Category Archives: Warehousing

Block your dates for the fifth edition of SCM Logistics World, to be held on June 7 2023 at Radisson Blu, Mumbai. Centered around ‘Embracing agility to future proof supply chain ecosystems,’ the show will focus on supply chain and logistics sector integrating technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to upscale manufacturing and distribution operations. The show will deliver the must-have insights, strategies and frameworks of chief supply chain officers and their leadership to bring continued agility, resilience and adaptability to their organizations. The forum will gather relevant stakeholders from across sectors to explore latest trends and new age strategies to ensure optimal utilization of the entire function. With over 150 Supply Chain Management leaders attendees in person, the summit provides a great opportunity to learn and network with influential CSCOs, Supply Chain Directors, and industry experts in the supply chain and logistics domain.

Gati, an Allcargo Group company has entered into partnership with Schneider Electric to design greener logistics solutions for the company. In the initial phase of the collaboration, Gati has exclusively deployed alternative fuel vehicles for pick-up of consignments from Schneider Electric’s key distribution centres at Kundli in Haryana, Bhiwandi in Maharashtra and Chennai in Tamil Nadu. Subsequently, deliveries in Gurugram is also being carried out with alternative fuel vehicles. Pirojshaw Sarkari, CEO, Gati Ltd. and Vikrant Tyagi – Director – Logistics and Supply Chain Schneider Electric along with Schneider Electric’s logistics team have flagged off the alternative fuel vehicles at the Farukh Nagar STC on May 24, 2023. Apart from offering low-emission long haul transportations, under the greener logistics collaboration, Gati will also manage local deliveries in Gurugram for Schneider Electric with a fleet of alternative fuel vehicles. Commenting on the association, Pirojshaw Sarkari, CEO, Gati Ltd. said, “The deployment of alternative fuel vehicles is a part of our mission to boost environmental sustainability in express distribution and support the government in reducing carbon footprint. We are delighted to partner with Schneider Electric to develop greener logistics solutions which are in line with our vision to adopt green mobility. We have an ongoing express distribution partnership with Schneider Electric for pan India transportation and delivery. The latest green logistics collaboration will further enhance our synergy with them. We look forward to supporting Schneider Electric in its sustainability goals. We hope that the partnership will serve the foundation for a broader collaboration, focussing on creating an environmentally sustainable and efficient express distribution services.”

To support infrastructure-led growth, mere budgetary provisions will be insufficient and private participation is extremely crucial,” said Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road, Transport and Highways, Govt of India in the presence of Rajiv Bansal, IAS Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation of India, while unveiling the report on ‘Infrastructure – Key Driver of India’s Amrit Kaal March’ by CareEdge Ratings. He added, “There are four key pillars which will be regarded as the biggest capital in this century- Honesty, Credibility, Quality and Goodwill. Credit rating plays an important role at every step of infrastructure development. Be it for achieving financial closure, or at the time of bidding projects or at the time of seeking refinancing etc. The credit rating assessment is expected to incorporate performance evaluation of the contractors giving a lot of emphasis on quality parameters, transparency, technical innovation in works execution and also achieving cost efficiencies in a time-bound manner. This is the need of the hour.” Mehul Pandya, MD & CEO, CareEdge Ratings, “We are impressed by the Government’s unwavering commitment, exemplified by multiple ambitious projects such as Smart Cities Mission, Bharatmala Pariyojana, Sagarmala, Gati Shakti, UDAN and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT). These initiatives aim to enhance connectivity, upgrade urban infrastructure, develop transportation networks, promote sustainable practices, and bridge the rural-urban divide. Such endeavours lay a solid foundation for inclusive growth and contribute significantly to the nation’s overall progress.”

Gati Limited has recorded a revenue of ₹1,469 Crores in FY23 for the express business, witnessing a growth of 18% as compared to the last year. Pirojshaw (Phil) Sarkari, Chief Executive Officer Gati said, “This performance reflects company’s focus on volume growth and operational efficiency. The year saw Gati launching its mega surface transhipment hub at Bhiwandi (Mumbai), in addition to hubs at Nagpur and Guwahati. The Mumbai hub is spread over 1.15 lac square feet with 61 bays and dock leveler. We also saw 100% implementation of digital e-dockets for retail clients and have started a pilot for MSMEs. The gross margin expansion remains on track, witnessing an improvement of 133bps over last year. In the next phase of infrastructure development, we’ll be setting up four surface transhipment hubs in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Indore and Kolkata.” The quarter gone by saw weakness in initial months followed by a very strong March. However, overall weakness in consumer durables and automobile sector, notwithstanding the unseasonal rains dampened the sentiment a bit. Despite tough economic scenario, the company has been able to maintain its performance. Our strategy for delivering such performance remains consistent and relies on our pillars of digitalization, sales acceleration, infrastructure, and operational excellence. We mandated GPS in all Linehaul & Feeder vehicles, to enhance visibility, improve performance & optimized productivity via continuous monitoring. The Company also improvised on dashboard designs to enable real time data visibility and KPI monitoring. Gati aims to enhance customer experience and operational excellence on front-end digitalization that include CRM system for managing customer relationships, sales acceleration with cluster-based approach, data science and digital payments.

Block your dates for the much-awaited, India Warehousing Show (IWS) set to take place on 14,15 &16 June in 2023 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The show is focused to bring the biggest companies on the show floor showcasing supply chain solutions. The upcoming edition will have around 230 suppliers showcasing generation next technologies under niche segments including Automation for Logistics, Ecommerce Zone, Supply Chain Zone, Warehouse Real Estate Zone and Packaging for Logistics offering logistics professionals an exclusive opportunity to connect face-to-face with the right solution providers in New Delhi. “India Warehousing Show has been successfully bringing the logistics stakeholders for almost 12 years now. It continues to shine after all these years and is one of the most awaited events to highlight the current issues, trends and future plans for the logistics sector. Wishing IWS team and RX India the best for the upcoming event and hoping for more diversified events in the years to come,” Shri Surendra Ahirwar, Joint Secretary, Logistics & Trade, DPIIT, Ministry of commerce & Industry, Govt of India. Janish Jafri, Project Manager, India Warehousing Show, said, “My colleagues and I look forward to welcoming all participants to the 12th edition of India Warehousing Show is scheduled to take place from 14th to 16 June 2023 at Pragati Maidan. IWS has received an overwhelming response and is looking very good. This year, 230 exhibitors and around 15,000 attendees are expected to be a part of the event, product and solutions on display will include warehouse building solutions, materials handling solutions, storage solutions, automation and packaging for logistics, AIDC and software solutions, logistics service providers, LCV’s and UCV’s and other related services.” Echoing the same …

Rivigo by Mahindra Logistics launched its first Express Hub in Bhiwandi. Followed with Luhari and Pune, these new processing centres are a part of Mahindra Logistics large format, multi-client warehouse that offer state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities. With a network of 17 processing centres and 200+ branches across the country, Express Hubs will serve diverse industries including e-commerce, consumer and engineering and will be operationally driven by a sustainable ecosystem. These new facilities are equipped with a comprehensive range of features and measures to ensure high-class capabilities, automation, and safety standards. Sreeram Venkateswaran, Chief Executive Officer at Rivigo by Mahindra Logistics said, “We are committed to provide fastest, safest, and most reliable express deliveries to our clientele and warehousing network is a key element. With the launch of Express Hubs, we look forward to providing a larger reach, best-in-class service delivery, integrated as well as customised solution for inbound and fulfilment, along with a sustainable ecosystem to enhance our Express Business’s capability”. Gurgaon based Rivigo by Mahindra Logistics has its foundation in the relay full truck load business. Over the years, the brand has made a strong presence in the PTL/Express services with pan India network, high-quality technology, and service backbone.

Welspun One Logistics Parks (WOLP) has successfully concluded the initial close of its second Alternative Investment Fund (AIF), WOLP Fund 2, raising an impressive INR 500 crores from domestic high net worth and family office investors within a short span of eight weeks. The speed of the raise underscores the strong investor confidence in both, the Welspun One platform and the prospects of the warehousing and industrial sector in India. WOLP Fund 2 was launched in March 2023 and aims to raise a corpus of INR 2,000 Crore, including a green shoe option of INR 1,000 Crore. Along with project level debt, this is expected to give the fund enough dry powder to invest in projects which entail an outlay of over INR 6,000 crore. Fund 2 is the successor to WOLP Fund 1, introduced in early 2021, which has since been fully committed across a portfolio of 6 projects pan-India aggregating to 6.5 million square feet of grade A warehousing and industrial space. Fund 1 has also delivered an impressive track record with over 50% of the Fund 1 portfolio close to being leased and physically delivered within a short span of two years. Fund 2 will further add 10-12 million square feet of new projects to this footprint, taking Welspun One’s total portfolio to 16-18 million square feet over the next 4-5 years. Anshul Singhal, Managing Director, Welspun One Logistics Parks, said, “We are pleased to witness an exceptional investor response, as the first round of WOLP Fund 2 successfully closed at INR 500 Crore within a remarkable 8-week timeframe, which is a record of sorts in the alternative investments space. This achievement not only exemplifies the high …

EXZOD India will enter the Middle East and South East Asian markets as it expands into new geographies to cater to the ever-increasing market for pallets. At present, the company has four manufacturing units in Punjab, Maharashtra, Haryana and Telangana. The units are equipped with state-of-the-art automatic pallet manufacturing machines. According to Nitin Kalla, founder & MD, EXZOD India, “Increase in trade across industries has led to demand for pallets worldwide and we have established our presence in India with our four plants. As we foray into overseas markets, we have decided to set up our presence in the Middle East and South East Asia.” He further added, “Dubai, Indonesia, and Vietnam are key hubs for generating business in the respective regions, and establishing a state-of-the-art manufacturing unit in these key hubs will allow us to be in proximity to our clients in the region.’’ The company also plans to expand its Annual Maintenance Contract services for pallets in these regions as this will enable logistics companies and manufacturers to focus on their business. The company’s expertise in the supply chain space allows it to provide customized solutions as per requirement. The company provides technology-embedded AMC Services which is the only organized player present in the industry. Exzod has seen the demand for pallets growing exponentially.

The construction of India’s first International Multimodal Logistics Park in Jogighopa, Assam, is well underway, and the jetty is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The park, which is being built at a cost of Rs 693.97 crore, will provide direct connectivity to waterways, road, rail, and air, and is expected to be completed in 2023. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, visited the site recently to review the progress and expressed satisfaction at the pace of work. The development of the first International Multimodal Logistics Park is in line with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of transformation through transportation. The project aims to revamp the transportation network in the Northeastern region of India, including neighbouring countries like Bhutan and Bangladesh. The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan is a key component of this vision, which aims to revive and rejuvenate the transportation system and make it an efficient and effective agent of change.

Balmer Lawrie, a diverse PSE with presence in manufacturing and services sectors has opened a Container Freight Station (CFS) in Vizag. Balmer Lawrie partnered with VPA for setting up an MMLH spread over 53 acres to meet the growing logistic demands of the region. Balmer Lawrie & Company Limited, set up a Multi Modal Logistic Hub (MMLH) in JV with Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA), Visakhapatnam Port Logistics Park Limited (VPLPL). Capable of handling Exim and domestic cargo, the Exim area will have CFS, warehousing, cold storage/temperature-controlled warehouse, open cargo storage, hazardous and non-hazardous cargo handling among others. The existing facility of VPLPL is in line with PM’s Gati Shakti initiative. This apart, there is potential of leveraging Electronic Cargo Monitoring System for cargo movement to Nepal, Bangladesh through VPLPL. This is the only facility with refrigeration facility and has a huge potential for movement of refrigerated cargo as well. The CFS in VPLPL, spread over 25 acres, is the only other facility in Vizag (other than CONCOR), which has rail connectivity with the port. This will facilitate faster movement of containers from the port, besides reducing the congestion on the road. The CFS operations within the multi-modal Logistics Park of Visakhapatnam Port Logistics Park Ltd, commenced in the presence of Shri Adika Ratna Sekhar on 24 April 2023 in Visakhapatnam.