Subscribe

Category: Uncategorised

Two new ambient DCs in Le Havre port

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Seafrigo Group is inaugurating a 60,000 sq m (650,000 sq ft) ambient temperature logistics platform in Le Havre, in the port area and in the immediate vicinity of its PLS flagship (Parc Logistique Seafrigo), in partnership with Haropa Port.

The two new buildings, 30,000 sq m each, owned by AG Real Estate and operated by Seafrigo for a fixed 12-year period, will be operating at full capacity by the end of the year and will accommodate logistics flows for large retailers and manufacturers in the food industry.

This new complex is designed as a true multimodal hub that will enable the company to strengthen its CSR strategy: the buildings will soon be connected to the railway network and a quay will be created to boost river traffic and encourage modal transfer to the ports of Paris.

On the social front, dozens of jobs will be created in the Le Havre economic basin, positioning the company as a leader for local development.

Eric Barbé, Chairman and CEO of the Seafrigo Group, said: “We are proud to share this joint project with Le Havre regional management and to offer our customers this new multimodal logistics park, ideally located in the heart of the port’s shipping areas. Seafrigo Group will continue to grow in the years to come, with other projects currently under study both in France and abroad. Our commitment is to master the entire logistics chain for the global and continued satisfaction of our partners.”

Baptiste Maurand, Managing Director of Haropa Port, added: “We are pleased to support this ambitious project. Seafrigo is currently one of the main employers in the port area and this new facility is a strong marker of growth and stability for our sectors. In this we share a common ambition: to contribute towards making Le Havre a maritime metropolis and the Seine axis a multimodal corridor.”

Putting the last mile first in 2022

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Whilst hard to believe that it’s almost two years since we first heard about Covid-19 with uncertainty remaining about its longer-term effects on society, one thing appears absolutely clear: the pandemic has influenced consumer habits to such a degree that the upward trend in online shopping is most likely irreversible, writes Graham Sharp, Managing Director of Stanley Handling.

Since the first lockdown in March 2020, the UK’s e-commerce sector has experienced the highest online sales growth in 13 years with total online sales growth for 2020 rising by almost 40% year-on-year. This change in customer behaviour, in part forced upon society due to Covid-19 restrictions, has put significant pressure on retailers to stock items and be able to deliver quickly, in many cases the next day, in order to remain competitive.

The impact of both the pandemic and Brexit on the supply chains across all sectors of industry continues to hamper the economic recovery and consumer sentiment, which has been widely documented. When it comes to last-mile delivery, retailers are faced with a range of issues, including but not limited to: driver shortages; single-person delivery; gender pay equality; ageing of workforce; and mitigation from Covid-19.

With the now ubiquitous Black Friday season and also Christmas imminent, the last-mile process is under enormous pressure and this year is likely to be one of the most challenging ever faced by retailers.

Whilst there has been massive investment and technological development in warehouse management systems over the past decade, such as in AI-based automation, robotics and data analytics, the supply chain industry has been under pressure to change more rapidly, as a result of higher volumes of orders and more demanding customer expectations.

Protecting staff from risk of injury through manual handling, whilst optimising operative efficiency and managing costs, is an area where innovation and smart thinking therefore needs to play a vital role.

In the USA, solutions implemented by businesses to protect staff have been shown to lower insurance premiums, as part of efforts to avoid the damaging effects of corporate litigation. In the UK, this approach is being taken by insurers to reduce the cost of motor insurance, by encouraging motorists and businesses to utilise vehicle dashcams and fleet-wide GPS trackers to reduce premiums. I would reasonably expect meaningful efforts to reduce personnel injury to positively impact on business insurance premiums over the coming years.

Even before the pandemic, the latest available statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) showed that improper manual handling costs the UK economy hundreds of millions of pounds each year with more than 480,000 injuries recorded. Musculoskeletal injuries account for over 40% of all work-related sickness and HSE data shows that more than 8.9 million working days are lost to this type of injury each year.

With job vacancies at an all-time high, businesses simply cannot afford to have staff off work as a consequence of not investing in equipment or processes designed to improve efficiency and minimise risk.

As a strategic business partner to retailers across the UK, Stanley has proven to add value through the provision of specially designed solutions. Following a successful trial of our equipment, we became a supply and maintenance partner to ASDA in 2021, which was the first supermarket to roll-out powered stair climbers to its urban delivery fleet.

Similarly, the use of innovative wearable devices which utilise artificial intelligence (AI) to measure forces on the body and identify hazardous actions are now being trialled. A major benefit of AI is that data can encourage employees to self-manage their wellbeing, whilst management can use it to implement wider business improvements.

In our experience of supporting customers with such technology, operatives can embed correct handling techniques into their working lives, reduce the risk of injury and help create a culture of safety and productivity.

Now more than ever, I would urge the logistics sector to consider innovative ways of helping tackle the challenges of the last mile.

Industrial park in Hanover breaks ground

Posted on by Keith McKinley

With a symbolic turf-cutting act, construction work has begun for an industrial park that Garbe Industrial Real Estate GmbH is developing in Hanover-Langenhagen. A state-of-the-art property with a total hall area of 15,500 sq m is being built in the immediate vicinity of the international airport. Completion is planned for May 2022. The investment volume amounts to €18m.

Small- and medium-sized enterprises in particular are to be addressed with the project development. “They impress with their innovative strength and form the backbone of the German economy,” says Adrian Zellner, Member of the Executive Board and Head of Business Development at Garbe Industrial Real Estate. The Hamburg-based company has designed a new type of building for this target group: the Garbe IndustrialQuarter. The format is being implemented for the first time in Langenhagen.

The IndustrialQuarter is primarily characterised by a resource-saving construction method and an area key that can be flexibly tailored to the needs of the tenants. The property planned in Langenhagen consists of four hall sections of up to 4,200 sq m, which can be divided into units starting at around 1,800 sq m. Each unit includes office and social areas that total almost 1,000 sq m.

In addition, each unit has ramps and floor-level sectional doors for loading and unloading trucks. “These small sizes make the Garbe IndustrialQuarter especially interesting for start-ups and expanding companies in the areas of last-mile logistics, wholesale, e-commerce and light industrial,” emphasises Zellner.

LIST Bau Nordhorn was commissioned with the construction as general contractor. “We look forward to working with Garbe again and building a modern logistics centre within the next seven months. A lot of work has gone into the design of the facade, which visually stands out from the familiar look of a logistics hall with wooden elements and a strip of light,” reports Jens Schulte, Hamburg site manager at LIST Bau Nordhorn.

The property in Langenhagen is being built without any fixed rental commitments. “We are currently in talks with a number of potential tenants. Demand is big. This is not only due to the new type of building, but also to the excellent location,” explains Adrian Zellner. The IndustrialQuarter is being built on a 32,000 sq m plot of land in the “Am Pferdemarkt” industrial park.

It is only 1km from the A 352 motorway. It connects the location with the airport, the A2 Dortmund-Berlin and the A7 Kassel-Hamburg motorways. The industrial park is connected to public transport. The closest bus stop is 100m away and the Langenhagen-Pferdemarkt S-Bahn station is 800m away.

The new building will be erected on a brownfield. “In order to create new settlement potential, we had the existing building demolished and have comprehensively revitalised the area,” says Zellner.

The IndustrialQuarter is developed in such a way that it meets recognised ESG criteria. A photovoltaic system is installed on the roof to generate renewable energy. Skylight domes and a ribbon of windows extending around the entire building ensure more daylight inside the hall and reduce electricity consumption. The facade is partly designed with wooden elements.

Garbe Industrial Real Estate is aiming for certification according to the gold standard of the German Sustainable Building Council for the property.

Inside the warehouse with retailer Sisi & Seb

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Carley Bassett, managing director of luxury children’s brand Sisi & Seb, shares how her team managed demand during the pandemic and the benefits of outsourcing fulfilment to Diamond Logistics.

What trends are you seeing in the luxury children’s products market? How do you expect the market to change in the next few years?

People really love unisex products and items that have longevity so they often buy gender neutral clothing. I find parents want items that will last, are different and good quality, but at a fair price. Now more than ever sustainability is key and I think (and hope) that this will continue in the next few years.

How have you overcome the challenges of Brexit and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic? 

I am definitely still dealing with them, a lot of stress, worry and wine in equal measures to get through both! 2020 was a tough and unpredictable year, we saw a huge demand for online shopping. It was difficult to plan 2021 off the back of that.

Has the pandemic changed how you operate? If so, how?

I was lucky to have moved into fulfilment prior to the pandemic, therefore still able to dispatch orders. We saw huge demand and had to move quickly to put new systems in place and to recruit a bigger team. The first lockdown was crazy. Thankfully I had Diamond, but I was doing the marketing, accounting, social media and customer service by myself. We have grown quickly and now have two members of staff, an amazing warehouse and a fantastic accountant for which I am so grateful.

We know how important packaging and the un-boxing experience is in 2021. How has Diamond supported you in your un-boxing ambitions?

Diamond really understands my desire to have eco-friendly packaging and where we can, no plastic. Our packaging is all cardboard/paper and recyclable. We also gift wrap, as we realised people weren’t able to do so themselves during the pandemic.

How has Diamond Logistics supported your growth and the safe delivery of your products? 

They have been amazing quite frankly. It is such a fast-paced environment with e-commerce but Mandy Watkins-Smith, managing director at Diamond Logistics Bristol, and her team are always so fast to respond to queries and process customer returns quickly and efficiently. I have been able to put faith in them and grow the areas of the business that I need to. I am able to rest in the knowledge they are dealing with the logistics efficiently and with utmost care and attention.

What should retailers think about when choosing a fulfilment partner? What have been the benefits of partnering with Diamond?

As with anything you have to get along with the team and make sure you’re a good fit. Customer experience is key, as is making sure orders are processed in a timely manner. We are all human and mistakes can happen so you have to work with a fulfilment partner which is transparent and vice versa. I really feel like Diamond has helped me grow my business in the time I have been with them, and it’s been a leap in the right direction for us.

Reflecting on the last year, what advice would you give to an emerging retailer of children’s products?

First and foremost make sure you prioritise a professional quality service over a lower price (particularly with accountants and fulfilment centres). Transparency is key in all that you do, whether that is with your customers or the professionals you partner with. eCommerce is super hard, competitive (particularly in this field) and ever changing so keep going and make sure you give yourself the credit you deserve. Sometimes it feels like you haven’t achieved anything but every little step is a move forward!

IMHX is back – and it’s live!

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Next September sees the return of IMHX – the UK’s premier logistics solutions and intralogistics technology event. IMHX 2022 will open for business at the NEC, Birmingham, on 6th September 2022 and will showcase the developments that are reshaping the post-pandemic global logistics industry over three days.

IMHX 2022 event director, Rob Fisher, commented: “Nothing compares with the power of face-to-face meetings and the opportunity to engage with product demonstrations and interactive displays that a ‘live’, in-person event provides.

“IMHX 2022 will be the essential gathering place for UK logistics professionals to reconnect with the industry, stay ahead of supply chain trends and source the latest storage and handling solutions from some of the world’s most innovative and influential manufacturers and suppliers.”

Logistics Business, a long-time IMHX exhibitor and media partner, has already reserved its stand – 4J30 – at IMHX 2022, where we will be looking forward to meeting readers, subscribers and industry colleagues.

Warehouse automation

The opportunity to see working demonstrations of the latest automated handling technology – from entry level solutions to fully automated warehouse systems  – is certain to be one of the main attractions of IMHX 2022.

“Interest in warehouse automation has been growing exponentially over several years and the impact of Brexit and the pandemic on the availability of picking staff, forklift drivers and other warehouse personnel has driven demand for the automated guided vehicles, autonomous vehicles and other forms of robotics to new levels,” said Fisher.

IMHX 2022 will also be the place to examine the advanced lift truck power sources, such as lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cells, that are remodelling the way that many companies operate their intralogistics processes.

Fisher commented: “With heightened environmental concerns, the market for low – or zero – emission fuel technologies is growing significantly and many of the companies at the forefront of the low emission lift truck revolution will be highlighting their latest models at IMHX 2022.”

E-commerce technology

Meanwhile, with the sustained growth of e-commerce driving demand for specialist order fulfilment services, IMHX 2022 is well placed for visitors to compare order picking systems, packaging technology and parcel sortation solutions.

With over 25,000 sq ft of exhibition space, IMHX 2022 enjoys cross-industry support from the UK’s leading logistics industry associations and trade bodies, including: Automated Material Handling Systems Association (AMHSA), the UK Materials Handling Association (UKMHA); and the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA).

Dave Berridge, Secretary of AMHSA, commented: “As the world realigns post-pandemic, vibrant business events like IMHX 2022 will provide vital meeting places for logistics professionals to reconnect and discover new ways of improving their businesses.”

Clare Bottle, CEO of the UK Warehousing Association, said: “IMHX is a melting pot for all elements of the third party logistics, supply chain planning and materials handling industries. It is the perfect place to connect manufacturers and suppliers of a host of products and services with the organisations that have the most to gain from them.”

UK Materials Handling Association CEO, Tim Waples, said: “A visit to IMHX is always a great chance to see the complete range of materials handling equipment, from conventional fork lift trucks and pallet movers to state-of-the-art intralogistics solutions, all under one roof. This is a wonderful opportunity to understand how modern technology can integrate with conventional handling solutions to deliver the operational benefits supply chain bosses are looking for.”

Fisher added: “We’ve got lots of exciting plans for IMHX 2022 which will ensure that every aspect of the event is relevant for the challenges and opportunities presenting themselves to companies in the logistics and supply chain sectors today.

”The past 18 months or so has been an extremely challenging time for everyone, so it will be great to be back at the NEC and I look forward to safely welcoming visitors and exhibitors alike to an event where it is certain that a lot of business will be done.”

IMHX 2022 is co-owned by Informa Exhibitions and the UK Materials Handling Association (formerly BITA – the British Industrial Truck Association).

Patrizia expands logistics footprint in Spain

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Patrizia AG, a leading partner for global real assets, has forward purchased a logistics warehouse development in Illescas, Spain, for approx. €56m, on behalf of its institutional clients. The asset will have a combined surface of 92,000 sq m and is scheduled to be completed by the first quarter of 2023.

The investment was made on behalf of a Patrizia logistics flagship fund for its institutional clients and further strengthens the already significant logistics portfolio of the firm.

Martin Trodden, Fund Management Patrizia, explained: “We are delighted to add the Illescas forward purchase deal to our portfolio in Spain. The logistics sector has proven to be safe haven during the Covid-19 pandemic. As economic recovery takes hold, we are seeing continued growth in e-commerce and increasing demand from logistics occupiers. Despite many new entrants to this investment sector, our specialist logistics funds benefit from a long track record and unique market insight that allow us to find value in this asset class.”

“This acquisition will add another modern, flexible and competitive asset in the second logistic ring of Madrid to our growing logistics portfolio in Iberia,” Eduardo de Roda, Country Manager of Patrizia Iberia, explained. “We are particularly pleased that as part of our commitment to delivering net zero carbon assets, these buildings will have the highly coveted LEED Silver certification, based on their commitment to energy efficiency and to the environment.”

In order to deliver flexible assets, attractive for several tenants and able to provide increased asset management opportunities, the warehouses in Illescas can be divided into up to six modules from 14,000 sq m each.

Illescas is one of the main nodes of the second logistics ring in the so-called ‘central zone’ of Spain and has direct access to the A-42 highway that connects Madrid with Toledo. This area has become one of the most strategic and demanded by distribution and logistics companies due to its excellent connections, proximity to Madrid and the competitiveness of its assets compared to those in other nearby locations. Large consumer and distribution companies such as Amazon, Michelin, XPO, Airbus, Dia, Zalando, Seur and Correos, among many others, are already located there.

Since year end of 2019, the AUM of Patrizia’s logistics segment has grown by 84% to over €5.8bn. Besides being a ‘safe haven’ investment and a key contributor to local resiliency, logistics assets display a strong demand and low vacancy rates across Europe, and its yields consistently outperform those by other asset classes.

With this transaction, Patrizia further strengthens its presence in the logistics segment in Spain, in which it already has assets with a total area of more than 620,000 sq m throughout the country. As a whole, the logistics segment represents around 40% of the assets that Patrizia manages in Iberia, whose total value exceeds €1.4bn.

DSV opens doors at Leics. hub

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Just 10 months after commencement on site, DSV is celebrating the practical completion of a 522,000 sq ft industrial facility and offices. The scheme – designed, constructed and partially fitted out by Winvic Construction Ltd during the pandemic – is located at the 238-acre Mercia Park in north-west Leicestershire.

The plot comprises three buildings – totalling 522,000 sq ft – and contains:

  • 104 dock levellers:
  • A 358,000 sq ft steel-framed warehouse containing three mezzanine floors and two single-storey hub offices totalling 4,360 sq ft
  • A 112,000 sq ft cross-dock terminal
  • A 35,660 sq ft three-storey office building

The large stand-alone office building was designed and executed to meet DSV’s global standard with high-spec fitted office spaces found within the warehouse buildings. The prominent design features to the main office include a glass lift, wood-panelled walls in an oak finish and a feature staircase. The external works package included 381,700 sq ft yard space plus car parking for 406 vehicles, and the programme contained all drainage, retaining wall, and hard and soft landscaping works.

Surinder Dubro, Managing Director, in DSV, commented: “We commissioned the project in September to construct a building in the heart of England to accommodate all three divisions of DSV. The main shared user warehouse facility operated by our DSV Solutions Division will provide logistics services for two existing platforms clients and will ensure both seasonal capacity and growth can be accommodated.

“The facility will also be fitted out with DSV Factory Fulfilment automation. This plug and play system will allow clients to enter an automated tote bin and grid system where robots pick the goods and deliver direct to the packing teams.”

This UK £2.5m DSV investment is one of six initial systems being installed in Europe with an initial investment of over £20m with more to come across the globe and is a clear strategy to ensure DSV delivers operational excellence.

Local Management, Marc Coleman, Louis Ataria and Sarah Pritchett shall be welcoming their teams from two existing locations to the new site from mid-October, which shall bring new job opportunities to the local area of Mercia Park.

Vice President, Jesper Hansen, added: “This is a huge enhancement to our portfolio, the state-of-the-art facility is ideally situated to operate as the key main hub for our distribution network, servicing the entire country. The location complements our already established infrastructure across Europe, adding significantly to our continuously developing DSV groupage network.”

The project has been designed and constructed in accordance with the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) under the 2018 framework to achieve excellence in respect of water and energy efficiency. To name a few initiatives, rainwater harvesting will be used for flushing toilets to reduce consumption of potable water, sustainable drainage systems have been implemented as well as solar photovoltaics for electrical power contribution.

High-performance LED lighting supported by motion sensors have been installed, reducing the total power demand whilst meeting best practice. As part of the Mercia Park site wide scheme beyond the site boundary, there is the creation of landscape buffers and large-scale planting using native woodland species, planting for wildlife habitat and wildflower buffers, roosting boxes for bats and nesting boxes for birds.

The project’s progress has been streamed throughout construction and the completed buildings with their striking striped cladding can still be seen on Winvic Live in timelapse videos.

Winvic Construction Director, Rob Bull, said: “The DSV project bucks the industrial facility trend because it comprises separate buildings for the main warehouse, cross-dock and offices, but there was no doubt that we could carefully sequence the construction and fit-out works to build them all simultaneously and within ten months. Additionally, our team led by Project Manager David Gilbert knew that the aesthetics, material quality and execution had to meet DSV’s high global design standards, and we’re as thrilled as DSV are about the exceptional finish achieved.”

ASOS unveils new Lichfield DC

Posted on by Keith McKinley

ASOS, one of the world’s leading online fashion retailers, has formally opened its state-of-the-art fulfilment centre in Lichfield, Staffordshire, with Michael Fabricant, Conservative MP for Lichfield and Cllr Doug Pullen, Conservative Leader of Lichfield District Council.

The facility at Fradley Park, which will employ 2,000 people over the next three years, is being managed by GXO Logistics, and has already recruited more than 700 people.

ASOS will invest a total of £90m in the new 437,000 sq ft fulfilment centre and will use it to serve customers in the UK and over 150 countries around the world. ASOS expects to ship over 30 million units in the site’s first year, and up to 4.5m units per week once the site is fully operational and automation is complete. The site will enable ASOS to meet increasing customer demand and support its ambitions of reaching £7bn of annual revenue within the next three to four years.

Mat Dunn, Chief Operating Officer at ASOS, said: “We are thrilled to be celebrating the opening of our brand-new warehouse in Lichfield, which will support our ambitious international growth plans and bring a significant number of jobs to the area. Our choice of Lichfield reflects the skills and talent it has to offer and we’re looking forward to becoming part of the local community in the years ahead.”

Paul Scully, Business Minister, said: “As we build back better from the pandemic, we want to level up our country with new jobs, and big investments from businesses like ASOS will play a major part in that. It’s brilliant that ASOS – a British success story – is investing in Staffordshire with the creation of a new fulfilment centre and 2,000 jobs to boot, providing a welcome boost for the local economy and people in and around Lichfield.”

Michael Fabricant, MP for Lichfield, said: “Lichfield District is ideal as a location for ASOS’ new global warehouse as it sits in the middle of the country and is well connected to our road system. But Lichfield is much more than that. It has a highly educated, well-motivated and skilled workforce so the District has attracted many hi-tech industries. In addition, it is a great place to live with lively night life combined with a historic centre. I welcome ASOS to Fradley and wish them the very best for the future.”

Councillor Doug Pullen, Leader of Lichfield District Council, added: “It’s wonderful to be able to welcome ASOS to Lichfield District – we’re delighted ASOS selected this location to support the next stage of its global growth. As well as creating local employment and supply chain opportunities, I know ASOS are keen to play an active role in our community and I look forward to working with them in the years ahead. We are ideally located for this type of facility with a skilled local workforce, excellent infrastructure and a high quality of life.”

The Fradley Park warehouse joins a growing number of global fulfilment centres for ASOS. ASOS currently operates three other fulfilment centres, in Barnsley, Berlin and Atlanta.

Prologis receives sustainability honour

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Prologis, a global leader in logistics real estate, has been recognised by HRH The Prince of Wales for its enduring commitment to building a sustainable future.

His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, through his Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI), has launched the Terra Carta Seal which recognises private sector companies who are leading their peers in creating genuinely sustainable markets. The award is being given to just 45 companies in the world – companies that have distinguished themselves as being leaders in sustainability innovation.

Prologis has for decades demonstrated its commitment to sustainable building practices and cutting-edge innovation and technology. The world’s largest builder and operator of logistics real estate, the company has stated its goal of achieving green certification for all new developments and redevelopments globally.

“We are honoured to be part of this prestigious initiative that puts nature, people and the planet at the heart of global value creation,” said Ben Bannatyne, President of Prologis Europe. “We share in this with our own vision for enduring excellence in real estate, building lasting relationships and a better environment for our customers, employees and the communities that we are part of.”

“We’re pleased to join His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, and the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s work to help shape a more sustainable future for all,” said Prologis co-founder and CEO Hamid R. Moghadam. “This is something we have long practiced at Prologis. It is simply doing our part to create a better, cleaner world for this generation and for generations to come.”

His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, said: “The Terra Carta Seal recognises those organisations which have made a serious commitment to a future that is much more sustainable, and puts Nature, People and the Planet at the heart of the economy. We all need to make changes if we are to preserve the planet for our children and grandchildren and these businesses have pledged to make it easier for us all to do so.”

A leader in green building

As part of Prologis‘ efforts to reduce carbon emissions and meet its science-based targets, the company has committed to achieving 100% carbon-neutral construction globally by 2025 and is partnering with its customers to decarbonise their operations. Additionally, the company is on track to reach its goal of 400MW of solar capacity on its buildings by 2025. The company is also an industry leader in issuing green bonds to fund investments in sustainable buildings and renewable energy projects across the globe.

Further, Prologis regularly conducts a comprehensive materiality assessment to inform its understanding of the impact of its operations on the environment, the economy and society. This assessment engages a variety of stakeholders, including employees, customers, non-profit organisations and suppliers to capture a spectrum of internal and external viewpoints.

Rushlift wins lucrative global GSE contract

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Rushlift GSE, the specialist airport ground support equipment subsidiary of Doosan Industrial Vehicles UK, has entered into a six-year global framework agreement with airport ground services company, Menzies Aviation, to supply GSE equipment.

Under the arrangement, Rushlift GSE will initially lease 650 brand-new vehicles to Menzies Aviation’s ground handling operations at Heathrow and Gatwick airports. The multi-million-pound contract will include the provision of a fleet of pushback tugs and HI loaders from Trepel, mobile conveyor belts and electric baggage and pushback tugs from TLD, and trailers from UK manufacturer TBD. The staged rollout, which is already underway, will continue through to Q2 2022 and is timed to align with the expected resurgence in passenger air travel.

Tim Willett, Operations Director at Rushlift GSE, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Menzies Aviation in supporting their operations at Heathrow and Gatwick airports, and for the opportunity to expand our cooperation internationally.

“This contract further underscores Rushlift GSE’s capability to support large corporations. Rushlift are experts in large start-ups, as demonstrated by previous programmes, such as a recent major rollout for easyJet at Gatwick.

“In line with Menzies’ environmental objectives, we will be introducing a number of electric GSE vehicles over the six-year term of the contract. We are also exploring alternative fuel options, including Biofuels and Hydrogen. One of the huge advantages of being a subsidiary of Doosan – a global engineering enterprise – is that we have access to a world-leading team of specialists dedicated to researching sustainable, alternative fuels.”

Stephen Gallagher, SVP GSE and Equipment for Menzies Aviation, said: “The reliability and uptime of our ground handling equipment is absolutely imperative to the service we provide – our reputation depends upon it. We’re confident that Rushlift GSE will provide the GSE and support we’re looking for, both here in the UK and overseas.”

 

Subscribe

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