Transport communications

Portcare International is the press relations consultancy for the shipping and logistics industry. Formed by transport people for transport people. We can truly claim to understand our clients’ needs and ‘talk the same language’. Portcare provide effective, value for money PR to some of the industry’s best-known names.

Evergreen Expands its Service Network in the Philippines

December 8, 2014 by

In order to offer a more comprehensive service to shippers and importers in the Philippines, Evergreen Line is to team up with Cheng Lie Navigation (CNC) to launch the new China-Philippines Service (CPH ).

Two ships of around 1,000 TEU will be deployed on the new weekly service, one each operated by the joint service partners.   The first sailing on the CPH service will be from Shanghai on the 11th of December and the  port rotation is as follows:

Shanghai – Ningbo – Xiamen – Shekou – Manila (south harbour) –Shanghai.

The new service is in addition to the four feeder loops, which Evergreen offers serving the Philippines.  This comprehensive coverage of all major ports in the Philippines, includes Manila (both north and south harbours), Cebu, Davao and General Santos, etc.  All services connect to Evergreen’s global network via either Kaohsiung and/or Hong Kong.

According to statistics published by China’s General Administration of Customs, the amount of bilateral trade between China and ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) increased by 8.9% during the first ten months of 2014.  In particular, China’s imports and exports to/from the Philippines showed an even stronger growth of 17.1%.

ASEAN member states have held several rounds of trade talks with China, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Australia and India for Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and aimed to conclude the negotiations by the end of 2015. As a positive indication of future trade growth, this initiative is expected to significantly benefit the further development of Intra-Asia trades.

 

Filed Under: Evergreen Line

Menlo Presents Guidance for Specialist Supply Chain Management in the Medical Device Sector

December 8, 2014 by

Amsterdam – December 5th 2014

Menlo Logistics, (Menlo), the global logistics and supply chain management unit of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW) is emphasising the specialised nature of the Medical Device (Medtech) supply chain in Europe.  Menlo is particularly keen to outline the particular skills and capabilities required by a 3PL to manage the unique requirements of medical device manufacturers and the hospitals and health systems that make up the majority of consumers.

A detailed review of the sector, including consultation with a number of leading global suppliers in the sector, has lead Menlo to conclude that five key attributes of a 3PL/supply chain service provider are essential to deliver an effective service.

Speaking at the Life Sciences Supply Chain Summit in Amsterdam yesterday, Arthur van Gerven, Menlo’s Senior Director of Business Development in Europe said, “We are finding that the introduction of a centralised warehousing and distribution model, replacing national level networks, is being increasingly employed in Europe by medical device manufacturers; the process is most often assisted by a 3PL with global capabilities.”

During a panel session which included leading suppliers supporting his view, van Gerven continued, “However, once the ‘big picture’ re-engineering of a complex supply chain has been completed, the incumbent 3PL must have the necessary skills and capabilities to continue the job within the re-aligned infrastructure.”

The five key attributes that Menlo believes are essential to fulfil customer expectations in the medical device sector are outlined in the diagram below.

141205 Medical Device Graphic

 

Menlo is at pains to stress that a commonality of culture is the dominant factor in the mix. “You need the right culture, a shared mindset between people in both organisations to implement a structured and continuous improvement process,” said van Gerven at the Summit.  Menlo’s own solution to this need is to employ the Lean concept, applying the well-established waste-reduction technique to logistics.  “While this shared culture is the most difficult of the five to achieve, it is the most important, as it is also the driver of quality,” he emphasised.  The other three elements, while critical, are easier for a 3PL to put in place.

In addition, van Gerven’s Amsterdam comments drew on the contents of a soon to be published White Paper by Menlo entitled ‘Rationalising the Medical Device Supply Chain’*.  The five key 3PL attributes are described in detail within the White Paper along with results of other research into the European Medical Device market, estimated to be worth €100 billion.  The sector employs 575,000 people, working for around 23,000 companies, 95% of which are SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises).

The aim of the White Paper is to summarise the current challenges to producers, suppliers and consumers in optimising their supply chains and contains examples of how the players, including their logistics service providers, are responding in order to design supply networks and work processes that are more refined, efficient, effective and environmentally friendly.

*Pre-publication advanced copies of the White Paper are available for review by the media on request

ENDS

 

About Menlo Logistics Europe

In Europe, Menlo 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: lifestyle, fashion & apparel; healthcare and medtech; e-fulfillment and e-returns; manufacturing support; data center logistics; spare parts and aftermarket supply and high tech. The European headquarters is at the multi-client Amsterdam Distribution Centre in the Netherlands. www.menlologistics.com/europe

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

Menlo Logistics, LLC, is a US$1.5 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, California-based Menlo 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 nearly 20 million square feet of dedicated warehouse space in North America, the Asia Pacific, Europe and Latin America, and industry-leading technologies, Menlo Logistics creates effective, integrated solutions for the transportation and distribution needs of leading businesses around the world. Menlo Logistics, LLC, is a subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW), a $5.5 billion diversified freight transportation and logistics company.

Filed Under: Menlo Logistics

Geodis Wilson to exhibit at the Annual Power-Gen Exhibition in Orlando

December 8, 2014 by

Houston, 8 December 2014

Global freight management and logistics provider, Geodis Wilson, will be exhibiting at Power-Gen International, part of the Power Generation Week, which will take place at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida, to showcase its logistics solutions in the Power Segment.  

The Industrial Project divisions of Geodis Wilson is serving a range of global players in the areas of power and renewable energy, including a record-breaking airfreight shipment of wind turbine blades from China to Scandinavia and lead the first rail freight solution for similar blade delivery in Europe.

Geodis Wilson’s Power Segment Leader Henrik Lindahl willl be attending the event:  “This exhibition is an excellent opportunity for us to be close to the industry trends. It helps us to   provide reliable, transparent, and tailor made solutions that meet our clients’ needs.”

Power-Gen International is the largest, most respected power generation event in the world. It is the one major exhibition to discover new, cutting edge innovations in power generation, absorb new business development ideas and gain insight on industry trends and best practices.

Geodis Wilson will be exhibiting at Booth No. 3147, from 9 – 11 December, 2014, whereby attendees at the exhibition will have the opportunity to meet with both Global and US based teams in the Power Segment of the Industrial Projects division.

For more information on the Conference go to – http://www.power-gen.com/exhibit.html

Geodis Wilson executives in Attendance will be:

Henrik Lindal, Global Segment Leader, Power

Mikael Pedersen, Global Segment Leader, Renewables

Antoine Bondoux Global Segment Leader, Nuclear

About Geodis Wilson and the Geodis Group

Geodis Wilson is a leading, global freight management company. With around 9,000 employees in 61 countries the company delivers tailor-made, integrated logistics solutions to its customers enabling them to grow their business wordwide. Geodis Wilson – with a revenue of 2,67 bn € in 2013 – is the freight forwarding arm of Geodis Group, a subsidiary of the French rail and freight group SNCF.

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

 

Filed Under: GEODIS

K Line (THAILAND) Ltd. 50th Anniversary Party held in Bangkok

December 3, 2014 by

K LINE (THAILAND) LTD. (“KTL”) held its 50th Anniversary Party at Plaza Athénée Bangkok on December 1, 2014.

KTL’s 50th Anniversary was celebrated by about 700 people who gathered for the party including Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr. Shigekazu Sato, Ambassador of Japan to Thailand and many distinguished guests from Port Authority of Thailand, government agencies, customer companies and other related people.

In his speech, Mr. Jiro Asakura, President of KAWASAKI KISEN KAISHA, LTD. expressed his sincere gratitude for all attendees who have given support and cooperation to KTL for 50 years in order to develop business in Thailand. He also stressed how the company continues to advance its systems of quality control, conservation of environment and safety standards.

KAWASAKI (BANGKOK) LTD. (former name of KTL) was established in 1964, after which business continually progressed in accordance with economic growth of Thailand. KTL and 7 other group companies in Thailand are now successfully providing a broad spectrum of business services including shipping agencies, inland transportation, custom clearance, machine installation, warehousing, cold storage, freight forwarding and insurance agency. One of KTL’s group companies, BANGKOK COLD STORAGE SERVICE, LTD., has recently opened its second cold storage in a suburb area of Bangkok. In 2015, it is scheduled to open K Line Bang Phra Logistics Center near Laem Chabang port which will consist of warehouse, container depot and truck depot.

In 2015, ASEAN Economic Community (“AEC”) will be established and it is expected to accelerate economic growth of ASEAN countries more and more  beyond their respective borders. The “K” Line Group includes companies such as KTL and representative offices in various countries throughout Asia. In order to provide our esteemed customers with the highest quality total logistics services, we are constantly improving our business operations and will further  strengthen our overall worldwide organization, not only to meet shippers’ needs but to also contribute to each local economy where our operations are located.

 

141203 KLine Thailand 50th Anniversary Party

From the left, Mr. Vitthya, Chairman of K Line (Thailand) Ltd., Mr. Abhisit, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr. Asakura, President of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd.,
Mr. Sato, Ambassador of Japan to Thailand, Mr. Ishida, Managing Director of K Line (Thailand) Ltd.

 

Filed Under: "K" Line

SAL Heavy Lift GmbH enters offshore wind energy sector

December 3, 2014 by

1 December 2014

In October 2014, SAL successfully completed its first offshore wind-farm-related operation on the Baltic Sea. This offshore operation was part of the Wikinger offshore wind farm project developed by Spanish energy company Iberdrola, whose test pile contract was awarded to German engineering and services group Bilfinger. Bilfinger subcontracted SAL to carry out the tests, and accordingly, SAL’s main offshore installation vessel MV LONE independently conducted the driving of 9 piles into the seabed to a depth of approximately 35 m, including loading and transporting the piles. The piles are for the purpose of confirming the design from a soils perspective.

SAL had sporadically engaged in offshore operations in the past, including implementing a project to deliver equipment underwater (wet-handshake) off the coast of India and a project to change the equipment modules of a floating production, storage and offloading vessel for oil and gas off the coast of Nigeria. SAL then officially entered the offshore operation sector after constructing MV LONE and MV SVENJA, which are equipped with dynamic positioning systems. In 2013, SAL Offshore B.V. was established in Delft, Netherlands, and since then SAL has actively participated in offshore projects, including the installation of submarine pipeline equipment in the Mediterranean and the installation of a tide power generator off the coast of Scotland. This piling work is SAL’s first offshore wind-farm-related operation.

The project was started at the end of September after 4 months of careful planning and thorough preparation, including with significant support from engineering. MV LONE was first fitted out with additional living quarters and project equipment, including 6 tugger winches at Rotterdam. MV LONE was then loaded with the piles, a template for specifying the pile driving positions, a level for setting a pile, an ROV (underwater robot), and an underwater hammer at Sassnitz, Germany, and traveled to the planned construction site of the offshore wind farm approximately,30 km off the coast. MV LONE carried out a series of activities, namely, installation of the 110-t template at the seabed, insertion of piles into the template, and hammering of piles into the seabed. The operation was divided into two sessions in accordance with the water depth, and 9 piles were successfully installed in about 10 days. A further testing campaign of the piles is planned to be carried out by MV LONE in December.

SAL will continue to actively participate in offshore projects by taking full advantage of its engineering capability developed through heavy-item shipping and harbor construction projects, recent experience in offshore projects, high-quality vessels, and the quality work provided by its skilled competent crews.

Filed Under: "K" Line

Maritime safety – two steps forward, but much still to be done

November 26, 2014 by

Last week saw the International Maritime Organization’s Maritime Safety Committee (IMO MSC) finalise work on two measures that are significant for standards of safety in the unit load industry, be it maritime or land-based.  International transport insurance provider, TT Club however, believes that while the IMO’s recent actions are significant, they are but two stakes that begin to mark out the ground for what needs to done in developing safety throughout the supply chain.

The adoption by the IMO of the amendment to SOLAS (the Convention for Safety of Life at Sea) concerning verification of gross mass for containers is welcomed.  Such verification will become mandatory in July 2016. The implications of this modest change are reverberating through the international transport community, emphasising as it does shippers’ responsibility to declare gross mass accurately and clarifying the means by which this can be done.

Much work remains to be done by the relevant governmental authorities worldwide to deliver uniform enforcement. Yet prior to this, consistency of both ways and means of carrying out either of the two methods of weight verification outlined in the amendment must be developed throughout the supply chain and across the globe.  Perhaps even more importantly, those contracting to carry or handle container cargo need urgently to identify how each will develop compliance.  The IMO’s move has implications for all parties involved in unit load transportation.

The second welcome ‘stake’ is the approval, with immediate global effect as a non-mandatory Code of Practice, of the CTU Code and its related ‘Informative Material’. While only some jurisdictions may enshrine the code in national legislation, the entire freight industry must recognise that this detailed guidance for the safe packing of unit loads may now be used in litigation to demonstrate good practice.  The TT Club wishes to stress forcefully that all parties need to develop ways to implement and encourage compliance with the CTU Code.*

TT Club’s Risk Management Director, Peregrine Storrs-Fox has for some time been drawing the industry’s attention to the consequences, including bodily injuries, of inappropriate load distribution and badly secured cargo within CTUs (Cargo Transport Units).  He asserts, “Increased levels of training of those employed by shippers, consolidators, warehouses and depots to pack containers, road trailers and other transport units is now essential.”

TT Club’s views are supported by both the International Cargo Handling Co-ordination Association (ICHCA) and developer of e-learning training courses for the transport industry, Exis Technologies.   ICHCA will be repeating its successful and informative CTU Roadshow, first held in Harwich earlier this year, in Hull in the New Year, the date of which will be confirmed shortly.  Exis Technologies was commissioned by TT Club to develop the CTUpack e-learning™ course**, which was launched in January 2014.  This foundation course provides lessons focusing on the issues most relevant to the packers of unit loads, including forces and stresses encountered during transport and how these impinge on the safe packing and securing cargo in a CTU.

Storrs-Fox advises, “Such training is clearly the number one loss prevention measure and, if adopted as a core feature of the operator’s culture, can greatly reduce the number of incidents incurred globally each year throughout the industry.”

These two elements begin to mark out new safety parameters and will undoubtedly, if adequately and consistently implemented, bring about some improvements through the supply chain. However more needs to be done particularly in the maritime mode.

TT Club is amongst those in the international shipping community who are urging attention to be focussed on the findings of the MARIN ‘Lashing@Sea’ investigation. While the issues highlighted in that report of cargo weight are in hand, others relating to ship planning, lashing, and dynamic ship-board information are extant. The recent initiative by ICHCA to hold a seminar on ‘Container Lashing and Securing’ in Rotterdam (10th December http://www.etouches.com/ichcacontainerlashingseminar ) *** is welcomed in this regard. The event will explore what the industry as a whole can do to reduce the risks and inefficiencies associated with current container lashing and securing practices.

While recognising the complexity of international supply chain logistics and infrastructure, TT Club urges the relevant entities at IMO to seize all the issues that give rise to ‘unknown variables … [that] erode or eliminate the safety margins in place,’ as succinctly described by the UK Maritime Accident Investigation Branch’s report on ‘MSC Napoli’ in 2008.

*The CTU Code can be downloaded from the UNECE website at http://www.unece.org/trans/wp24/guidelinespackingctus/intro.html

** CTUpack e-learning™ can be purchased directly from www.ctupack.com. There are discounts for courses purchased in quantity.  Exis Technologies also sells Hazcheck Systems for the management of dangerous goods in sea transport www.hazcheck.com and online IMDG Code training courses www.imdge-learning.com

*** http://www.ichca.com/press-releases/110-lloyds-register-bromma-and-german-lashing-robert-boeck-join-debate-at-ichca-container-lashing-securing-seminar

ENDS

 

About ICHCA International

Established in 1952, ICHCA International is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the safety, productivity and efficiency of cargo handling and movement worldwide.

ICHCA’s privileged NGO status enables it to represent its members, and the cargo handling industry at large, in front of national and international agencies and regulatory bodies, while its ISP Technical Panel provides best practice advice and develops publications on a wide range of practical cargo handling issues.  Operating through a series of national and regional chapters – including ICHCA Australia, ICHCA Japan and ICHCA Canarias/Africa (CARC) – plus Correspondence and Working Groups, ICHCA provides a focal point for informing, educating, lobbying and networking to improve knowledge and best practice across the cargo handling chain.

www.ichca.com | www.ichca-australia.com

Follow ICHCA on Twitter @ICHCA2

 

About Exis Technologies

Exis Technologies, headquartered in Darlington, UK, is the leading supplier of compliance systems for the management of dangerous goods in sea transport and developer of e-learning training courses for the transport industry.  For over 25 years major container shipping lines, ports and shippers have been relying on Hazcheck Systems for regulatory compliance, efficiency and safety in their global operations. They serve 80% of the top container lines. IMDG Code e-learning is a cost-effective training solution for shore side staff that has been implemented by half of the top 20 container lines as well as shippers and logistics operations worldwide.  Exis will be launching a new range of courses for Amendment 37-14 training in December. CTUpack e-learning is the latest addition to their training courses. It is sponsored by the TT Club and approved by ICHCA.

www.existec.com

 

About TT Club

The TT Club is the international transport and logistics industry’s leading provider of insurance and related risk management services. Established in 1968, the Club’s membership comprises ship operators, ports and terminals, road, rail and airfreight operators, logistics companies and container lessors. As a mutual insurer, the Club exists to provide its policyholders with benefits, which include specialist underwriting expertise, a world-wide office network providing claims management services, and first class risk management and loss prevention advice. TT Club is managed by Thomas Miller

www.ttclub.com

About Thomas Miller

Thomas Miller is an independent and international provider of insurance, professional and investment services. Founded in 1885, Thomas Miller’s origins are in the provision of management services to mutual organisations, particularly in the international transport and professional indemnity sectors; where today they manage a large percentage of the foremost insurance mutuals. Thomas Miller also manages insurance facilities for all the self-employed barristers in England & Wales, as well as trustees of pension schemes, patent agents and housing associations.

Principal activities include:

  • Management services for transport and professional indemnity insurance mutuals
  • Investment management for institutions and private clients
  • Professional services
  • Building defects insurance

www.thomasmiller.com

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: TT Club

“K” Line Pure Car Carrier Cooperates in Rescue of 4 Crewmen from Yacht with Rudder Trouble in the Atlantic Ocean

November 26, 2014 by

 

On November 13, 2014, “K” Line PCC vessel “MICHIGAN HIGHWAY” was requested by MRCC Delgada (*) to rescue the yacht “Hunter” that had sent distress signal in the Atlantic Ocean. In compliance with the request, “MICHIGAN HIGHWAY” immediately headed for the position and successfully rescued 4 crewmen in good health without any injuries. All those who were rescued safely disembarked at Livorno port in Italy on November 20.

(*) MRCC Delgada : Maritime Rescue Coordination Center Delgada

141126 Yacht 'Hunter' - crewmen waiting for rescue

(4 crewmen on the yacht “Hunter” waiting for rescue of “MICHIGAN HIGHWAY”)

About “MICHIGAN HIGHWAY”

Master：         Capt. Ognyan Stanakiev Nikolov

Flag：           Panama

Crew：          23 (Bulgarian, Filipino)

Gross Tonnage：  56,951 tons

Type of Vessel：  Pure Car Carrier

Filed Under: "K" Line

Menlo’s Genk Facility Maximises its Location Potential

November 24, 2014 by

AMSTERDAM — November 24th 2014 — Menlo Logistics (Menlo), the global logistics and supply chain management unit of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW) has located its Genk, Belgium warehouse site with an astute attention to both proximity to European markets and the availability of multimodal transport options.

Close to the Dutch/German border to the East and to significant concentrations of industrial activity in Belgium and the Netherlands to the West and North, the 16,000 square metre facility at Genk has particularly advantages when it comes to efficient product distribution.  With an eye also on cost-effective transport management, the location, though adjacent to major road arteries, also provides multiple alternative transport capabilities via water, air and rail. These characteristics of the site give Menlo’s Transport Management Services (TMS) ample scope to remove excess cost from its customers’ distribution as well as import/export expense.

Warehouse based value-added services are also facilitated at Genk by Menlo’s RF-enabled* Warehouse Management System (WMS) as well as by the provincial government of Limburg’s favourable policies on labour costs and infrastructure to assist local businesses.  These put the location in a favourable competitive position in comparison with many other parts of Europe.

Site Manager Rik Jossels describes how his Genk depot compliments the Menlo strategy for logistics services provision, “Menlo’s fundamental principle is to constantly review a supply chain’s performance in order to identify improvements in the process to deliver both increased efficiency and cost savings to our customers.  For these purposes the Genk facility is perfectly designed and located. It has a staff well motivated and trained to achieve these ends.”

*Radio Frequency technology (RF) helps automatic identification of objects

Key Facts about Menlo, Genk

  • Dedicated client site servicing a diversified Industrial global company
  • 16,000 square meters
  • 11.5-meter clear ceiling height
  •  6 overhead doors
  • 12 dock doors
  • Fire sprinkler system
  • Secured facility with CCTV coverage, alarm monitoring and response services

Scope of Services — Distribution

  • Inbound receiving and storage
  • Outbound distribution EU and Export
  • Kitting
  • Returns handling
  • Cross docking

Value-added

  • Repack of incoming goods
  • Export shipment management and document retention
  • Scrap handling
  • QA validation
  • Hazmat handling
  • Known Consignor Validated (Air Freight Security)
  • Labelling
  • Two shift operation

www.menlologistics.com/images/pdfs/genk.pdf

 

About Menlo Logistics Europe

In Europe, Menlo 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: lifestyle, fashion & apparel; healthcare and medtech; e-fulfillment and e-returns; manufacturing support; data center logistics; spare parts and aftermarket supply and high tech. The European headquarters is at the multi-client Amsterdam Distribution Centre in the Netherlands. www.menloworldwide.com/europe

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

About Menlo Logistics

Menlo Logistics, LLC, is a US$1.5 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, California-based Menlo 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 nearly 20 million square feet of dedicated warehouse space in North America, the Asia Pacific, Europe and Latin America, and industry-leading technologies, Menlo Logistics creates effective, integrated solutions for the transportation and distribution needs of leading businesses around the world. Menlo Logistics, LLC, is a subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW), a $5.5 billion diversified freight transportation and logistics company.

 

Filed Under: Menlo Logistics

Menlo Logistics Keen to Build on 2014 Growth in South Asia

November 21, 2014 by

Regional Capacity, Service Investments Coupled with Branding Initiative that Position Leading Logistics Provider for Continued Growth, Accelerated Market Recognition

SINGAPORE and SAN FRANCISCO — Nov. 20, 2014 — Menlo Logistics, the US$1.5 billion global logistics and supply chain management subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW), continues to experience significant growth in the South Asia region in 2014 and is targeting increasing its presence in Thailand and Malaysia, and adding to its portfolio supply chain services for two major new industries as key opportunities for 2015.

These and other developments, including the company’s recent rebranding initiative, were discussed today in a briefing for industry journalists hosted by Robert Bassett, Menlo’s vice president of marketing and sales, and Desmond Chan, Menlo’s Singapore-based managing director in South Asia.

“2014 has been an excellent year for Menlo in South Asia, where in the third quarter we experienced over 10 percent year-over-year growth,” said Mr. Bassett. “We’ve added 27 new projects so far this year and expanded our client base significantly, positioning us for a good start in 2015.”

The growth trend was supported by major investments in new state-of-the-art facilities — one in Singapore’s Benoi Sector as well as one in Shah Alam — Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — and another multi-client warehouse that opened in Lakrabang, Thailand. Collectively, the three new sites added 69,000 sq. meters of warehouse space across the region, bringing the total warehouse count for Menlo in South Asia to 35, and the total space under Menlo management to 392,000 sq. meters.

New Branding Initiative Supports Growth Objectives

Also supporting the company’s growth objectives is a branding initiative designed to better present Menlo’s capabilities and value to the market. Under this initiative, which followed nearly a year of research, the company in September globally refined its brand as Menlo Logistics, launched a new stand-alone website (www.menlologistics.com) and adopted a new brand tag line, “Customer Innovation,” which research showed more accurately represented the value attribute ranked most highly and often by Menlo’s customers.

“The benefits of the rebranding are easily measurable,” said Mr. Bassett. “We were able to refine and quantify our core strengths, and then present those solution capabilities to the market through a new website and a revamped marketing and business development program. We’re already seeing results in terms of increased prospects coming to us directly for solution proposals, and expanded inquiries into our services from new and existing clients,” he added.

Singapore’s Emergence as Logistics Leader Remains the Foundation

“Singapore’s emergence as a regional logistics hub continues to provide the foundation for Menlo’s growth in South Asia,” noted Desmond Chan, the company’s South Asia managing director. “Singapore has established itself as a strong regional hub as it is a time-tested and reliable center of gravity for regional commerce.” Mr. Chan added that the continued development of Singapore’s world-class port facilities and the shift of the existing port terminals to Tuas have the potential to generate even greater efficiencies for freight transiting Singapore and the region.

“Several macro-economic trends also are benefiting the region,” added Mr. Chan. “A growing population, increased affluence leading to a rise in consumption, an improving infrastructure and the development of new manufacturing capacity have also impacted the logistics marketplace positively,” he said. “Transparency of laws, efficient and responsive Customs administration and an improving local transportation infrastructure will remain Singapore’s advantage, although the rest of the region is catching up.”

 

“Generally, all countries in ASEAN and India show promising signs of growth,” added Mr. Chan. “We currently have operations in five countries — Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, India and Australia. We also focus on specialized services for key industries, which presently include automotive, high-tech, aerospace, consumer and industrial, and wine and spirits. In 2015 we will be expanding these capabilities into logistics solutions for health care and oil and gas development, as well as additional support for automotive and industrial customers in India and Thailand.”

 

New Vertical Industries, Refined Lean Capabilities on the Roadmap

Menlo has a well-defined plan for moving forward in South Asia, including expanding into new vertical industries, refining its capabilities for current industries, and deploying its Lean efficiency and continuous improvement programs more deeply into the solutions it devises for customers.

“Customers expect competency in managing warehouses, transportation and distribution operations from their 3PLs,” said Mr. Chan. “Where Menlo differentiates is in providing these highly developed competencies along with proven skill using Lean methodologies to drive out waste and strive for continuous improvement, year after year. The process and practice innovations we develop with our Lean expertise is a recognized strength, and one that we will continue to develop best practices for,” he concluded.

About Menlo Logistics
Menlo Logistics, LLC, is a US$1.5 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, California-based Menlo 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 fulfillment and light assembly through a strategic network of multi-client and dedicated facilities.

With nearly 20 million square feet of dedicated warehouse space in North America, the Asia Pacific, Europe and Latin America, and industry-leading technologies, Menlo Logistics creates effective, integrated solutions for the transportation and distribution needs of leading businesses around the world.

Menlo Logistics, LLC, is a subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW), a $5.5 billion diversified freight transportation and logistics company.

 

 

Filed Under: Menlo Logistics

Geodis Wilson Opens New Logistics Hubs to Service Global Oil & Gas Industry

November 17, 2014 by

Houston, 17 November 2014

Geodis Wilson, the global freight management and logistics provider, has announced the expansion of its global network of operating hubs dedicated to the sector, thus underlining its on-going commitment to the logistics demands of the Oil & Gas industry. In addition to existing hubs in Houston and Vitrolles (near Marseille), the company has just opened a third hub in Singapore. Two more, in Antwerp and Dubai, will be online by the end of the year and a further two are planned for 2015. The development is in line with Geodis Wilson’s strategic growth plan in its Industrial Projects division for the burgeoning Oil & Gas sector, where it plans to increase freight volumes by 50% within a year after opening the new hubs.

oilgas hub map

From its headquarters and primary Oil & Gas hub in Houston (established in 2009) the Company has developed its network of operational centres across the globe. The new hub in Singapore is strategically located to service the Oil & Gas clusters in Southeast Asia. The North African region is served through its Vitrolles hub in the South of France. The upcoming centre in Antwerp will serve North Sea activities, Eastern Europe and Africa, while Dubai will become Geodis Wilson’s Oil & Gas hub for the Middle East and Indian sub-continent.

In 2015, the company plans to expand into China and South Africa with the launch of additional hubs.

Companies in the Oil & Gas sector place complex and constantly changing demands on their supply chains. “As a primary provider of logistics and transport management services we must be flexible in our development”, says Philippe Somers, Senior Vice President of Geodis Wilson’s Industrial Projects Division. “The strategy of developing a network of hubs allows us to implement enhanced solutions to these dynamic requirements.”

“Our strategy is to put a knowledge-based workforce in the centre that can work in close collaboration with our customers. Therefore the hubs are staffed by highly experienced personnel with particular knowledge and skills in the Oil & Gas sector”, explains Steen Christensen, Global Head, Oil & Gas for Geodis Wilson.  Describing the customer-driven philosophy behind the dedicated global-hub network, he adds that “flexibility in the provision of logistics services is undoubtedly a key characteristic of successful service providers, particularly in Oil & Gas. At Geodis Wilson the ability to customize solutions for each individual logistics challenge is ingrained in our culture; it’s what makes us stand apart in a highly competitive market.”

ENDS

 

About Geodis Wilson and the Geodis Group

Geodis Wilson is a leading, global freight management company. With around 9,000 employees in 61 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 2.67 bn € in 2013, is the freight forwarding arm of Geodis Group which became part of the French rail and freight group SNCF in 2008. 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

www.geodiswilson-projects.com

Filed Under: GEODIS
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