As part of a realignment of its import logistics for fruits and vegetables, the Migros Group is pursuing a focused strategy with two hubs: the existing southern location in Stabio (TI) and a new northern location in Münchenstein with Buonvicini AG.

Rainer Haag will become CEO of DHL Supply Chain Europe, following Hendrik Venter's appointment as Group Executive Board Member for DHL Supply Chain and his move to the DHL Group Executive Board. Katrin Hölter will become the new CEO of DHL Supply Chain Germany & Alps, succeeding Rainer Haag.

DHL's GoHelp program focuses on disaster management by providing logistics expertise and support to communities affected by natural disasters. DHL has partnered with the International Organization for Migration in this endeavor.

 Photo: GCPeters

In supply chain management, cybersecurity, resilience, and transparency are moving to the top of the agenda. Software specialist Ralf Düster explains which trends he believes will be important in 2025. The persistent shortage of skilled workers remains a major issue – sustainability and social responsibility are suffering as a result.

Logistics provider Arvato has announced its planned acquisition of ATC Computer Transport & Logistics. The Irish company specializes in transportation and technical services for hyperscale data center operators, high-tech freight forwarders, and original equipment manufacturers.

 Rolling mill

While others in the fiercely competitive industry are once again suffering billions in losses and fearing for jobs, the Swiss Steel Group, winner of the German (!) Sustainability Award 2023, is leveraging its lead in "green steel." Based in Düsseldorf and Lucerne, it promotes decarbonization across borders.

Fig.: Elain

Mars, manufacturer of brands such as Snickers, Twix, M&M2, Pedigree and Whiskas, is launching a pioneering project in Germany together with the logistics group Rigterink, Shippeo and Elain to gain deeper insights into fuel types, consumption and CO2 emissions.

Photo: Coles

Australian food retailer Coles has opened a second Advanced Distribution Center (ADC) in Kemps Creek, 40 km west of Sydney city center, equipped with technology from automation specialist Witron. It will supply 226 stores.

 D. Evans

Movianto, the specialist for healthcare and pharmaceutical logistics (based in Neuenegg, Switzerland), operates in twelve countries. In the UK, Paul Wilkinson will leave the company at the end of May and hand over the top position to David Evans, who has been with the group since 2011.

The Danish company Alumichem is cooperating with a state-owned water producer in Ghana to improve the efficiency of water treatment and provide water treatment technologies. Kühne + Nagel is once again supporting the Ghana Water Company as its logistics partner.

Image: Arvato

Since November, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has mandated that pharmaceutical products in the US must be electronically traceable at all times, not only at the batch level but also at the package level. Arvato is already complying with this requirement in its supply chain.

How long does it take to implement software that retrieves complex information from the supply chain, cleans up interfaces, and doesn't lead to renewed chaos? Only seven to eleven weeks, claims Ralf Düster, CEO of the software provider Setlog, creator of the "Online Supply Chain Accelerator" OSCA.

 Fig.: Hydrospider

At the logistics cluster in Basel at the end of October, the focus was on "green logistics" and the role that hydrogen could play in this context. Basel could thus become Switzerland's hydrogen hub. However, a draft proposal from the Federal Council last week suggests that this may still take some time. 

Image: GS1 Switzerland

Despite the tempest in a teacup surrounding the alleged "abolition" of the EAN barcode (which will remain available), GS1 Switzerland is promoting the qualities of the 2D code, which is slated for widespread availability from 2027, as crucial for future supply chains. Coop recently signed a letter of intent.

Logistics is not the main focus, but it plays a significant role at the Swiss Green Economy Symposium, which kicked off with excursions to compressor manufacturer Burkhardt, railway manufacturer Stadler, WinGD, and Zimmer Biomet in Winterthur. Swiss Post, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), Planzer, and urban planners are also participating.