GEODIS

The international certification organization “Investors in People” (IIP) has awarded the Freight Forwarding activity of GEODIS in Germany with the gold status. In the course of an audit, independent IIP experts assessed personnel management and development in GEODIS’s Freight Forwarding line of business in Germany and found it to be exemplary. The award highlights GEODIS’s strong commitment and high quality standards in the area of leadership and personnel management.

“Having already been awarded silver by ‘Investors in People’ in 2018, we are very proud to have achieved gold status this year.,” says Antje Lochmann, Managing Director of GEODIS’s Freight Forwarding activity in Germany. “Since our first IIP accreditation in 2014, we have jointly taken on many topics in order to improve the working conditions in our company systematically and continuously. The quality management system of ‘Investors in People’ is an important guideline for us to improve the qualifications of our leadership and employees in a structured way and in line with our goals.”

“Our employees are the basis for the success of our company”, says Thomas Kraus, GEODIS President & CEO North, East and Central Europe. “The continuous development of our employees is our top priority. At GEODIS, we just recently launched “Manage!”, a global program to support our managers worldwide. The gold status is another great success for our team in Germany.”

All management levels and departments of GEODIS’s Freight Forwarding‘s line of business  Germany are involved in the further development and integrated into the group work. All employees can make suggestions and contribute to these processes. One of the tasks of the IIP team within the working group is to prepare targeted measures on various topics and to drive implementation forward. An independent, external auditor of the IIP organization carries out the examination for the IIP accreditation. This person selects employees and managers from various departments and gains detailed insight into the work environment and personnel management during individual interviews.

“Investors in People” is an international quality standard for sustainable success in the area of corporate development and personnel management. The focus is on improving corporate performance brought about by employees. Among other things, training and further education, sustainability, work-life balance, and social responsibility are assessed. Re-accreditation takes place every three years. The independent organization “Investors in People” is headquartered in London and currently represented in 66 countries. Since it was founded in 1991, more than 50,000 companies and organizations have become accredited there, including public sector organizations, international corporations, as well as SMEs and charities. Only 17 percent of the organizations have been awarded gold status.

For more information, please visit: www.investorsinpeople.com

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe and #7 worldwide. In 2020, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.4 billion in sales.

GEODIS has signed an agreement to acquire GANDON Transports, a leading player in the transport of temperature-controlled pharmaceutical products. Already very active in the healthcare market, GEODIS will now be able to expand its capabilities and pursue its development in this market segment.

“This acquisition will consolidate GEODIS’ status as a key player in the healthcare market.  From inventory planning to temperature-controlled storage and transport to the final recipient, we want to offer our customers a complete and reliable solution throughout the supply chain,” explains Marie-Christine Lombard, Chief Executive Officer of GEODIS.

With its  recognized expertise in the transport of pharmaceutical products at controlled temperatures (2/8°C and 15/25°C), benefiting from a portfolio of loyal customers, GANDON Transports has an extensive network that will strengthen the capacity of GEODIS to distribute to pharmacies, hospitals and wholesalers throughout France.

“This operation will meet our customers’ growing demand for temperature-controlled transport of the healthcare products.  This new resource will enable us to offer our current and future customers a transport service for heat-sensitive products, anywhere in France. ” says Stéphane Cassagne, Executive Vice President of GEODIS’s Distribution & Express Line of Business.

“By joining the GEODIS group, a world leader in transport and logistics, we will be able to offer greater opportunities to our customers and employees.  At the heart of this alliance are the strong and shared values of customer service and employee satisfaction” says Joël GANDON, President of GANDON Transports.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe and #7 worldwide. In 2020, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.4 billion in sales.

GEODIS, a global supply chain operator, has reached an agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Velocity Freight Transport, Inc., a leading freight brokerage company based in Plano, Texas, from McLane Company, Inc., a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway.

“With the acquisition of Velocity, we are welcoming an exceptionally talented team of freight brokerage experts who have a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities of today’s dynamic logistics and supply chain environment,” said Mike Honious, President & CEO of GEODIS in Americas. “For many reasons, they are an ideal fit for GEODIS. None greater than our common cultures—authentic, passionate teammates who are relentlessly dedicated to exceeding client expectations. This acquisition will expand our current freight brokerage capabilities and enable us to continue to aggressively grow our capacity solutions service for clients at a pivotal moment.”

The acquisition expands GEODIS’ Capacity Solutions offering in North America at a critical time as the industry continues to face ongoing driver and truck shortages. The acquisition of Velocity will help meet the increased customer demand for more transportation alternatives to ensure their supply chains remain agile and effective. Velocity provides freight brokerage services that include refrigerated and temperature-controlled freight, flatbed and less-than-load (LTL) trucking, intermodal, van, and specialty options. Velocity’s team will remain in Plano, expanding GEODIS’ operation in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area where it currently employs up to 3,500 teammates.

“Velocity began with the vision of becoming the first choice in freight brokerage with a reputation built on our principled approach and quality of service,” said John Lower, Vice President at Velocity. “This new chapter with GEODIS will allow us to build upon our success and enable further growth opportunities. By combining our resources with GEODIS’ truly expansive reach, we will ultimately be able to provide our clients a broader range of services across the Americas and globe.”

With its Americas region headquartered in Brentwood, Tenn., GEODIS operates a full-service managed transportation line of business in the U.S. Additionally, GEODIS operates more than 150 warehouse facilities for its clients with over 47 million square feet of warehousing space in the U.S. alone. GEODIS now has more than 15,000 employees across North America.

The transaction closed June 30, 2021. Terms of the transaction will not be disclosed.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe and #7 worldwide. In 2020, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.4 billion in sales.

GEODIS continues to develop its logistics activities in Morocco and today inaugurated a new warehouse located north of Casablanca. This will serve one of the leaders in household appliances and telephony.

With a well-established presence in Casablanca, GEODIS has chosen the city of Mohammedia to further expand its activities. The new 11,000 sqm ultra-secure warehouse will be dedicated to the supply chain management of household appliances and high-tech products.

In operation as of today, this new site reflects GEODIS’ ambition to expand in the Moroccan market, particularly to meet the requirements of customers in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) sector. GEODIS is employing nearly 50 people at the site.

“GEODIS has been established in Casablanca for 40 years. This year we are strengthening our presence in the Moroccan market with two new facilities. On 1st May we opened in Tangiers, and now in Mohammedia. These openings are central to our development strategy which targets the CPG, Automotive and Aerospace verticals,” says Jérôme Algier, Managing Director of GEODIS in Morocco.

In Morocco, GEODIS operates a total storage capacity of nearly 50,000 sqm and has a staff of 300 employees.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe and #7 worldwide. In 2020, GEODIS had over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.4 billion in sales.

Recent efforts in the Asia-Pacific region (APAC) have resulted in Investors in People (IIP) accreditation in 12 locations in which GEODIS operates. Based on the concept of sustainable high performance through people, the IIP certification, an international standard for people management, confirms GEODIS’ commitment to caring for and developing its people.

GEODIS has seen its activities accredited in Australia, Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

With a detailed structure of nine key indicators, the criteria of which have been developed over 30 years, IIP accreditation is recognized in 66 countries around the world. Companies must achieve proven set levels of performance in three well-defined areas of personnel management: Leading, Supporting and Improving.

“The IIP key indicators of performance are very much aligned with our own seven corporate ‘Golden Rules’ and seven ‘Leadership Principles’,” explains Anne Tan, Head of Human Resources, APAC for GEODIS. “Leading and inspiring our people by engaging and empowering them to take ownership of the performance is critical. In addition, each and everyone’s abilities are actively developed, allowing our people to realize their potential, creating a culture that encourages innovation and continuous improvement to drive sustainable success. We consider IIP accreditation as an independent measure confirming the success of our guiding principles.”

Having a clear and compelling ambition is seen as central to achieving and sustaining accreditation. GEODIS’ strategic plan, Ambition 2023, is backed by a structured Transformation Program, in place since 2019. This program is led and sponsored by the APAC Board members and provides a blueprint for the different functional and commercial areas in the company to develop and grow within 5 years to meet its accelerated growth objectives.

“GEODIS in APAC is on a journey of growth through transformation. In an ever-rapid changing environment, embracing innovation and being flexible in operating as a team and as a region will be key in increasing GEODIS’ market share and relevance,” says Onno Boots, Regional President & CEO, Asia Pacific. “Programs such as the recently launched ‘Manage!’ supports leaders through training and is an example of how GEODIS is investing in its people and their readiness to meet the challenges of a fast-growing team. In addition, GEODIS continues to enable career progression for all staff through detailed development plans for individuals at all levels. The aim is to attract younger people and retain talented performers with the excitement of a logistics career at the precipice of change, while providing them the job stability of belonging to a global organization.”

Some other examples of what GEODIS has been carrying out to achieve the IIP accolades include:

• Setting up of Employee Engagement Focus groups to review results, identify root causes and propose recommendations, corresponds to one of the nine IIP key indicators labelled “Empowering and involving people”. IIP‘s comments include, “The new Employee Engagement Focus group is a clear indication that the leaders want people to be more engaged and involved.”, and “A very good practice is involving people in action planning based on the results of the Employee Engagement Survey (EES). This has been done by asking for volunteers to join the focus group through a feedback process.”.

• The cross-department job rotation schemes in various ASEAN countries is an initiative that is in line with the IIP indicator entitled “Structuring work” within the ‘Support’ sector. IIP’s remarks include, “This good practice enhances the acquisition of additional skills and competencies of your people. A broader job profile will give people more scope to grow within their roles.”.

• All GEODIS’ teams in APAC employ the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Green Belt approach and EES planning processes, actions that conform with the IIP Indicator “Delivering continuous improvement.” IIP’s reaction being, “LSS is potentially transformative, not just in cost saving and efficiency, but in engaging and developing your people.”.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe and #7 worldwide. In 2020, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.4 billion in sales.

Super73, a California-based designer and manufacturer of electric bikes has awarded GEODIS a 3-year contract to support its market growth in Europe and the Middle East. GEODIS’ responsibilities will include customs brokerage, warehousing, value-added services (for instance the attachment of seats) and European distribution to retail outlets and consumers and export shipments to the Middle East and Africa, from multiple GEODIS facilities in Europe.  

The demand of e-bikes has soared in recent years and Super73 has grown rapidly. The brand is very well established in the US and is quickly gaining popularity in Europe and the Middle East. There has become a need for a logistics partner that could help take advantage of this potential and accelerate market growth. By combining the Group services of Contract Logistics, Freight Forwarding and Distribution & Express and integrating them on a single online platform (IRIS*), GEODIS is able to provide Super73 with maximum supply chain visibility.

“Super73 presented us with a challenge that enabled us to show and utilize our full scope of services” – says Mark van den Assem, Managing Director of GEODIS in the Benelux. “It demands the successful cooperation of not only GEODIS’ multiple lines of business and country operations, but also a new creative integration of warehouse management systems with other applications.”

“We understand the complexities of developing new markets, particularly the logistics of supplying new customers not just with a superior product but with an efficient and reliable supply line. For a startup like ours, scalability is the name of the game, and we found in GEODIS a devoted team of logistics professionals focusing on just that.” says Nicolas Danan, the General Manager of Super73 Europe.

“GEODIS makes it easy for us as they provide the whole spectrum of transport, warehousing, and distribution services all over European Union and the UK.“, adds Fabian Hardjoprajitno, Operations Manager of Super73 Europe.

Super73 is another brand with an environmental conscience to have chosen GEODIS as its logistics partner.

*IRIS gives GEODIS customers information on the real-time status of their shipments.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe and #7 worldwide. In 2020, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.4 billion in sales.

GEODIS is investing in a “green” fleet for urban delivery in France. The aim is to reduce pollution and noise disturbance. On Tuesday, June 15, 2021, Stéphane Cassagne, GEODIS Executive Vice President of Distribution & Express Line of Business, and Emilio Portillo, Managing Director of IVECO France, signed an agreement that includes an order for 200 CNG vehicles that will be fueled with biogas. Delivery is scheduled for the end of 2021.

“This investment marks another new step for GEODIS in reducing the impact of its activities on the environment and combating climate change. In particular, by greening road transport in the last mile we will contribute to decarbonizing the sector. Urban logistics is at the heart of our actions.” says Marie-Christine Lombard, CEO of GEODIS.

GEODIS’ goal is to achieve 100% carbon-free transport to the city centers of France’s 35 largest cities (with populations of more than 150,000 inhabitants) within three years. The proactive strategy initiated several years ago has reached a new level with the signing of this order with IVECO, the leader in alternative energies, with nearly 60% of the French market.

GEODIS chose 107 IVECO Daily and 93 Eurocargo vehicles powered by BioGNV, a fuel that reduces CO2 emissions by up to 95% while offering the same performance as a diesel vehicle. Compared to a Euro VI-E diesel vehicle, fine particle emissions are reduced by 95% and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions by 90%. These vehicles fall into the Crit’Air 1 category. Certified by Pieck Quiet Truck 71 dB, they are able to make silent deliveries by day and night.

“The increased use of new energies is a lever for action to reduce the emissions linked to our distribution activities. This order for 200 vehicles is a major step that marks our commitment to reducing CO2 emissions. It positions us as a major player in clean delivery in France, an ambition that brings yet more benefits to our customers.” said Stéphane Cassagne, Executive Vice President of GEODIS’ Distribution & Express line of business.

“We welcome GEODIS’ commitment and the trust placed in our brand. IVECO believed very early on in the natural gas solution, for which demand is growing steadily in France and in Europe. With this solution, which meets the triple objective of protecting our health, the climate and the quality of life in the city, our vehicles have become the benchmark for transporters who are already committed to the ecological transition.” said Emilio Portillo, Managing Director of IVECO France.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe and #7 worldwide. In 2020, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.4 billion in sales.

IVECO
IVECO is a brand of CNH Industrial N.V., a World leader in Capital Goods listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CNHI) and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario of the Borsa Italiana (MI: CNHI). IVECO designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles, off-road trucks, and vehicles for applications such as off-road missions.

The brand’s wide range of products include the Daily, a vehicle that covers the 3.3 – 7.2 ton vehicle weight segment, the Eurocargo from 6 – 19 tons and, in the heavy segment above 16 tons,  the IVECO WAY range with the on-road IVECO S-WAY, the off-road IVECO T-WAY  and the IVECO X-WAY for light off-road missions. In addition, the IVECO Astra brand builds off-road trucks, rigid and articulated dumpers as well as special vehicles.

IVECO employs close to 21,000 individuals globally. It manages production sites in 7 countries throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania and Latin America where it produces vehicles featuring the latest advanced technologies. 4,200 sales and service outlets in over 160 countries guarantee technical support wherever an IVECO vehicle is at work.

For further information about IVECO: www.iveco.com

GEODIS is launching “Manage!“, a program designed to support its 8,000 managers around the world. Built around the company’s 7 Leadership Principles, it aims to strengthen their skills and leadership through a 14-week program. This will be key to stimulating commitment and creativity in their teams and partners, to achieve the goals of GEODIS’ “Ambition 2023” strategic plan.

“In a pandemic context marked by a disruption of norms and traditional benchmarks, management is even more essential today. To lead our market, the quality of our managers and the commitment of our teams are crucial. This new program aims to ensure that our leaders have all the attributes to support their employees and encourage them to remain agile and in tune with what is happening in the world,” explains Marie-Christine Lombard, CEO of GEODIS.

The Manage! program includes six training modules, including a total of 24 hours of group sessions, combined with online resources and personal assignments. It addresses decision-making, performance management, communication and feedback, through modules such as “developing your emotional intelligence” and “collaborating and coming together in decision-making”.

“People are at the heart of our business. This new program is based on the 7 GEODIS Leadership Principles which define our Group’s expectations of its leaders. It aims to develop the skills of our teams while sharing a common corporate culture, regardless of geographical location,” concludes Mario Ceccon, Executive Vice President Group Human Resources.

The 7 GEODIS Leadership Principles:

• Be a Strategy Ambassador
• Debate. Decide. Align.
• Drive results
• Duty to communicate
• Engage and empower people
• Own the All
• Walk the talk

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe and #7 worldwide. In 2020, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.4 billion in sales.

Antoine Pretin joins GEODIS as Vice President Engineering Group. He will oversee the growth in automatizing GEODIS’ service offerings to its customers.

Antoine Pretin, 38, engineer, began his career in 2007 as a project manager at Sidel Cermex, first in Dijon, then in Atlanta, USA. After a few years at Fives Intralogistics, he joined Actemium Logistics, a VINCI Group company specializing in automated intralogistics solutions, in 2014, where he was head of the distribution business.

“Faced with the acceleration of e-commerce and new consumer demands, the automatization of logistics warehouses is an essential response to handle growing flows in an ever-shorter timeframe. With his experience, Antoine will contribute to an open and constructive dialogue between the GEODIS teams and the various players in the field of automatization, to serve the needs of our customers around the world,” explains Philippe de Carné, Executive Vice President Business Development, Innovation & Business Excellence.

“The arrival of increasingly autonomous intelligent robots and a constant search for competitiveness are paving the way for increased automatization. Such solutions provide great leverage to improve performance and assist in order preparation in e-commerce warehouses, reducing repetitive tasks, but also gaining quality and reactivity. I am delighted to have joined GEODIS, a world leader in supply chain management, to support this development. The mobilization of all the existing skills within the Group and the team I am building will be a great support for our customers,” says Antoine Pretin.

GEODIS has around fifty automated sites worldwide.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe and #7 worldwide. In 2020, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.4 billion in sales.

GEODIS announces the opening of a new 6,000 sqm site within the cargo area of Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport to provide certified services, especially for customers in the health and luxury goods sectors.

The new complex will have immediate airside access.  It will be located near Air France’s main warehouse (G1XL) and other main service providers at the airport.

The latest generation of cargo handling technology, highly secure and certified CEIV[1] and TAPA[2] Level A, will offer a level of service excellence targeted at the pharmaceutical and luxury goods sectors. The complex will be equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure for the processing of temperature-controlled products, including negative temperatures.

“With this investment, GEODIS confirms its ability to provide a high-quality air cargo offering. Thanks to the strategic location of this new cargo station, we are able to accelerate processing times for the flow of goods, both for export and import, while ensuring rigorous safety standards for the products entrusted to us by our customers,” says Massimo Norcaro, Director of the Freight Forwarding line of Business of GEODIS in France.

As part of GEODIS’ ongoing commitment, this HQE Excellent certified building will ensure the highest environmental standards are met.

The site will be operational in October 2021 and will have around 120 employees.

[1] Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics.

[2] Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe and #7 worldwide. In 2020, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.4 billion in sales.