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Tag: Supply Chain Management

Medical Device Supplier’s Long-term Logistics Partnership

Posted on by David Priestman

Owen Mumford, a global company for the design, manufacture, and advancement of medical devices, has renewed its long-standing logistics partnership with Davies Turner for an additional three-year term, further solidifying the two companies’ collaborative efforts in logistics and supply chain management.

The renewed contract, which emphasises a long-term commitment, will continue to see Davies Turner providing comprehensive UK logistics solutions, EU exports, and NHS fulfilment services for Owen Mumford. This collaboration is pivotal in ensuring the seamless distribution of Owen Mumford’s innovative medical devices, including its renowned pharmaceutical solutions, across the UK and Europe.

Paul Jobin, Global Logistics Manager at Owen Mumford, expressed his enthusiasm for the extended partnership, stating: “Our relationship with Davies Turner has been instrumental in maintaining the high standards of our logistics operations. The team’s expertise and dedication in handling our UK logistics, especially the critical NHS fulfilment services, has been exemplary. We are thrilled to continue this partnership and look forward to furthering our mutual success.”

Davies Turner, operating from one of its strategically located logistics fulfilment centres in Bristol, will continue to manage the logistics operations critical to Owen Mumford’s supply chain. The focus will remain on ensuring efficiency, reliability, and the highest standards of service, particularly in the pharmaceutical and NHS sectors.

Alan Williams, director at Davies Turner, commented on the contract renewal, “We are proud to extend our partnership with Owen Mumford. Our shared commitment to excellence in logistics underscores the strength and success of our collaboration. We are dedicated to supporting Owen Mumford’s logistics needs and contributing to its ongoing growth and success.”

This renewed agreement marks a significant milestone in the partnership between Owen Mumford and Davies Turner, reinforcing their dedication to delivering high-quality medical devices and ensuring robust supply chain solutions. Both companies are committed to continuous improvement and innovation, striving to enhance their services and meet the evolving needs of the healthcare sector.

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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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Staying ahead of unpredictable weather

Posted on by David Priestman

Weather is an unpredictable force that can wreak havoc on logistics in Europe, but there are strategies to mitigate its impact. As we navigate through the continent’s diverse and often harsh climates, it’s clear that we need a proactive approach to ensure our supply chains remain reliable and efficient.

Advanced Weather Forecasting and Planning

Investing in advanced weather forecasting tools is not just a smart move; it’s a necessity. Companies like DHL have shown the way by using sophisticated weather forecasting software to re-route deliveries and adjust schedules during severe weather. This proactive approach minimizes delays and ensures that packages still arrive on time, even when Mother Nature throws a curveball. It’s high time more logistics companies embrace this technology to stay one step ahead of the weather.

Infrastructure Improvements

We can’t control the weather, but we can control our infrastructure. Regular road maintenance, especially in areas prone to snow and ice, is crucial. Sweden’s investment in winter road maintenance, including regular snow plowing and de-icing, is a prime example of how to keep transport running smoothly during harsh winters. Germany’s post-2021 flood improvements in flood defenses and drainage systems show that learning from past weather events can lead to better preparedness. If more European countries followed suit, we’d see fewer disruptions and more resilient logistics networks.

Flexible Supply Chain Strategies

Flexibility in supply chain management is another key to weathering the storm. Diversifying suppliers and maintaining buffer stock can significantly reduce the risk of supply chain disruptions. During the 2018 “Beast from the East,” many European retailers avoided stockouts by having diversified suppliers and buffer stock in regional warehouses. This kind of forward-thinking approach should be the norm, not the exception, in the logistics industry.

Technology and Automation

Technology is our ally in the fight against weather-related disruptions. IoT devices that provide real-time tracking and automated warehousing systems can make a huge difference. Maersk’s use of IoT devices for real-time tracking helped them minimize delays during severe weather by enabling quick re-routing decisions. Amazon’s automated warehouses in Europe continued processing orders efficiently even during storms, thanks to their advanced systems. These examples show that investing in technology is a game-changer for logistics companies facing unpredictable weather.

Collaboration and Communication

Effective communication and collaboration between stakeholders are crucial for improving weather resilience. Cross-sector collaboration and keeping customers informed about potential delays help manage expectations and maintain trust. During severe winter storms in 2019, UK logistics companies collaborated with the government to clear highways, ensuring the continued flow of goods. In Spain, courier companies used SMS and email notifications to keep customers updated during storms, maintaining customer satisfaction despite delays. This level of transparency and cooperation should be standard practice in the logistics industry.

Sustainable Practices

Sustainable practices are not just good for the environment; they also help mitigate the impact of weather on logistics. Climate-resilient infrastructure and using electric vehicles improve reliability and reduce environmental impact. The Netherlands’ climate-resilient infrastructure has maintained logistics operations during severe weather. In Paris, logistics companies’ switch to electric delivery vans ensured efficient operations during fuel shortages caused by a snowstorm, as these vehicles were less affected by disruptions in fuel supply. Embracing sustainability is a win-win for logistics companies and the planet.

Conclusion

Mitigating the impact of weather on logistics in Europe requires a multifaceted approach. By investing in advanced forecasting, resilient infrastructure, flexible supply chains, technology, and effective communication, we can enhance our resilience to weather-related disruptions. As Europe faces more extreme weather, these strategies are essential for maintaining the smooth flow of goods, benefiting businesses and consumers alike. It’s time for the logistics industry to take weather seriously and implement these proactive measures to keep our supply chains running smoothly, no matter what the forecast says.

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Suntory Supply Chain Contract for DHL

Posted on by David Priestman

DHL Supply Chain has been appointed by Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I, in a new three-year contract starting 1st January 2024. The appointment sees DHL Supply Chain partner with SBF GB&I as its sole supply chain delivery and warehouse supplier. Following its appointment, DHL has created over 310 jobs at its site in Worksop. DHL will be supporting SBF GB&I in delivering its Growing for Good company value, by improving efficiency across its supply chain, while focusing on sustainability.

DHL will leverage its investments in automated solutions to manage the fulfilment of orders across Great Britain. With DHL offering a high-tech warehouse solution, enhanced reporting capabilities, and live order tracking, the new partnership will help SBF GB&I gain greater insight and efficiencies across its operations.

DHL’s extensive network capabilities will provide SBF GB&I with an optimised transport solution that eliminates wasted network space, reducing associated costs and carbon emissions all supported by track and trace capabilities.

Carol Robert, Chief Operating Officer, Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I comments: “We believe DHL Supply Chain will help deliver our strategic ambitions. We have lots of growth to go after; together with DHL’s capability, we will achieve our ambitious revenue targets through customer service excellence all the while working to reduce our impact on the environment.”

Nick Archer, MD, Consumer and Convenience, DHL Supply Chain UK&I adds: “Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I is one of the UK’s largest soft drinks manufacturers that has shown impressive growth over the last few years, while demonstrating a clear commitment to making a positive impact on the world. This of course aligns to our own business goals and ambitions, so we are delighted to be joining SBF GB&I to help make their vision a reality.”

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 94 billion euros in 2022. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

Suntory Beverage & Food Great Britain and Ireland (SBF GB&I) is one of the leading soft drinks businesses in the UK and Ireland. SBF GB&I was formed in 2014 as Lucozade Ribena Suntory and is part of Suntory Beverage & Food Europe.

Webinar: Supply Chain Management

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The latest Webinar from Logistics Business, brought to you by Kinaxis, is available to watch here free. Entitled “Supply Chain Management: Striking a Balance between Speed and Accuracy”, Editor Peter MacLeod talks to Matt Spooner, Industry Thought Leader at Kinaxis, about how with the right tools and expertise, businesses can optimise both supply chain agility and accuracy.

Bringing together the seemingly disparate worlds of cycling and supply chain management, Spooner provides insight and practical know-how. They talk about balancing supply chain accuracy and agility, learning, surprisingly, what this has in common with cycling.

The use of AI and data optimisation played a part in Spooner’s ‘ultra bike’ event – what was the importance of this and what were its limits?

Webinar: Supply Chain Management

Kinaxis is transitioning from supply chain planning to a supply chain management organisation business – what is supply chain management and what does it mean? Watch it now here.

Watch any of our Webinars here.

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Ecolog Makes Senior Appointment

Posted on by David Priestman

Ecolog International, a leading global provider of integrated services and logistics solutions for life support, supply chain, energy and healthcare industries, announced the appointment of Juan Chaparro as Executive Chairman of the Board, as of 01 January 2023.

With over 30 years’ experience as an executive in supply chain management, procurement and sourcing, having worked for globally recognized companies such as Zara (Inditex), Esprit and Primark, Mr. Chaparro brings a wealth of expertise in complex logistics management in fast-paced environments as well as the B2C focus. This aligns with Ecolog’s vision and growth strategy and makes him a valuable addition to the leadership team.

Commenting on his new role, Juan Chaparro said, “Ecolog is a unique organization with distinguished history and the potential to help improve all aspects of the lives of the people it serves, from water and sanitation to catering, healthcare and the wider environment. Its people-driven focus and family-like culture, both internally and externally, are among the many reasons I am excited to be joining.”

Mr. Chaparro’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as Ecolog progresses with expanding its service offering into customized healthcare solutions, clean water and renewable energy as well as sustainable food technologies. With projects in both emerging and established markets catering to various institutional clients, Ecolog is set to leverage its scale and footprint to also provide direct services to consumers.

“This is an exciting phase of the company’s development, investigating how we can mobilize our most valuable asset – our people and their skills – to grow their abilities and expand our capacity to assist more people in more ways. I am eager to contribute in my new role and honoured to lead our incredible team towards new heights of success”, said Juan Chaparro.

About Ecolog

Ecolog International is a global provider of integrated services and sustainable solutions tailored to the needs of diverse range of customers in the humanitarian, healthcare, energy, mining and infrastructure industries. Incorporated over two decades ago in Germany, with the footprint in nearly 40 countries, the company’s service portfolio includes life support, supply chain management, construction, engineering, healthcare and environmental services. Driven by the passion to serve people and communities, Ecolog has an extensive experience in providing fast response solutions, integrated and complex logistics as well as mission-critical operations.

Global Supply Chain Management Provider Secures Investment

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Ligentia, a global supply chain management provider, has today confirmed that Equistone Partners Europe Limited (“Equistone”), the European mid-market private equity investor, has made a significant investment in the business. The financial terms of the investment are undisclosed.

Founded in 1996 by group CEO Nick Jones, Ligentia has a team of 400+ professionals across 25 locations worldwide. The firm manages the international freight and supply chains for some of the world’s leading retailers, consumer brands and healthcare providers. Ligentia recorded revenues of c. £300m in 2020, representing strong year-on-year growth
which is expected to continue.

The investment from Equistone, with its pan-European network of offices, will support Ligentia in delivering its ambitious growth plans through strategic acquisitions. It will also support the enhanced development of Ligentix; Ligentia’s proprietary customer technology platform. Ligentia will continue to be led by its founder and CEO Nick Jones, who alongside the existing management will also invest in the business.

Nick Jones, Founder and CEO of Ligentia, said: “Ligentia has always had an exceptional ability to adapt according to customer and market requirements and we work hard to ensure that customers drive our strategy and ways of working. Over the past 12 months we have adapted again, as our customers and colleagues around the world have endured some of the most challenging times. Our significant investment in our technology platform means we have been able to not only maintain our service to customers but deliver some substantial change in the way we work. That investment has positioned Ligentia at the forefront of change in our sector.

Our new partnership with Equistone will allow increased investment in our business at a time where there is a considerable awareness of global supply chains and the risks that organisations face without the right visibility systems and partners.

Equistone has an exceptional track record of supporting fast-growth global companies like ours, as well as a deep understanding of the market. We are really excited about this next part of our journey with a valuable partner on board.”

Sebastien Leusch, Investment Director at Equistone Partners Europe, said: “Ligentia has 25 years of experience in global supply chain management with some of the world’s most admired brands. Thanks to its strong management team, the business is known  for its particularly high customer service levels, underpinned by a stand-out technology
platform. This unique combination, at a time where the importance of seamless global supply chain management is particularly heightened, makes this investment a particularly exciting one.

We are therefore delighted to have this opportunity to invest and we look forward to working alongside Nick and the wider team on Ligentia’s next phase of growth and product development.”

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