Subscribe

Tag: logistics

PODCAST: Turning Challenges into Opportunities in Logistics Automation

Posted on by Will Priestman

In this episode of Logistics Business Conversations, host Peter McLeod sits down with Alex Christopher, Automation Sales Manager for Mecalux UK, to explore the evolving landscape of warehouse automation. Recorded live at the IMHX logistics studio, the discussion delves into the major challenges facing logistics operators today — from workforce reliability and retention to health and safety and order accuracy — and how automation is helping businesses overcome them. According to Christopher, many companies are now “dipping their toe” into automation, exploring what’s possible to address these recurring issues and improve operational efficiency.

A key driver of automation, he explains, is the ongoing difficulty in recruiting and retaining warehouse staff. Automated systems don’t take sick days or make human errors, and they deliver consistent performance. However, he acknowledges that misconceptions persist, particularly around cost and flexibility. While automation does involve a significant upfront investment, Christopher advocates a phased approach — automating critical areas first to realise benefits and reinvest returns into further upgrades.

The conversation highlights Mecalux consultative approach, which begins with on-site visits to understand a customer’s pain points, space usage, and workflow. He emphasises that frozen or temperature-controlled environments can especially benefit from automation, as denser storage reduces energy costs and emissions. Automation typically starts with repetitive, predictable tasks — the “low-hanging fruit” — before tackling more complex operations.

Christopher also discusses how automation has become a competitive advantage, with many businesses proudly showcasing their systems as symbols of innovation. He cites Bathroom Mountain in Stoke-on-Trent as a flagship project that integrates multiple automated systems — cranes, conveyors, and advanced warehouse management software — to handle a wide variety of products efficiently.

Artificial intelligence, Christopher adds, is becoming central to warehouse technology, improving decision-making, predictive maintenance, and robotic vision. Looking ahead, he envisions modular, scalable, and fault-tolerant systems defining the warehouse of the future. The episode closes with advice for companies starting their automation journey: invite experts to assess your operation, approach the process with an open mind, and focus on long-term efficiency gains that transform the way you work.

Manhattan Showcases Innovation and Collaboration at Exchange 2025

Posted on by Will Priestman

 Manhattan Associates announced the winners of this year’s EMEA ‘Spotlight Awards’ at the company’s annual European customer and partner event in Antwerp. This year’s awards recognise companies who have excelled in the outstanding use of Manhattan’s supply chain commerce solutions and delivered success through outstanding levels of collaboration.  

“While ongoing global uncertainty remains challenging, the fundamentals of our business promise remain the same as they ever have. We deliver industry leading solutions and collaboration to our customers and with our partners, so that together we solve the world’s most complicated challenges related to international commerce,”

commented Henri Seroux, senior vice president, Europe, Manhattan Associates.  

The winners were:   

Omnichannel Innovation: HUGO BOSS continues to redefine what it means to deliver speed, consistency and flexibility at a global level. The transformation of its IT landscape is another step in its journey to becoming the leading premium tech-driven fashion platform worldwide and Manhattan Active® Omni has been instrumental in enabling the German fashion icon to deliver unique, seamless omnichannel experiences across all its channels and markets. 

Distribution Innovation: ASDA has delivered one of the UK’s most ambitious retail technology transformations. Following the separation from its parent company, it re-platformed critical systems at pace, maintained continuity across nationwide supply operations, and laid the foundations for future innovation. A central part of this success has been the rapid rollout of Manhattan Active® Warehouse Management across 27 depots, in the process, setting a new standard for scale and speed in the industry.  

Outstanding Contribution to Sustainability: Guided by its purpose of ‘Powering progress for future generations,’ Cebeo, part of Sonepar has embedded sustainability into the very fabric of its business across 40 countries. With bold commitments under the Science Based Targets initiative, and with assistance from Manhattan, it has achieved a BREEAM-Excellent certified warehouse of the future, introducing returnable plastic totes as a further step toward a more circular economy. 

Consulting Partner of the Year: Deloitte has stood out this year in terms of the depth and diversity of their contribution in EMEA. The team has engaged in multiple Tier-1 projects with Manhattan across both the Manhattan Active Supply Chain and Manhattan Active® Omni product suites, in many different countries across Europe.  

Technology Partner of the Year: Google Cloud Platform provides the underlying technology that Manhattan Active solutions run on, but over the course of 2025 the relationship has grown significantly. Manhattan solutions are now available on the Google Cloud Marketplace and in Europe we are engaging together on multiple strategic accounts delivering a more collaborative, complete approach to delivering for our mutual customers.  

“This year’s awards represent the third year we have recognised outstanding contributions in these categories. It never ceases to inspire me when I see how our solutions are being creatively applied to solve real-world business challenges by our customers, and how the (increasingly important) relationships within our partner ecosystem continue to flourish,”

Seroux finished.

Membership Boom for Women in Logistics UK

Posted on by Will Priestman

Women in Logistics CIC UK (WiL) is proud to celebrate a period of remarkable growth and achievement, with membership now exceeding 200 professionals across the UK logistics sector since becoming a Community Interest Company at the start of 2025. Founded in 2008, WiL has become a driving force for inclusion, networking, and professional development in one of the UK’s most vital industries.

A Thriving Community

What began as a small group of women seeking greater representation has flourished into a vibrant nationwide community. Today, WiL offers members access to a supportive members-only WhatsApp group, mentoring schemes, and career guidance, as well as opportunities to connect at exclusive events including Netwalking sessions, Members’ Dinners, and thought-provoking panel discussions.

These initiatives have helped build meaningful connections, provide professional support, and inspire women at every stage of their logistics careers.

Support From Industry Leaders

WiL’s growth has been made possible through the backing of its Supporting Sponsors, who have championed its mission and invested in the future of a more diverse logistics sector. Current Supporting Sponsors include:

  • SEC Storage
  • Octopus Energy
  • Dematic
  • GXO Logistics UK Ltd
  • Taskmaster Resources Limited
  • Visku
  • Maersk Logistics and Services UK Ltd
  • Synergy Retail Support
  • Skyford Logistics Ltd
  • Howard Tenens Ltd
  • Pallet-Track Limited

Their ongoing support not only enables WiL to deliver valuable member benefits but also strengthens the organisation’s role as a recognised voice in the industry.

Insight & Influence

WiL continues to shape industry conversations with initiatives such as the “Pay and Percentages (2025)” report by logistics expert Kirsten Tisdale. This groundbreaking study shines a light on gender representation and pay within logistics, underscoring the need for continued progress and providing businesses with essential data to drive change.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

With membership at an all-time high and a calendar packed with innovative events, WiL has firmly established itself as the leading community for women in logistics. Its journey so far reflects not only the appetite for greater inclusion but also the positive impact of collective action.

“Reaching more than 200 members is a significant achievement,”

said Ruth Waring, Founder of WiL.

“It demonstrates the power of community in creating change and shows just how far WiL has come in building a strong, supportive network for women and men across the logistics industry.”

Inside an E-Commerce Upgrade: Smarter Fulfilment with AI WMS

Posted on by Will Priestman

Rossmann, a leading drugstore retailer in Poland, has chosen Astro WMS® to manage its e-commerce warehouse operations in Zgierz. The solution, provided by Consafe Logistics, is aimed at optimizing the handling of rapidly growing online sales. 

The decision was made following an in-depth market review and detailed analysis of selected solutions. The process involved external consultants as well as representatives from Rossmann’s operations, IT, and executive teams. The company was looking for a modern, cloud-based system that would further streamline logistics processes, integrate with its ERP and warehouse automation systems, and replace many internally developed applications that had been built over the years around the existing WMS. 

Key requirements for Rossmann included SaaS availability, regular updates, a high level of data security, and long-term scalability. Another important factor was the presence of a local implementation and support team in Poland, which will allow the system to be better adapted to the company’s operational specifics and enable faster responses to day-to-day needs. 

Grzegorz Romaniuk, Head of Logistics Systems Development, Rossmann said:

“Astro WMS® stood out for its flexibility and integration capabilities, and the supplier’s team demonstrated a high level of professionalism. We were looking for a partner who listens, understands our needs, knows our industry, and can propose concrete improvements. That’s exactly what we found in Consafe Logistics.” 

The system go-live is planned for the third quarter of 2026. Selected features—such as intelligent packaging optimization and resource demand forecasting—will be supported by artificial intelligence components. 

This project aligns with Rossmann’s strategy to build a secure and future-ready logistics infrastructure, especially in the context of dynamic e-commerce growth, which may even double in the coming years. Astro WMS® will manage all key warehouse operations, supporting further automation and ensuring scalability and flexibility as new technologies are introduced. 

The implemented solution will contribute to faster order fulfillment, reduced manual labor, and improved overall warehouse efficiency—thus supporting Rossmann’s continued growth. 

Williams Shipping Expands in Scotland with Acquisition and New Site

Posted on by Will Priestman

Southampton-based logistics and maritime services specialist Williams Shipping has strengthened its presence in Scotland with the acquisition of GIF Transport and Logistics and the purchase of land in Dyce, Aberdeen, earmarked for further expansion. The move builds on an already strong working relationship between the two companies, with GIF set to continue trading under its existing brand and management to ensure uninterrupted service for customers.

Williams Shipping Logistics Managing Director Jonathan Williams said the partnership was founded on shared values and a mutual commitment to delivering first-class service. GIF director Brian Pirie echoed the sentiment, noting that the collaboration would allow both companies to build on their strong reputations and offer greater value to customers across the UK logistics market.

The Dyce site will become GIF’s new headquarters and will also house Williams Marine Lubricants and the company’s specialist container division, Willbox. The location is set to play a key role in the group’s operations in the north, with phased development already under way and full operations expected to commence later this year.

For the UK logistics sector, this acquisition and expansion represent a significant strengthening of Williams Shipping’s network. By integrating transport, marine lubricants and container solutions under one hub, the company is set to enhance efficiency, improve customer service, and increase its agility in serving both regional and national markets.

Global Logistics Shake-Up: Pentagon Joins JAS

Posted on by Will Priestman

Pentagon Freight Services has announced it is joining global logistics giant JAS Worldwide, marking a major milestone in the company’s 50-year journey as a specialist freight forwarder. The acquisition represents a strategic step forward for both organisations and is set to strengthen JAS’s capabilities across key industry verticals.

A New Chapter for Pentagon

The announcement, shared by Pentagon on 1 August 2025, confirms that the two companies have signed a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA). The transaction is expected to close later this year, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions.

For Pentagon, which operates more than 65 offices and employs over 1,200 staff globally, this move signals a new phase of growth. Known for its expertise in logistics solutions for the energy sector and beyond, Pentagon brings extensive experience in handling complex, project-based freight across demanding environments.

Strategic Alignment with JAS

Pentagon highlighted that the decision to join JAS was driven by shared values and a strong cultural fit. The company described JAS as an organisation with “a clear and ambitious growth strategy, coupled with a highly complementary global network.” The acquisition is expected to provide expanded opportunities for both employees and customers.

In the official statement, Pentagon noted:

“This exciting development will allow us to further enhance our service offerings, broaden our global reach, and provide our clients with even more innovative and efficient logistics solutions.”

Focus on Continuity and Opportunity

The leadership at Pentagon reassured staff and customers that it will remain “business as usual” in the short term, with no immediate changes to operations or service levels. The company also emphasized its commitment to continuity, while looking ahead to the long-term advantages that the integration will bring.

Pentagon concluded the announcement by thanking its team, customers, and partners for their continued support and said it was “excited for the journey ahead.”

Similar news

New Managing Director for Dachser UK

XPO and PepsiCo Announce UK Transport Partnership

Posted on by David Priestman

XPO Logistics has entered into a major new partnership with PepsiCo to become their chosen core transport partner for England and Wales. The partnership with XPO Logistics will operate across all four of its main UK distribution sites in Leicester, Lutterworth, Coventry, and Warrington.

PepsiCo is one of the world’s leading food and beverage manufacturers. Every day, millions of people across the UK enjoy PepsiCo’s snacks, oats and carbonated soft drinks. The company’s portfolio encompasses world famous brands such as Pepsi MAX, Doritos, 7UP Zero Sugar, and Quaker Oats, alongside its much-loved, local and regional brands, including Walkers, Wotsits, Monster Munch, and Pipers.

Beyond the cupboard staples and snack-time favourites, PepsiCo is a business committed to driving positive action for the planet and people, through its PepsiCo Positive (pep+) agenda. Launched in 2021, pep+ is PepsiCo’s end-to-end sustainability and business strategy. It’s a framework that drives action across agriculture, supply chains, product portfolios, and communities. To support this vision, PepsiCo has selected XPO Logistics as a key partner to advance its decarbonisation strategy in the UK.

Under the new partnership, XPO Logistics will deploy state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz eActros electric vehicles, converting more than 1 million road kilometres annually from diesel to battery electric. This transition represents a reduction of over 1,200 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year from PepsiCo’s transport operations — a critical step on the road to net zero emissions by 2050.

But sustainability is about more than just trucks. At the heart of the initiative is XPO Logistics’ proprietary CO₂ Reporting Dashboard, a cutting-edge tool powered by AI-driven scenario modelling, live data analytics, and proactive planning insights. This system enables PepsiCo to track, verify, and optimise carbon reduction strategies in real-time, while improving logistics efficiency and service to customers.

Dan Myers, Managing Director – UK and Ireland, XPO Logistics, said: “Sustainability is in our DNA. We are proud to partner with PepsiCo on this journey, combining investment in electric mobility with advanced technology and operational excellence. Our shared ambition goes beyond compliance — it’s about transformation. I believe this is just the beginning of what we can achieve together.”

This collaboration forms a key part of PepsiCo’s broader decarbonisation journey, demonstrating how purposeful partnerships can accelerate climate action and improve value chain resilience. With shared values, shared investment, and a shared vision, PepsiCo and XPO Logistics are delivering a positive impact for consumers, the supply chain, and the planet.

Heiko Selzam, Managing Director, Daimler Truck UK, said: “We are very proud to strengthen our partnership further with XPO Logistics with this order of our award-winning eActros 600s for the PepsiCo partnership. This commitment underscores the recognition of both companies of the critical role these vehicles will play in achieving their sustainability goals. Following extensive collaboration, this order firmly establishes the eActros 600 as a leading solution in the electric truck market. We are looking forward to seeing these trucks operational from 1 August.”

Andrew Smethurst, UK Logistics Director, PepsiCo, said, “XPO Logistics has shown itself to be the ideal partner to help advance our PepsiCo Positive ambition. From their industry-leading sustainability credentials to a strong safety culture and transparent operational model, their team has consistently delivered innovation and value. This new partnership will play a vital role in further reducing our logistics emissions as we move iconic products like Walkers crisps and Doritos to our customers across the UK.”

XPO Logistics is a leading innovative supply chain company in Europe, offering end-to-end logistics solutions that combine full-truckload, less-than-truckload, pallet distribution, last-mile delivery, global freight forwarding, and warehousing services. The company tailors its solutions to the specific needs of its customers in a wide range of industrial and consumer sectors.

Similar News

Tesco Announces Logistics Centre at London Gateway

Tesco Announces Logistics Centre at London Gateway

Posted on by David Priestman

Tesco has announced a major investment in a new distribution centre at DP World London Gateway, which it expects to open in 2029.

This investment represents Tesco’s continued commitment to ensuring its distribution network remains fit for the future – which is critical to the business’s success and to ensuring it can continue to meet the demands of its growing store network and best serve its customers.

The new distribution centre will be a modern, energy-efficient site, equipped with the latest technology to support Tesco’s growth and is expected to achieve BREEAM Outstanding certification, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable building practices.

Tesco is collaborating with Witron, an experienced logistics partner with a strong legacy of retail partnerships, to bolster its network capacity at the site.

Andrew Woolfenden, Tesco UK Distribution & Fulfilment Director, said:

“Our distribution network is vital for ensuring customers receive products at the right place, time and condition. As demand grows across our store network, we’re excited to partner with Witron and DP World to develop a distribution centre that leverages the latest technology, enhancing our supply chain and supporting our decarbonisation goals. By locating at London Gateway, we can also take full advantage of the seaport and rail infrastructure.”

Helmut Prieschenk, CEO at Witron, said:

“It’s an honour and pleasure for us to be part of this outstanding logistics initiative, which represents the introduction of more intelligent logistics production. With the latest technology and machinery, once fully operational, this represents a large-scale project for dry grocery distribution. In terms of end-to-end integration this is a lighthouse project for Witron – which ensures premium store service, an ergonomic, safe and sustainable environment and benefits the whole value chain.”

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, DP World Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said:

“DP World London Gateway is helping to make Britain’s trade flow by sea, road and rail, connecting businesses across the UK with global markets and boosting the resilience of national supply chains. The significant investment announced today by Tesco, one of the world’s leading retailers, is a proud moment for DP World and a vote of confidence in the growing role London Gateway plays in the UK economy.”

Similar news

New Tesco Hungary Logistics Centre

 

Tour de France Logistics Partnership Renewed

Posted on by David Priestman

XPO Logistics has officially extended its role as Official Transport Partner of both the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift through 2030, continuing a collaboration that has spanned over four decades. The agreement highlights XPO’s pivotal role in supporting the logistical backbone of the world’s most prestigious cycling events since 1980.

Each year, XPO deploys a specialised team of drivers, logistics coordinators, and a dedicated fleet of vehicles to move and set up key race infrastructure—including barriers, podiums, signage, timing systems, and broadcast equipment. These complex daily operations are managed under tight time constraints and often on challenging terrain, requiring precision planning and real-time adaptability.

Sustainability is a core pillar of the renewed partnership. XPO will expand its use of its proprietary biofuel solution, LESS® HVO, which reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional diesel. The logistics provider will also continue operating a Euro 6-compliant fleet and plans to introduce fully electric trucks on select stages in 2025, underscoring both companies’ commitment to more sustainable operations.

The Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift provide a real-world platform for testing and deploying these low-emission technologies. Last year alone, XPO’s use of HVO biofuel helped avoid more than 223 tonnes of CO₂ emissions across the two events.

This renewed partnership also reflects the growing scale and complexity of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, which has seen strong growth since its reintroduction in 2022. XPO’s continued support ensures parity in logistics quality and environmental standards between the men’s and women’s races.

The directors of both organisations praised the renewal as a symbol of mutual trust and a shared ambition to drive excellence, innovation, and sustainability in large-scale event logistics. As the Tour evolves, so too does the opportunity for XPO to demonstrate how the logistics sector can meet the demands of high-performance, low-impact supply chain operations on a global stage.

Read Similar…

EU Road Transport Toll Exemption Extended

Podcast: AI for smarter, more efficient and resilient business

Posted on by David Priestman

In this insightful transport management focused episode of Logistics Business Conversations, Peter MacLeod sits down with Jonah McIntire, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Trimble, to explore how artificial intelligence—particularly generative AI—is reshaping the logistics and transportation industries.

Jonah challenges the misconception that AI must be fed a company’s proprietary data to be useful. Instead, he explains that modern generative AI systems can thrive even in messy, incomplete environments, learning patterns and improving performance with limited structure. These AI systems function less like traditional software and more like digital colleagues—adaptive, communicative, and capable of learning from real-world complexity.

This transport management podcast conversation, delves into Trimble’s Transport platform, a multi-party ecosystem connecting shippers, carriers, and retailers. AI plays a pivotal role in helping these parties work together more efficiently, solving shared problems like real-time ETA prediction, theft detection, and enhanced visibility. Jonah offers a compelling example: onboarding new users to the platform, a process that previously required a large team, is now being handled autonomously by AI agents, speeding up operations and freeing up human talent for strategic tasks.

Jonah also outlines a future where logistics professionals evolve into managers of AI teams—overseeing intelligent agents that handle tactical execution while humans guide direction and decision-making. Rather than replacing workers, AI is augmenting their capabilities, enabling smarter decision-making and greater resilience across the supply chain.

This transport management podcast episode offers a realistic and optimistic view of AI’s role in logistics, showing how it’s not only improving business performance but also redefining how people work within the industry. A must-listen for logistics professionals looking to understand how to harness AI for smarter, faster, and more collaborative operations.

Click here to listen

Subscribe

Get notified about New Episodes of our Podcast, New Magazine Issues and stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter.