Rhenus expands service offering to chemicals industry with brand new facility.
Investing in tomorrow
A state-of-the-art logistics hub opened by Rhenus Logistics UK, a world-leading freight forwarding specialist, will significantly expand upon the organisation’s chemicals and hazardous materials transportation provision.
Based at Manchester’s Port Salford, one of the UK’s most exciting business hubs, the impressive Rhenus Manchester development includes more than 40,000 sq ft of logistics and warehousing space, alongside a further 10,000 sq ft of offices and parking for 30 trailers.
Strategically located at the UK’s first tri-modal inland port facility, the Rhenus depot gives customers access to some of the most efficient routes in and out of the UK. Representing an investment of more than £138m, Port Salford’s prime location next to the Manchester Ship Canal represents the blend of heritage and experience alongside forward-focused thinking for which Rhenus is renowned.
The opening of the Rhenus Manchester facility is the latest milestone in the organisation’s long and impressive history in freight forwarding for the chemicals industry. Since its launch in the 1930s, Rhenus had led the way in pioneering innovative solutions for the transportation of chemicals and hazardous goods.
Today, the business turns over more than £60m per year and employs more than 270 people at 11 locations nationwide. As one of the first businesses to take advantage of Port Salford’s prime location and facilities, Rhenus UK is heading into an exciting new chapter of its history. The operational space afforded by the new depot means Rhenus UK can expand its chemicals industry service offering like never before. With excellent transport links for road, rail, sea and air, Rhenus UK has been able to widen its daily delivery proficiencies, further streamlining its logistics offering for chemicals clients.
Rhenus UK: Your partner for chemicals and hazardous goods transportation
A first-rate logistics provision is crucial for any chemical manufacturer, and, if implemented correctly, can be an impressive cost and efficiencies driver for a business. Here, Gary Dodsworth, director at Rhenus UK, explains why such investment is crucial for Europe’s chemical industry, and outlines why the sector must ensure that logistics is a strategic, and not just operational, issue.
“The chemicals industry is one of the world’s largest and most important sectors, with global revenues in excess of €3,000bn. The sector employs more than 105,000 people across the UK alone, and forms an important bedrock for many other industries, including pharmaceuticals, textiles, automotive and plastics.
“While current economic uncertainties have led to a far leaner supply chain in many parts of the sector, the chemicals industry still handles more than 700 million tonnes of freight per annum, meaning first-rate logistics and supply chain management is absolutely imperative. That’s why Rhenus has identified five key areas within the logistics sector where significant process improvements could be made.
Five areas for growth
1) Safety and security – A priority for chemicals companies. The challenge is to turn safety into a strategic advantage. Demonstrating a proactive approach to safety across the international supply chain can be a long-term, profitable differentiator for businesses.
2) Efficiency savings and cost reduction – More 3PLs operating across the logistics supply chain should adopt a ‘Total Cost of Ownership’ approach, creating a comprehensive, end-to-end overview of logistics costs.
3) Improved inventory management – Making better use of just-in-time solutions and freeing up capital will be a key area for the chemical logistics industry over the next decade.
4) Investment in technology – Calculated investment in appropriate logistics assets encourages a more collaborative approach throughout the supply chain.
5) Added value services – In a competitive marketplace, differentiated services designed to meet customer requirements can create a competitive advantage in an industry where standard chemicals are very similar.
“At Rhenus, we have put this theory into action, developing a best-practice model by appointing in-house chemical specialist teams which provide advice and solutions on hazardous transport challenges. This includes helping UK manufacturers keep up-to-date with the latest legislation for the transportation of chemical products, as well as ensuring exporters know the differing laws and standards for hazardous material from country to country.
“Companies can waste a lot of time cutting through red tape, so we utilise our practical experience, knowledge and guidance to ensure the process of transporting chemical products is as easy as possible. Our expansive network of services allows us to provide companies with solutions for their shipments, with frequent departures to more than 60 locations across mainland Europe, the Nordic states, CIS, Mediterranean and North Africa, supported by an equally impressive global air/ocean network.”
To get in touch with Rhenus UK and find out how it can support your business, visit the official website www.uk.rhenus.com.
