Category Archives: Warehousing

The much awaited India Warehousing Show (IWS) begins today at Yashobhoomi, India International Convention & Expo Centre (IICC), Dwarka, New Delhi. The three day show, open till 13 July is one of the premier events in the warehousing, logistics, and supply chain industry, IWS continues to provide a comprehensive platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies, fostering industry connections, and driving business growth. Organized by RX India, IWS continues to be a cornerstone event for warehousing, material handling, logistics, automation, and supply chain professionals bringing the entire industry together under one roof. The 13th edition of IWS shall feature  a special address by Shri Surendra Ahirwar, Joint Secretary Logistics & Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, who will share his insights on the evolving logistics landscape in India. His address will highlight the government’s initiatives to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of the sector, aligning with the theme “Streamlining Tomorrow: Transforming Supply Chains through Automation. Speaking about the event Mr. Umang Gupta , Country General Manager, RX India said “With the warehousing & logistics sector becoming increasingly critical to national economy, the industry needs to collaborate across the economic value chain and focus on technological advancements for business growth. Over the decade, India Warehousing Show has become the flagship event that brings together policy makers, technology companies & infrastructure customers, all under one roof. The 13th edition of IWS is focused towards the rapidly evolving policy & technology landscape and aims to connect all stakeholders vital to the next stage of warehousing & logistics.” With over 250 exhibitors, IWS aims to offer an immersive experience and platform where participants can witness the latest technological advancements and live product demonstrations from the biggest national and international companies providing …

According to ICRA’s latest reports, “Industrial and warehouse logistics park (IWLP) supply is estimated to grow 13-14% year-on-year at around 424 million square feet this fiscal in the eight primary markets, driven by strong demand.” The report stated, the absorption is likely to be 47 million square feet in FY25 as compared to 37 million square feet in the previous fiscal. The sector continues to witness a sustained demand from third-party logistics (3PL) and manufacturing sectors, which together accounted for around 65% of the total leased area as of March 2024 while the share of e-commerce stood at 15%. The growth projections are based on a sample set of ICRA’s rated-portfolio that includes 58 entities across 17 cities having total leasable area of around 34-million sq ft. It also said that among the eight primary markets, around 42 of the warehousing stock as of March 2024 was contributed by Mumbai and Delhi-NCR while the overall occupancy remained healthy at around 90%. The vacancy in the eight primary markets stood at 10% in FY24 and is likely to remain at a similar level in FY25, the report said.

Snowman Logistics has signed an agreement to acquire land and warehouse assets in Madhya Pradesh, says reports. The acquisition, valued at Rs 200 million, aims to strengthen Snowman’s infrastructure and operational capabilities in the region. The agreement includes the purchase of land and existing warehouse facilities, strategically located to enhance Snowman’s service network and efficiency in catering to the growing demand for temperature-controlled logistics solutions, it adds.  

Vivek Juneja, Founder & Managing Director, Varuna Group opines, “Inefficient Transportation Management remains a challenge. Selecting appropriate transport modes and optimising routes can be complex. Partnering with top logistics companies in India can help overcome these challenges by optimising routes, reducing transit times, and minimising costs. Advanced warehouse services and robust inventory management is essential but often lacking. Modern technologies like automated storage systems, barcode scanning, and warehouse management systems (WMS) can significantly enhance inventory tracking and order fulfilment. Managing inventory levels to meet customer demand without incurring excessive costs is challenging. Advanced inventory management software can automate processes, provide real-time data, and help businesses maintain optimal stock levels. Lack of visibility in the supply chain can lead to delays and inefficiencies. Using GPS, RFID, and IoT technologies, top logistics companies offer real-time updates on shipments, improving planning and customer satisfaction.”

DP World announced the expansion of its Australian operations and the launch of its new rail service at Stockland’s Yennora Intermodal Terminal, one of the largest logistics facilities in the Southern Hemisphere. An official ribbon cutting ceremony was today held at the Terminal, attended by Julia Finn, Member for Granville (NSW), Parliamentary Secretary to the NSW Premier; Amna Al-Suwaidi, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Australia; Nicolaj Noes, Executive Vice President, Oceania, DP World; Tarun Gupta, Managing Director and CEO, Stockland; and Marika Calfas, CEO, NSW Ports. From today, the Yennora Intermodal Terminal will offer two direct rail services to and from Port Botany per day on a dedicated DP World-owned and operated rail line. The daily port-rail service is expected to manage an annual rail capacity of 160,000 20-foot cargo shipping containers, known as TEUs, to achieve higher efficiencies. It is also expected to reduce up to 160 truck trips per day, lowering overall emissions. This significant milestone will enable DP World to provide an integrated supply chain solution across landside operations, contract logistics and freight forwarding. DP World’s enhanced logistics capabilities will provide cost efficiencies, reduce transit times, and improve supply chain resilience.

Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) and FedEx Logistics signed MoU to facilitate the establishment of a regional logistics facility in Qatar’s free zones. The facility, which will operate under the company’s FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage division, will be located at Ras Bufontas Free Zone and will include a state-of-the-art logistics office. The MoU was signed by Sheikh Mohammed H. F. Al-Thani, CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ), and Patrick Moebel, President and CEO of FedEx Logistics, in a ceremony that took place on the sidelines of their participation at the Qatar Economic Forum, following a productive panel discussion titled ‘Connecting to the Shifting Global Supply Chain Network’ that brought together QFZ and FedEx Logistics. The new facility will help continue to support the expansion of FedEx Logistics with seamless integration into the FedEx global network, serving as a key gateway for international cargo transition in the region between Asia and Europe, says release. The location of the FedEx Logistics facility in Ras Bufontas Free Zone, adjacent to the award-winning Hamad International Airport and Qatar Airways, will provide enhanced access to air transportation and freight, efficient customs processing time, convenience, and the opportunity to grow business in the region. Sheikh Mohammed H. F. Al-Thani, CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) said: “The collaboration between QFZ and FedEx Logistics will help accelerate the flow of goods and strengthen supply chains, benefitting economies on a global scale”. He added, “The FedEx Logistics investment in QFZ reflects a shared commitment to growth and innovation within the logistics sector. The collaboration leverages the world-class expertise and global network of FedEx and will undoubtedly contribute to highlighting Qatar as a preferred business …

Ikea said it will partner with Rhenus, an international logistics firm, to expand its delivery services in Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region). Rhenus will by early next year establish a warehouse capable of storing and fulfilling over 7,000 products. The warehouse will boost the company’s operational efficiency, including seamless doorstep delivery to the customers as well as fulfilling the orders within 24 hours. The agreement with Rhenus will “elevate the home delivery experience” for customers in the Delhi-NCR, said Ikea in a statement. “Our collaboration with Rhenus transcends decades. Bringing their expertise and experience in growing Ikea in other global markets to our operations here is an exciting opportunity for both in our India journey,” said Saiba Suri, Ikea Country Customer Fulfilment Manager.

Emiza, the provider of warehousing and last-mile services for over 150+ D2C and consumer brands across India, announced the opening of its 27th warehouse. Located in Mumbai, this state-of-the-art facility spans 125,000 square feet and is located in the industrial area of Bhiwandi in Thane, offering multiclient capabilities. The release reads, “This expansion underscores Emiza’s dedication to excellence in warehousing and fulfilment solutions, bolstering its logistical prowess. With this milestone, Emiza is on track to expand its network and increase managed square footage fivefold.” Ajay Rao, founder of Emiza, expressed his enthusiasm and said, “We’re incredibly proud of our team’s hard work. This new warehouse in Mumbai is a big step for us. It boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including long-span shelving for optimised storage and efficient picking processes. With versatile multiclient capabilities, it caters to various industries, such as fashion, beauty, and food products. This expansion not only enhances our logistical capabilities but also underscores our commitment to providing top-tier infrastructure and advanced technology to our clients. We believe that by offering comprehensive fulfilment solutions, we contribute not only to our clients’ business growth but also to India’s broader economic and infrastructure development.”

DP World announced the launch of operations at Integrated Chennai Business Park, the company’s free trade warehouse zone (FTWZ) at Manali, about 30 km north of Chennai. The Chennai facility is the company’s second FTWZ in India after the one in Mumbai, which is 18 months old, said Ranjit Ray, Vice President — Economic Zones, Middle East, North Africa, and Subcontinent. The third, inside the Kochi Port container terminal, which is operated by DP World, will be ready soon, he told mediapersons at the facility in Manali. Ray said that before Covid the company had announced an investment of about ₹1,700 crore to build three FTWZs in India in phases. Nearly 45 per cent of the capex has been spent, he said. Once the facilities are fully ready in 3-4 years, about 4 million sq ft of warehouse space would be available, he said. The unit in Chennai is the largest of the three, at 125 acres and 2 million sq ft of warehouse space; in Mumbai it is 85 acres (also 2 million sq ft) and in Kochi 10 acres (0.2 million sq ft), he said. The Chennai facility is located within a 40-km radius of key ports including Kattupalli (~15 km), Ennore (~11 km), and Chennai (~27 km). The current occupancy is around 10 per cent, and would increase to around 70 per cent by the fiscal end, he said. Tamil Nadu is one of the best states to have the FTWZ, he added. Value-added services like packing and labelling can be done at the facility, he said. The four warehouses at the Chennai facility can collectively accommodate 17,000 pallet positions, enabling the handling of specialised and uneven …

Horizon Industrial Parks, a portfolio of Grade A logistics parks in India owned by Blackstone Real Estate funds, has announced opening of its second logistics park in Pune, Chakan V. “The 100-acre park is located in Chakan, one of the key industrial hubs of the country with well-developed social and economic infrastructure. Chakan’s proximity to Mumbai and Pune via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and JNPT Seaport makes it an ideal base for industrial and logistics operations,” reads the release. Horizon Industrial Parks recently completed the development of the 52-acre Chakan II park. The park is home to several high-profile companies from diverse sectors including auto components, engineering, and third-party logistics service providers. Urvish Rambhia, principal at Blackstone, said, “We are thrilled to break ground on Chakan V, which will be built as the state-of-the-art facility, as part of our commitment to providing high-quality logistics assets in strategic locations. We continue to see strong demand for modern warehouses in India, driven by increasing e-commerce adoption and strong industrial growth.”