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Archives for March 2013

Menlo Extends its Capacity in Belgium

Amsterdam, 28 March, 2013

Menlo Worldwide Logistics (Menlo), the global logistics subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW) continues its expansion of distribution centres (DCs) across Europe with the establishment of a 16,000 sqm facility at Genk, Belgium.  Providing warehousing, distribution and supply chain management services to a variety of manufacturing and retail industries, Menlo now operates two facilities in Belgium, with combined space of 21,000 sqm.  The Genk DC has the capability to serve local customers and also to act as a supply hub for Western European markets.

The Genk distribution centre (DC) provides a wide range of receiving, inventory management, fulfilment, export shipping, distribution, returns management and supply chain control services.  In particular Menlo’s transport management services (TMS) and Lean philosophy are employed to implement a programme of continuous improvement within customers’ international supply chains.

A typical example of such a process would be a multi-national manufacturing organization with a wide range of consumer or business-to-business products and a need to integrate and optimize its supply chain across multiple brands. Apply the resources of its multi-user facilities such as Genk, Menlo becomes a critical outsourced component of the customer’s supply chain by establishing a centralized European distribution hub.  The DC works in harmony with a flexible supply chain management solution that can be adapted to the customer’s changing marketing and production demands.

Menlo’s Genk facility is operating as a multi-user facility for companies distributing product throughout Europe and has capacity to extend its services to further users both regional and international.

“The European business community recognized early on the value of logistics outsourcing,” said Tony Gunn, Menlo’s Managing Director, Europe.  “Our strategic operations in Genk, and our other facilities throughout Europe, provide value-added services for major manufacturers and retailers in the region.  Genk is a key location for the global Menlo network.”

ENDS

About Menlo Worldwide Logistics Europe

In Europe Menlo Worldwide Logistics maintains seventeen dedicated and multi-client logistics centres located in the Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany and the United Kingdom. This warehouse network can serve as pan-European distribution solution using one or several facilities.

Supply chain and transport management solutions as well as 3PL, warehousing and distribution services are offered to a variety of vertical industry sectors including: fashion & apparel; healthcare and medical equipment; hi-tech electronic and data network equipment; automotive; defence and government services and retail e-fulfilment.

Menlo’s European headquarters is at the multi-client Amsterdam Distribution Centre in the Netherlands.

About Menlo Worldwide Logistics

Menlo Worldwide Logistics, LLC, is a US$1.7 billion global provider of logistics, transportation management and supply chain services with operations in five continents, including North America. As a third-party logistics provider, San Francisco-based Menlo Worldwide Logistics’ services range from dedicated contract logistics to warehouse and distribution management, transportation management, supply chain reengineering and other value-added services including packaging, kitting, order fulfilment and light assembly through a strategic network of multi-client and dedicated facilities. With more than 17 million square feet of dedicated warehouse space in North America, the Asia Pacific, Europe and Latin America, and industry-leading technologies, Menlo Worldwide Logistics creates effective, integrated solutions for the transportation and distribution needs of leading businesses around the world.

Menlo Worldwide Logistics, LLC, is a subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE:CNW), a $5.6 billion diversified freight transportation and logistics company. For more information, please visit us on the Web at www.con-way.com.

Follow Menlo Worldwide Logistics on Twitter: http://twitter.com/MenloLogistics

Geodis Brazil to Exhibit at Intermodal South America

Geodis Brazil will be exhibiting at this year’s Intermodal South America at the Transamerica Expo Center, Sao Paulo, Brazil, from Tuesday, 2nd April until Thursday, 4th April 2013. Geodis Brazil is a subsidiary of Geodis Wilson, one of the world’s leading freight management companies.

“Brazil represents a focus market for our company’s development strategy”, says Chris Cahill, Managing Director Geodis Brazil. “Looking at global cargo flows we clearly see the increasing relevance of the Brazilian market for the global economy. And the challenges that come with it. Brazil requires really special expertise, for instance in customs brokerage. We are one of the very few global players that have this expertise in-house today.”

Now in its 19th year, Intermodal South America is the leading integrated exhibition and conference event for international trade, logistics, transport and cargo handling in Latin America. Geodis Brazil will showcase its special expertise as well as an extended service range for the local and regional transport and logistics market. Senior Executives and regional Managing Directors from the Americas region will be present at the event.  A full list of Geodis Wilson attendees is listed below. Interview requests can be handled through ISIS Communications (see contact details below).

About Geodis Wilson and the Geodis Group

Geodis Wilson is a leading global freight management company. With 7,700 employees in more than 50 countries the company delivers tailor-made, integrated logistics solutions to customers enabling them to operate as ‘best in class.’ Geodis Wilson is the freight forwarding arm of Geodis Group which became part of the French rail and freight group SNCF in 2008. With its 46.000 employees in more than 60 countries ‘SNCF GEODIS’ ranks among the top 7 companies in its field in the world.

For more information about Geodis Wilson go to – www.geodiswilson.com

Geodis Representatives at Intermodal South America include:

Adriano Aleixo – Tradelane Manager Brazil/Mexico, Geodis Wilson Germany

Chris Cahill – Managing Director, Brazil – Geodis Wilson

Wagner Covos – Vice President South America, Geodis Global Solutions – Americas

Tim Dabbs – Vertical Market Director – High Tech – England

Joe Fordney, Director US AirFreight Services Geodis Wilson USA, Inc.

Morten Jensen – Vertical Market Director, Aviation Geodis Wilson Headquarters

Chris Johnston – Regional Sales Director-Americas / Managing Director-Canada

Alfredo Maldonado – Branch Manager – Mexico

Emiliano Rota – Tradelane Manager Latin America

Mathew Sarfity – Regional Ocean Procurement Director, Americas

Kai Schmersal – Managing Director – Mexico

For more information on the Conference go to – www.intermodal.com.br/en/

Evergreen Line Strengthens Intra-Asia Service Network

March 26 2013

In order to meet the growing market demand on the Intra-Asia trades, Evergreen Line is launching its new CPM service linking South China, Philippines and East Malaysia from mid April 2013.  In addition to providing regional transportation links for shippers in three countries, the new loop will connect to Evergreen’s global service network via Hong Kong.

Two ships of 1,700 teu will be deployed on the CPM service.  The first sailing is planned from Shekou on the 15th of April 2013.   The port rotation of the weekly service will be: Shekou – Hong Kong – Manila – Kota Kinabalu – Bintulu – Shekou.

Regional economic growth forecasts support the view that  Evergreen’s expansion of its service network with the launch of the CPM is advisable.  According to IMF’s World Economic Outlook report published in January 2013, ASEAN is forecast to attain economic growth rates of 5.5% in 2013 and 5.7% in 2014.

In addition, the Southeast Asian countries will begin negotiations to establish the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) this year together with China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand.  The free trade development that is expected to ensue will further boost cargo growth within the Intra-Asia markets.

(Shanghai, March 25 2013) Innovative solutions by Menlo Worldwide Logistics China and its Lean methodology have impressed award juries and earned the company an internal

1. Armando Farinas, Lean Sensei, Menlo Global Lean Team (left), presents the Lean Bronze Certificate to Zhang Qiang, Xinqiao Warehouse Manager. The certificate recognizes the Xinqiao Warehouse’s successful implementation of the tools of Lean methodology, maximizing customer value and minimizing waste.

certification for its work in 2012. Menlo China has received the China Logistics Innovation Award, the China Business Award for Logistics Services and has been awarded Lean Bronze Certification, an internal award.

2012 China Logistics Innovation Award

Menlo China received the 2012 China Logistics Innovation Award from China Logistics and Purchasing (CLP) magazine in recognition of the company’s 4PL capabilities and Lean methodology.

The China Logistics Innovation Award, now in its 10th year, honors China-based logistics providers whose work over the calendar year embodies the spirit of innovation in the industry. Noting that China’s own logistics industry is still developing, albeit rapidly, Mr. He Liming, head of the CLP association, said, “Menlo’s solution for a Financial and Security equipment manufacturing client impressed us as something we could learn from. It was client-focused, creative and innovative. Using 4PL and Lean methodology and customizing a package to the customer’s needs, Menlo enabled the client to substantially decrease production costs– exactly what we were looking for.”

CLP magazine is the publication of the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP), the government logistics and purchasing institution.

China Business Award for Logistics Services

The Shanghai Business Review’s (SBR) China Business Awards recognize international companies in China in the business services sectors that have excelled or in some way made a significant mark. SBR is the city’s leading English language business magazine.

“The jury for the Logistics Services award selected Menlo for several reasons: the comprehensive nature of your services throughout the supply chain, the recognized innovative nature of your 3PL and 4PL solutions, as well as awards from other institutions,” said SBR editor and China Business Awards juror Thomas McKinley.

Menlo Lean Bronze Certification

Menlo China’s Xinqiao, Shanghai, warehouse has been awarded Lean Bronze Certification by the Menlo Global Lean Team. The warehouse runs Mary Kay Cosmetics’ warehousing, order fulfillment and distribution and is Menlo’s first warehouse in China to receive this certification.

“The goal of implementing Lean methodology is to maximize customer value while minimizing waste. Achieving the bronze level means that the warehouse has the appropriate tools and physical elements in place to enable them to do this,” said Armando Farinas, Lean Sensei, Menlo Global Lean Team. Bronze is the first level in Menlo’s Lean certification process, which is based on Lean industry standards but customized for Menlo. There are five levels altogether, culminating in Diamond.

“Lean certification gives both Menlo and our client a strategic advantage,” said Farinas. “By reducing waste, we reduce our costs. We pass on that cost savings to the client, enabling them to supply the market with the highest quality products at a lower price and increase their market share.”

3. Thomas Pan, Managing Director North Asia, received the China Logistics Innovation award from China Logistics & Purchasing magazine. The award was given in recognition of the company’s 4PL capabilities and Lean methodology.

Thomas Pan, Menlo’s Managing Director, North Asia, said, “We’re delighted to receive both the external recognition — particularly from industry leaders like CLP and SBR – and the internal certification. Our value to clients is our combination of in-depth local knowledge from an experienced local team with our parent company’s expertise in areas such as Lean, which results in best-in-class customer solutions.”

Menlo Worldwide Logistics (China) Ltd provides professional, top-of-the-line logistics solutions developed with in-depth local knowledge, delivering operationally effective, cost efficient results via a wide-reaching network of offices, warehouses and logistics centers in 110 cities throughout China. Menlo China is a subsidiary of Con-way Inc., the $5.6 billion New York Stock Exchange-listed freight transportation and logistics services company headquartered in San Fransico, California.


Media Enquiries:

Tina Kanagaratnam

AsiaMedia Limited

(86 21) 5403 1927

(86) 1350 198 8806

tmk@asiamedia.net

http://portcare.com/2013/03/26/995/

“K” Line : Actual Ship Onboard Test of SCR System for Diesel Generator Started on 8,600TEU New Container Ship “HANOI BRIDGE”

March 21, 2013

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., Japan Marine United Corporation and Daihatsu Diesel Mfg.Co. will begin actual on-board ship tests of Selective Catalytic Reduction System (SCR System) for Diesel Generator to confirm  the attainment of  NOx TierⅢ Regulations in MARPOL Annex VI.

NOx TierⅢ regulations, effective from January 1st 2016, in MARPOL Annex VI necessitates us to reduce NOx emissions in ECA (Emission Control Area) by more than 80% compared with TierⅠRegulations. One of the technical measures is Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), therefore research and development concerning SCR is being conducted in various fields.

SCR System has been installed on small coastal ships in Northern Europe, and has been used at land-based plants. However, there is no previous example of it being introduced on large ocean-going ships. Therefore, we have to confirm attainment of  NOx TierⅢ Regulations and solve any  problems by conducting actual on-board ship  tests.

“K” Line have therefore decided to install this SCR System for Diesel Generator Engine and carry out operational testing on “HANOI BRIDGE”, which is a large container vessel (8600TEU) to be delivered on March 26th, 2013.

The SCR System has now been installed in this vessel, and we can confirmed that this system will fulfill the appropriate specification during Sea trials.

The effectiveness of SCR System will be measured and will verify whether a problem exists during the 18 month period after this vessel is delivered.

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., Japan Marine United Corporation, and Daihatsu Diesel Mfg.Co. will cooperate with each other for global environmental conservation, and actively address variable technology developments.

This project is supported by Nippon Kaiji Kyokai as the scheme of “Collaborative Research Requested by The Industry“

General description of vessel

Ship name                             HANOI BRIDGE

Shipyard                                Japan Marine United Corporation

Ship numger                         3290

Vessel’s type                        Container Ship (8,600TEU)

Target engine                      Model 8DC-32 manufactured by Daihatsu (Output 3,000kwm)

Contacts:

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. Technical Group Machinery Team

Shingo Kameyama

Tel: +81-03-3595-5106  Fax: +81-03-3595-5355

Japan Marine United Corporation  General Affairs Department

Keita Mizukami

Tel: +81-3-6722-6102  Fax: +81-3-6722-6090

Daihatsu Diezel Mfg.co.,Ltd. General Affairs Department

Takashi Mizushina

Tel:+81-06-6454-2331 Fax: +81-06-6454-2750

Dachser on course for revenue of five billion euros

Kempten, Munich. 20 March 2013. Dachser closed the 2012 financial year with new record highs in terms of overall revenue and staff numbers. Revenue growth nevertheless slowed to 3.7%. Dachser has set initial growth impulses for 2013 with the acquisitions of the Spanish logistics providers Azkar and Transunion. Including revenues from these acquisitions and expected organic growth, Dachser aims to surpass the 5-billion-euro revenue threshold for the first time in the current fiscal year.

Dachser increased group revenue in 2012 to EUR 4.41 billion, which is 3.7% higher than 2011 (EUR 4.254 billion). 49.8 million consignments weighing 37.5 million tonnes represent an increase of around 1% respectively over the previous year. The number of company-owned branch offices worldwide rose to 347. At the end of 2012, Dachser employed 21,650 staff members worldwide, of whom 8,750 are based at the logistics provider’s international country organizations.

Increased capital investment

“Many of our customers experienced 2012 as an economically extremely unstable year. The economic slowdown in Europe in the second half of the year was exacerbated by a weakening on the air freight routes to and from Asia,” summarizes Bernhard Simon, head of the Dachser management board. “Against this background we succeeded in consolidating the organic growth of the previous years and maintained our stable position on the market. As a family enterprise that takes a long-term approach to planning, we adopted a counter-cyclical approach in 2012 and increased our capital investment by around 10%.” With capital investment totalling EUR 148 million, Dachser continued to strengthen its logistics network last year and thus laid the foundation for further growth.

Revenues of the Dachser business fields

Dachser’s biggest business field, European Logistics, contributed to the group’s revenue in 2012 with EUR 2.661 billion (previous year EUR 2.625 billion) closing the fiscal year with a slight growth of 1.4%. Dachser Food Logistics raised its revenues by 13.2% to EUR 573 million (from EUR 506 million in 2011) and once again proved to be a stabilizing factor independently of the economic fluctuations. The Dachser Air & Sea Logistics business field generated EUR 1.305 billion, realizing a growth in revenues of 7.4%. With Malaysia and Vietnam, the Air & Sea Logistics business field added two new Asian country organizations to the Dachser network.

Gross revenue (EUR billion) 2012 2011 Change
European Logistics 2.661 2.625 + 1.4%
Food Logistics 0.573 0.506 + 13.2%
Air & Sea Logistics 1.305 1.215 + 7.4%
Consolidation* (*excl. revenues from investments of 50% and lower) -0.129 -0.092
Group revenue 4.410 4.254 + 3.7%

Outlook 2013

Dachser plans to continue to invest substantially in the expansion of its European and intercontinental network in the 2013 financial year. “In particular our Iberian acquisitions Azkar and Transunion are currently providing new momentum and growth stimuli,” Bernhard Simon explains. The air and sea freight forwarder Transunion extends the network with additional locations in Turkey, Argentina and Peru. Boosted by the organic growth anticipated in 2013 as well as the consolidated revenues of Azkar and Transunion, Dachser hopes to exceed revenue of five billion euros for the first time in 2013.

“The integration of Azkar and Transunion is making rapid progress. The motivation of the local teams to become a value-enhancing part of Dachser is extremely high,” Bernhard Simon is keen to point out. “Hence we have kicked off the new year with a healthy new sense of dynamism and enthusiasm.”

About Dachser:

In 2012, the internationally operating logistics provider, Dachser, generated total revenue of EUR 4.41 billion and handled 49.8 million consignments weighing a total of 37.5 million tonnes. On 31 Dec. 2012, Dachser employed a staff of 21,650 employees working in 347 profit centres worldwide. For more information visit www.dachser.com.

ModusLink Improves Operations in The Netherlands

—Move from Apeldoorn to Venray in The Netherlands will yield improved warehousing, provide additional transportation options for clients—

WALTHAM, Mass.—March 14, 2013—ModusLink Global Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: MLNK) has announced a planned move of its operations in The Netherlands from the current site in Apeldoorn to a new location in Venray. Initial work to transition client services is underway and the new facility is expected to be fully operational by July 2013.

“The Netherlands is a highly strategic logistics hub in Europe and our company and our clients have enjoyed many benefits over the last 25 years from our location in Apeldoorn,” said Scott Crawley, president, global operations, sales and marketing, ModusLink. “Today, we are managing numerous supply chain programs for global consumer electronics companies whose growth necessitates a facility that is better designed in terms of warehouse space and layout, shipping bays and with access to more transportation options. We have found an ideal location in Venray and this move will improve our clients’ operations while also benefitting ModusLink economically and competitively.”

ModusLink’s new Solution Center is located in an area of Venray that is home to many logistics and transportation facilities. The geographic location of Venray within the country offers easy access to major European highways, river-based shipping and an extensive rail system. There are approximately 50 weekly inter-modal transportation service options for moving materials and finished goods in and out of the logistics area by train and barge.

The new facility features 28 loading bays, 15,000 sq. meters of warehouse space in a layout designed for storage and fulfillment, as well as designated areas ideal for product assembly, configuration and packaging. A number of the current ModusLink employees will be moving to the new location and the Venray area boasts a skilled workforce experienced in logistics and supply chain work.

Additional Resources

About ModusLink Global Solutions

ModusLink Global Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: MLNK) executes comprehensive supply chain and logistics services that improve clients’ revenue, cost, sustainability and customer experience objectives. ModusLink is a trusted and integrated provider to the world’s leading companies in consumer electronics, communications, computing, medical devices, software, luxury goods and retail. The Company’s operating infrastructure annually supports more than $80 billion of its clients’ revenue and manages approximately 470 million product shipments through more than 30 sites in 15 countries across North America, Europe, and the Asia/Pacific region. For details on ModusLink’s flexible and scalable solutions visit www.moduslink.com and www.valueunchained.com, the blog for supply chain professionals.

“CKYH” to restructure Asia-U.S. East Coast services

CKYH – the Green Alliance (COSCON, “K” Line, Yang Ming, and Hanjin Shipping) will restructure their current Asia-U.S. East Coast loops effective middle of April.

Through this service restructuring, CKYH will provide 5 loops (AWE1, AWE2, AWE3, AWE4, AWE7) between Asia and the U.S. East Coast. AWE7 will be newly launched and replace AWE6 which was suspended during the 2012 winter season. The new services will offer competitive sailing frequency and highest on-time schedule reliability in the industry so as to satisfy customer needs.

Port Rotations of Asia-U.S. East Coast services are as follows:

AWE1: Ningbo – Shanghai – Pusan – New York – Wilmington – Savannah – Jacksonvill – Pusan – Ningbo

AWE2: Qingdao – Shanghai – Ningbo – Yokohama – New York – Boston – Norfolk – Qingdao

AWE3: Ningbo – Shanghai – Pusan – Manzanillo – Colon – Savannah – New York – Wilmington – Pusan – Ningbo

AWE4 : Ho Chi Minh – Kaohsiung – Hong Kong – Yantian – Singapore – New York – Norfolk – Savannah – Singapore – Ho Chi Minh

AWE7: Xiamen – Hong Kong – Yantian – Pusan – New York – Savannah – Charleston – Pusan – Kaohsiung – Xiamen

“K” Line Decides to Deploy New Generation Eco-Friendly ULCVs (Ultra Large Container Vessels)

KAWASAKI KISEN KAISHA, LTD. (“K” Line) is pleased to announce it has just decided to deploy new generation eco-friendly ULCVs (Ultra Large Container Vessels) as replacements in its existing fleet in order to strengthen efficiency and cost competitiveness of “K” Line’s Containership Business. We anticipate this will result in remarkable improvement of both efficiency and cost competitiveness.

Type of vessels and number ordered :  14000TEU Containership x 5

Estimated delivery timing  :  Spring to Summer 2015

Ship Yard  :  Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.

LOA  : About366meters

Beam  :   51.2 meters

Depth :   29.9 meters

Nominal container carrying capacity  :  13,870TEU

IVY BOYER BECOMES GEODIS WILSON’S NEW CMO

Amsterdam, 13 March 2013

Global freight management company Geodis Wilson has announced the appointment of Ivy Boyer as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). She succeeds Kim

Ivy Boyer, CMO, Geodis Wilson

Pedersen, who recently became Executive Vice President of Geodis Wilson.

Ivy Boyer will be driving the business development strategy of Geodis Wilson worldwide. “Globally we are experiencing a very dynamic and fast changing market. To identify and anticipate those trends that are crucial to the effectiveness of our clients’ supply chains is becoming a critical factor in achieving success – for both our clients and Geodis Wilson. Matching the market’s dynamism and providing adaptable logistics solutions are crucial ingredients in our innovation driven strategy”, says Ivy Boyer.

Ivy Boyer has more than 20 years of experience in the freight forwarding industry. She began her international career in the Philippines before holding management positions with various transport companies in Australia, Singapore and the USA. In March 2009, she joined Geodis Wilson as Global Account Manager, and was promoted Director Global Accounts in September 2010, based in the Netherlands. In this position she took charge of developing the freight and logistics business with Geodis Wilson’s largest customers, amongst them global players in the industry, hi-tech and automotive segments, consumer electronics, retail, fashion and luxury brands.

About Geodis Wilson and the Geodis Group

Geodis Wilson is a leading, global freight management company. With 7,700 employees in more than 50 countries the company delivers tailor-made, integrated logistics solutions to customers enabling them to operate as ‘best in class.’ Geodis Wilson – with a revenue of 2,64bn€ in 2012 – is the freight forwarding arm of Geodis Group which became part of the French rail and freight group SNCF in 2008. With its 46.000 employees in more than 60 countries and a revenue of 9.5 bn € (2012), SNCF Geodis ranks among the top 7 companies in its field in the world.

For more information about Geodis Wilson go to – www.geodiswilson.com