Panalpina is to build a new build-to-suit facility in Singapore, which it says demonstrates its continued commitment to a strong and successful logistics platform in Asia-Pacific.
Singapore country head of sales, Matthew Gallagher says: “As we celebrate 40 years of doing business in Singapore, this is Panalpina’s largest ever warehousing investment outside Europe in the company’s history.”
The freight forwarder says the investment will help itexpand its logistics business in Asia-Pacific by offering customers an ultra-efficient and tailored solution for their specific logistics needs. Construction is currently under way, and the facility will be ready for customers in early 2018.
The new 30,000 square metres facility is being built at Pioneer View, next to Jurong Bird Park in West Singapore, where the city-state is developing a new deep-water port to keep up with ocean freight growth.
“Singapore is a very important consolidation hub for ocean and air freight. We plan to offer our services in this area including value-added logistics services to new customers particularly in the healthcare, technology, manufacturing, consumer and retail as well as fashion industries.
“And, of course, we will continue to service existing customers including global telecom equipment manufacturers, sporting goods retailers and medical equipment companies,” says Gallagher.
Country head of logistics in Singapore, Mark Fitzpatrick notes there are more advantages to owning and managing a facility: “Not being tied to a lease agreement opens up many opportunities that are not always available in leased premises. This freedom allows us to offer the best possible solutions for our customers.
“We are very excited about this new facility. The collective features of the building, including the special rooftop, are unusual to have, and since 96 out of our top 100 customers globally have a base in Singapore, it makes perfect sense to extend our capabilities here,” adds Fitzpatrick.
Together with Panalpina’s other facilities at Changi Airport, the Asia-Pacific LCL hub, as well as the multi-user facilities in Changi North and Jurong, the company’s warehousing footprint in Singapore will soon increase to 100,000 square metres.