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XPO and PepsiCo Announce UK Transport Partnership

Posted on by David Priestman

XPO Logistics has entered into a major new partnership with PepsiCo to become their chosen core transport partner for England and Wales. The partnership with XPO Logistics will operate across all four of its main UK distribution sites in Leicester, Lutterworth, Coventry, and Warrington.

PepsiCo is one of the world’s leading food and beverage manufacturers. Every day, millions of people across the UK enjoy PepsiCo’s snacks, oats and carbonated soft drinks. The company’s portfolio encompasses world famous brands such as Pepsi MAX, Doritos, 7UP Zero Sugar, and Quaker Oats, alongside its much-loved, local and regional brands, including Walkers, Wotsits, Monster Munch, and Pipers.

Beyond the cupboard staples and snack-time favourites, PepsiCo is a business committed to driving positive action for the planet and people, through its PepsiCo Positive (pep+) agenda. Launched in 2021, pep+ is PepsiCo’s end-to-end sustainability and business strategy. It’s a framework that drives action across agriculture, supply chains, product portfolios, and communities. To support this vision, PepsiCo has selected XPO Logistics as a key partner to advance its decarbonisation strategy in the UK.

Under the new partnership, XPO Logistics will deploy state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz eActros electric vehicles, converting more than 1 million road kilometres annually from diesel to battery electric. This transition represents a reduction of over 1,200 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year from PepsiCo’s transport operations — a critical step on the road to net zero emissions by 2050.

But sustainability is about more than just trucks. At the heart of the initiative is XPO Logistics’ proprietary CO₂ Reporting Dashboard, a cutting-edge tool powered by AI-driven scenario modelling, live data analytics, and proactive planning insights. This system enables PepsiCo to track, verify, and optimise carbon reduction strategies in real-time, while improving logistics efficiency and service to customers.

Dan Myers, Managing Director – UK and Ireland, XPO Logistics, said: “Sustainability is in our DNA. We are proud to partner with PepsiCo on this journey, combining investment in electric mobility with advanced technology and operational excellence. Our shared ambition goes beyond compliance — it’s about transformation. I believe this is just the beginning of what we can achieve together.”

This collaboration forms a key part of PepsiCo’s broader decarbonisation journey, demonstrating how purposeful partnerships can accelerate climate action and improve value chain resilience. With shared values, shared investment, and a shared vision, PepsiCo and XPO Logistics are delivering a positive impact for consumers, the supply chain, and the planet.

Heiko Selzam, Managing Director, Daimler Truck UK, said: “We are very proud to strengthen our partnership further with XPO Logistics with this order of our award-winning eActros 600s for the PepsiCo partnership. This commitment underscores the recognition of both companies of the critical role these vehicles will play in achieving their sustainability goals. Following extensive collaboration, this order firmly establishes the eActros 600 as a leading solution in the electric truck market. We are looking forward to seeing these trucks operational from 1 August.”

Andrew Smethurst, UK Logistics Director, PepsiCo, said, “XPO Logistics has shown itself to be the ideal partner to help advance our PepsiCo Positive ambition. From their industry-leading sustainability credentials to a strong safety culture and transparent operational model, their team has consistently delivered innovation and value. This new partnership will play a vital role in further reducing our logistics emissions as we move iconic products like Walkers crisps and Doritos to our customers across the UK.”

XPO Logistics is a leading innovative supply chain company in Europe, offering end-to-end logistics solutions that combine full-truckload, less-than-truckload, pallet distribution, last-mile delivery, global freight forwarding, and warehousing services. The company tailors its solutions to the specific needs of its customers in a wide range of industrial and consumer sectors.

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Technology Expertise United to Accelerate Fleet Electrification

Posted on by David Priestman

Hitachi ZeroCarbon and MUFG have joined forces to supercharge the global transition to electric vehicles by removing the technical and capital constraints to decarbonisation. In combining Hitachi’s technology and operational expertise with MUFG’s financial strength, fleets benefit from strategic EV guidance and support, and reliable access to low-cost capital that protects long-term asset value.

This partnership addresses the biggest barriers to electrification faced by fleets all around the world: capital availability and change management. Across the industry, fleet operators have less than a decade to decarbonise, but the cost of replacing diesel vehicles, installing new infrastructure or upskilling workers can delay or prevent businesses from reaping the benefits and revenue opportunities of the EV transition.

MUFG’s global financial strength and presence ensures that fleets can scale their electrification seamlessly across markets, while Hitachi’s platform helps operators to better understand, manage and optimise their assets, for example electric vehicles, batteries or charging infrastructure. Fleets maintain full operational control of their services while benefitting from the financial and technical expertise of both partners. Hitachi’s managed service maximises the residual value of assets, ensuring they can be reused or recycled at the end of the lease period, protecting investment returns for fleet operators.

Commenting on the partnership, Hiroki Miyashita, Managing Director of Business Co-creation Division at MUFG said: “We have a proud history of working closely with Hitachi, and our shared values and business philosophies have driven fundamental transformation across countless industries. We are committed to addressing the barriers in the way of societal progress, and combining our expertise with Hitachi will help the commercial fleet ecosystem decarbonise at speed, and realise the real-time benefits of electrification far more quickly.”

The model has already made its mark with the leading UK bus operator, First Bus. The operator is on a mission to decarbonise its 4500-bus fleet by 2035 and has already purchased more than 1000 EV batteries, and benefitted from managed services for 1500 buses to enable electrified operations.

First Group, the parent company of First Bus, has saved more than £20M in deferred capital, and is anticipating more than £40M in future savings. This NextGen project was recognised for Innovation of the Year at the IJGlobal Awards 2023, showing how technical and financial expertise underpins the successful decarbonisation of commercial fleets.

Ram Ramachander, Chief Executive Officer at Hitachi ZeroCarbon said: “Cost remains the greatest hurdle to fleet electrification. We’re removing that barrier by giving fleet managers the confidence that decarbonisation is not only achievable, but financially viable. With access to financing through partners like MUFG, operators can accelerate progress toward their net zero targets while unlocking new revenue streams. By helping customers optimise their assets, we’re enabling long-term investment returns and creating meaningful commercial value. It’s a win-win, advancing both sustainability and profitability, and making fleet electrification a practical reality.”

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Coca-Cola HBC Adds Extra Fizz to its Partnership

Posted on by Will Priestman

Coca-Cola HBC, the strategic bottling partner of the Coca-Cola company on the island of Ireland, has extended its long-term partnership with Wincanton, the leading supply chain partner to UK businesses. 

The contract extension until the end of 2026 builds on the two brands’ strong partnership which began in 2016 and marks a decade of collaboration.

As part of this collaboration, Wincanton will continue to provide warehouse operations management at Coca-Cola HBC’s dedicated facility in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, which handles over 52 million cases of popular brands such as Coca-Cola, Fanta and Monster per year.

Wincanton is also responsible for delivering operational efficiencies, incorporating volumes driven by the Deposit Return Scheme in the Republic of Ireland whilst also bringing logistics expertise to the facility to support the company’s ongoing growth.

Joanna Sneddon, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland Supply Chain Director said:

“Delivering high-quality products and service to our customers is our priority. We are pleased to grow our partnership with Wincanton on our journey to develop world class logistics service over the coming years.”

James Hurrell, MD for Grocery & Consumer at Wincanton, added:

“With its vision to be the world’s leading 24/7 beverage partner, we’re delighted to be supporting Coca-Cola HBC and its unique portfolio on its journey to exponential growth. 

“We look forward to continuing our work together and celebrating a decade of growth, innovation, and automation together.” 

The extended partnership also reflects a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation. Both companies are actively investing in greener supply chain practices, with Wincanton introducing initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and Coca-Cola HBC advancing its World Without Waste goals. This continued alignment on responsible logistics and environmental stewardship ensures that the partnership not only delivers operational excellence but also supports broader sustainability objectives.

Alongside its extended partnership with Coca-Cola HBC, Wincanton is undergoing significant transformation as it strengthens its market position through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. In early 2024, the company was acquired by GXO Logistics in a £762 million deal, which is currently under review by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). While the regulatory process continues, Wincanton remains focused on innovation and operational excellence. In a move to advance its automation capabilities, Wincanton also acquired inteq, a UK-based specialist in warehouse execution software and robotics integration. This acquisition brings inteq’s proprietary technology and expertise into Wincanton’s portfolio, enhancing its ability to deliver cutting-edge, efficient logistics solutions across its network.

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BOC Procure Articulated Flatbed Trailer Fleet

Posted on by David Priestman

BOC, the UK & Ireland’s largest provider of industrial, medical and specialist gases, began procuring specialist articulated flatbed trailers and rigid bodywork solutions from Tiger Trailers in 2023, and the 59 vehicles supplied by the Cheshire manufacturer in Q1 2025 take the running total to 135. Comprising 29 trailers and 30 rigid solutions, they signal an ever-strengthening and growing relationship.

Lorraine Purvis, BOC Head of Deliver – Cylinder Transport PGP, says: “The Tiger team have worked hard to deliver the needs of our business to a very high quality. The transport team are looking forward to integrating these vehicles into our fleet. I would like to thank them for their attention to detail and continued support they show us as a business. Also, a big thanks to Mark Beal our Fleet engineer who has worked tirelessly with Tiger to seek improvements on our fleet.”

Tiger’s flatbed trailers for the gas cylinder division of BOC’s fleet are designed for each transporting up to twenty-six BOC pintle pallets, secured in three rows of fifteen bottles, with a central aisle featuring a portable safety gate that closes off the load when part-laden. When not in use the gate is stowed within the front headboard. Following driver feedback from Schenk (formerly Suttons Tankers), various operational improvements have been implemented to the constantly expanding fleet.

The rear of the chassis is designed to provide an access ladder up to the central aisle, various components from the pintle blades to the grab handles are finished in yellow for safety, and a fire extinguisher and a tube document holder are fitted to each trailer to comply with ADR & IMDG regulations.

Ignacio Torres-Manzi, Tiger Trailers’ Technical Sales Manager, comments: “It is a great privilege for us to work with another fantastic customer and continue building upon the working relationship. A huge thanks to the wider BOC team for the continued efforts, with a particular shout-out to Mark Beal for all his expertise offered into the process. We look forward to the continuation of Tiger being a key partner to BOC for hopefully many years to come!”.

These new pintle trailers will be operating within the customer’s cylinder trunking network across the UK, Ireland, as well as into Europe, feeding the supply chain with full and made-up loads for onward distribution to its end customers. The trailers are operated by Schenk UK on behalf of BOC.

The latest order of rigid bodywork solutions from Tiger for BOC are built on DAF XB 18-tonne chassis from the Ford & Slater DAF dealership in Leeds. Designed for transporting eight pallets for easy delivery to a wide range of customers, the bodies are framed by galvanised plates on all four sides, with a pressed steel fabricated and galvanised walkway down the middle, and a large stowaway cylinder trolley fitted to the offside rear, completed with a kerb ramp. A downrated 1-tonne Dhollandia DHVOG.15. K1 1000.800 tail lift is incorporated at the back.

Other specification details of BOC’s latest Tiger rigid bodies include a small medical cylinder holder, a toolbox, cellar rope, full-enclosure wraparound safety gates, and solar platform lights to fully encompass the comprehensive BOC specification.

The new rigids will join a 100% fleet of DAF trucks and undertake the network distribution from 35 UK sites stretching from Inverness to Plymouth and Port Talbot to Thetford.

Part of the Linde Group, BOC’s fleet size is 650 vehicles from light vans, rigids from 14t to 32t, plus tractor units operating at 44 tonnes. The BOC trailer fleet, which includes tankers as well as the specialised pintle trailers consists of 320 vehicles across the UK & Ireland. The gases delivered cover every aspect of industry, from manufacturing and science to aviation and healthcare.

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Robotics Automation: Cutting Costs and Boosting Throughput

Posted on by David Priestman

In a strategic partnership that aims to redefine sustainable industry, global recycling giant GEM has teamed up with SEER Robotics, introducing robotics automation to fully automate its production line. The initiative, which includes the deployment of 27 advanced robots, covers the entire manufacturing chain—from raw material handling to final product dispatch.

“Operational costs halved, efficiency doubled, and precision perfected,” said GEM’s Project Director, describing what the company views as a transformative leap in green manufacturing. According to GEM, the automation has already led to a 50% reduction in labor costs and a significant increase in throughput, with robotic automation systems achieving 99% task accuracy.

This collaboration, however, goes beyond automation. It’s being described as a step toward building a closed-loop industrial model for the circular economy. By integrating SEER Robotics’s technical capabilities with GEM’s leadership in green energy, the project lays the foundation for scalable, intelligent upgrades across global manufacturing hubs.

The robots—equipped with real-time data uploading capabilities and integrated weighing sensors—feed information directly into GEM’s Manufacturing Execution and Evaluation System (MEES), allowing for greater visibility and control over production quality. Compatibility with JAM’s proprietary battery system also supports nearly continuous operation, reducing downtime and improving efficiency.

Ease of use remains a focal point. Despite their sophistication, the systems are designed to be intuitive, enabling even frontline employees with minimal experience to operate the robots with basic training.

Beyond efficiency gains, the initiative is positioned as a blueprint for ESG-driven industrial transformation. From dismantling obsolete batteries to optimizing warehouse logistics, the project highlights the potential of human-machine collaboration to reduce carbon footprints and accelerate the transition to zero-waste manufacturing. The partnership also aims to establish a replicable, auditable benchmark for sustainable production practices worldwide.

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Transforming Global Supply Chains with AI-Driven Solutions

Posted on by Will Priestman

Brother Industries has announced its collaboration with Kinaxis to transform its supply chain management through the use of AI-driven technology. With operations in over 40 countries and a diverse product portfolio, Brother needed a solution to handle intricate logistics and improve supply chain visibility. Kinaxis’ RapidResponse platform was chosen for its ability to enhance demand forecasting, scenario planning, and real-time decision-making.

“From the beginning, Kinaxis demonstrated a clear understanding of our business and all its complexities. From there we formed a partnership based on trust and a passion for innovative solutions, like their unique approach to supply chain orchestration, which made the decision to go forward with this transformation easy,” said Kosaku Sakai, Production Strategy Planning Department Manager at Brother Industries, LTD.

This partnership aligns with Brother’s goal of streamlining operations and delivering superior service. “Our aim is to build a resilient and agile supply chain that meets our customers’ needs,” said Hiroshi Ikematsu, a senior executive at Brother. The move also aligns with broader industry trends toward smart logistics, where AI-driven technology offers improved demand predictions, optimized inventory management, and faster adaptation to disruptions.

John Sicard, CEO of Kinaxis, remarked, “We’re excited to support Brother Industries in optimizing their supply chain strategies to better serve their global customer base.” This deployment reflects Brother’s ongoing focus on digital transformation, ensuring it remains competitive while maintaining high service standards.

In addition to optimizing supply chain efficiency, the partnership with Kinaxis also seems to reflect Brother Industries’ broader commitment to digital transformation and sustainability. By leveraging AI-driven tools, Brother can reduce waste, minimize resource usage, and ensure more sustainable practices across its global operations. This focus on sustainability is increasingly important as the company adapts to shifting industry trends and regulatory demands. As Brother continues to innovate, this collaboration marks a significant step toward not only improving logistics but also achieving long-term environmental and operational goals.

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Sephora Names New Supply Chain Partner

Posted on by David Priestman

Sephora UK has announced a new logistics partnership as part of its growth strategy, selecting DHL Supply Chain as its lead supply chain provider for the next five years. DHL will manage Sephora’s warehousing, eCommerce fulfillment, and UK transport network, supporting the beauty giant’s ambitious retail expansion plans.

Advanced Distribution Hub to Drive Growth

A key feature of this collaboration is the launch of a state-of-the-art omni-channel Distribution Centre (DC) in Coventry. The facility, entirely powered by renewable electricity, is DHL’s first operationally carbon-neutral site in the UK, marking a significant milestone in Sephora’s sustainability journey. The Coventry DC is also one of DHL’s most sustainable sites in Europe, setting new standards in green energy and employee well-being.

Tailored Supply Chain Solutions for Seamless Operations

The new facility integrates sustainable, recycled, and natural materials throughout its design, ensuring a positive working environment for employees while seamlessly supporting Sephora’s omni-channel operations.

Throughout the partnership, Sephora and DHL have worked closely to design a logistics operation that aligns with Sephora’s expansion plans in the UK beauty market. Leveraging DHL’s expertise in the beauty sector, tailored solutions have been developed to optimize efficiency, including the use of pick-assisting robots to manage fluctuating demand while maintaining high quality control. Each order is processed quickly and efficiently with minimal handling to preserve product integrity.

DHL’s eCommerce fulfillment capabilities will enable Sephora to offer later cut-off times, improved product availability, and a more responsive supply chain ready to meet peaks in demand driven by marketing campaigns and influencer promotions.

Sarah Boyd, UK Managing Director for Sephora, expressed her excitement about the partnership: “We are delighted to be working with DHL. The UK is a really important growth market for our business and one with huge potential. The transition to this state-of-the-art facility is a pivotal project that underpins our UK expansion. It is critical to us that we ensure our growth is sustainable, as we reduce our carbon footprint and provide an excellent working environment for our teams in the warehouse.”

Natalie Frow, Managing Director for eCommerce & Retail at DHL Supply Chain, added: “Sephora’s relaunch was a major moment for UK retail, and the iconic brand has made a huge impact in a short space of time. Our team is delighted to be working with a business so open to collaboration and innovation, that shares our values for driving sustainable logistics and being a great place to work. We’re proud to be supporting Sephora on its expansion journey and helping the business shape the UK beauty industry.”

This partnership and the advanced distribution centre highlight Sephora’s strategy to establish itself as a leader in the UK beauty market while prioritizing sustainability and innovative supply chain solutions.

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Effidence Technologies and Manitou sign Strategic Partnership

Posted on by David Priestman

Manitou Group and Effidence Technologies have signed a strategic partnership for the co-development and marketing of a range of logistics robots.

The objective of the partnership to to combine the latest in robotic technologies for warehousing with the strength of a distribution network.

Effidence has been developing collaborative and autonomous mobile robotic solutions to improve internal logistics flows in industry and logistics since 2016. A pioneer in “Follow-me” collaborative technology, Effidence is the creator of the EffiBOT robot, an agile and versatile solution that is optimized for preparing orders or conveying bins or boxes. EffiBOT is already being distributed to the major 3PL operators, car makers, and other industrial companies in Europe and abroad.

Cédric Tessier, Founder and President of Effidence, says: “With EffiBOT, we have demonstrated that robotics can offer much more than simply a method for conveying goods. Our robots are real productivity tools for Industry 4.0 that safety coexist with operators. In order to expand our range of robots, we have decided that Effidence Technologies is to partner with Manitou Group, an expert in warehousing.”

In addition to Effidence robotic carts, which will be distributed by Manitou Group dealers, a range of stackers and industrial tractors will expand the offering of collaborative and autonomous warehousing equipment. The robotic autonomous stackers will be co-designed by both partners and assembled by LMH Solutions, a subsidiary of Manitou Group located in Beaupréau (Maine-et-Loire, France).

The stackers will have a capacity of between 1 and 2.5 tons and will be serviced by Manitou Group’s network of technicians. Sylvain Jaguelin, Chief Executive Officer of LMH Solutions, highlights the benefits of this partnership: “We are driven to continuously innovate to accelerate automation in logistics centers and industry. With the technology developed by Effidence, we will be able to offer our customers intelligent, powerful, and fully integrated solutions that are able to meet the challenges of logistics and Industry 4.0. These new solutions are a perfect embodiment of our day-to-day mission “to improve working conditions, safety, and performance – everywhere in the world – while protecting humans and their environment.”

From design to distribution of the innovative products, this strategic agreement will create synergy through the combination of an innovative and agile company with the power of an international industrial group.

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