helps maintenance personnel monitor them and replace them quickly if necessary.

Flexco Europe will also exhibit another practical solution for transferring conveyed material safely – ‘Hitch Guard’. The Hitch Guard ensures that no small objects can become lodged at the critical points of the conveyor belts, preventing damage to the belt. If foreign bodies become lodged along the belt profile, individual segments become detached from the support bar. However, the other segments do not move. The result is a high level of operational efficiency. The segments are easy to install. Flexco Europe can also provide an optional mounting design if optical scanners are used in the systems.

The supplier will use a belt model at the trade fair to demonstrate how the Segmented Transfer Plates, the Hitch Guard on the conveyor belt, and the new Transfer Plates for roller belt conveyors work in actual practice. The various solutions are designed to work together.

Creating Safe Conveyor Transitions

Posted on 9 January, 202429 July, 2025 by David Priestman

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