News

Aitken Spence Logistics: Integrated logistics solutions

Source: Daily FT

Aitken Spence Logistics, as the pioneer in the logistics industry is pleased to be associated with the first-ever National Logistics Day. It extends its appreciation in declaring 16 August 2021, as Sri Lanka’s first-ever National Logistics Day.

With its multitude of unparalleled services provided over multiple decades to global brands, it pledges its support to position Sri Lanka as The Logistics Hub in the Indian sub-continent and beyond.

Aitken Spence Logistics, a member of the blue-chip conglomerate Aitken Spence PLC, has evolved into a fully integrated logistics solutions provider, by expanding operations to total supply chain management services. The sector specialises in inland container terminal services, container repair, rigging and container conversions, container freight stations, warehousing, third party/fourth party logistics (3PL/4PL), contract logistics, mobile storage solutions, distribution services and handling of all types and sizes of cargo ranging from containerised to heavy and over dimensional.

The sector owns and manages strategically located cargo storage complexes in excess of 500,000 square feet in Colombo and suburbs including the Katunayake and Biyagama Free Trade Zones. It owns the most modern fleet of handling equipment comprising of state-of-the-art reach stackers, cranes, laden and empty container handlers, forklifts, prime movers, tankers, multi-axel trailers and specially designed trailers.

The company provides Container Freight Station Activities which offers exclusive and common user facilities as per the choice of the customer, providing dedicated facilities to the apparel sector inclusive of quality assurance centres and rigging systems for Garment on Hanger (GOH) needs. The Inland Container Terminals operating in Mabole and Welisara, covers an area of 22 acres which could accommodate in excess of 7,500 TEUs for laden and empty container storage, catering to over 70% of the Main Line Operators calling the Port of Colombo.

With a fleet of prime movers including low/high bed trailers, multi axle trailer, forklifts, cranes and handling equipment for the transportation and positioning of over-dimensional project cargo, the company is the trusted partner for many local and international customers. The company also specialises in container conversions which have enabled to provide with many forms of container converted utility cabins/villas.

Aitken Spence Logistics is also the dominant player in mobile and cold storage solutions using general purpose and reefer containers, in providing customers with short/long term storage solutions. The company has further expanded operations of this business segment through strategic acquisitions to further grow the leadership position.

Warehousing and Third-Party Logistics (3PL) management

With over a total of 500,000 square feet of warehouse capacity, the company possesses an extensive knowledge in Third-Party Logistics (3PL) management, having pioneered this service way back in the ’90s to a multinational organisation in Sri Lanka and there onwards having extended to many other organisations. 3PL activities include integration of critical logistics operations, warehousing, distribution, and transportation services together for the purpose of delivering efficient, cost effective, and streamlined end to end supply chain solutions to the clientele.

Strengthening the position as a total logistics solutions provider, the company has clearly recognised the need for ultra-modern warehousing and end-to-end logistics services. Additionally, the sector is geared to manage the logistics operations at customer’s premises, providing value added services including but not limited to sorting, pick and pack, labelling, re-labelling, bagging, packing and all pre-retail activities.

Since logistics and supply chain management are key components of the overall business success, the sector has formed strategic partnerships with a diverse clientele; and is providing integral support to achieve critical goals related to on time manufacturing and delivery, reducing overall supply chain costs, and enhancing customer satisfaction.

The warehouse and inventory management, is facilitated by Oracle Warehouse Management System (WMS) inclusive of R12 Oracle E-Business Suite modules covering Warehouse Management, Service Contracts, Depot Repair, Enterprise Asset Management, Inventory, Purchasing and Receivables.

Container freight station

With over three decades of experience in Container Freight Station services (CFS) and being the market leader in consolidation, the sector possesses an extensive knowledge and experience of freight station activities. The strategically located warehouses in close proximity to the Port of Colombo, caters to all types of stuffing needs, and operates 365 days amply supported by over 70% of the shipping line containers being stored at the company depot which enables feeding with empty placement at very short notice.

The Freight Station offers space for both dedicated and common facilities based on customer needs and standard operating procedures. Further, CFS provides exclusive facilities to the apparel sector, such as quality assurance centres another concept pioneered by Aitken Spence and rigging systems for Garment on Hanger (GOH) needs. In-house customs services are available for Inward/Outward cargo and bonded facilities.

Complimentary to the continuous improvement strategy, the sector has embarked on a Robotic Process Automation (RPA) which will be an industry first in providing supply chain solutions, by improving operational efficiencies and optimising human capital for enhanced activities.

Inland Container Terminal

Having the largest of its kind outside the Port of Colombo. A fully streamlined operation gives clients a speedy and a reliable service. The modern, macadamised facility is one of Sri Lanka’s best privately operated container depots servicing the main line operators calling the Port of Colombo. The Terminal serves the trade on a 24 x 7 x 365-day basis.

Transportation

Utilising cargo specific vehicles and effective load planning systems, efficient and economical handling of all transportation needs ranging from inbound/outbound containerised cargo to island wide re-distribution, meeting customer requirements precisely.

Operating one of the largest fleets of container carriers and bowsers to handle general and bulk liquid cargo for inland haulage requirements of customers, the fleet is managed and monitored by a dedicated team of transport professionals supported by mobile communication and GPS tracking, hence providing seamless tracking and tracing.

The modern fleet of heavy equipment comprises of over 200 prime movers and trailers including flat beds and skeletons ranging from 20 ft to 45 ft.

Special projects

The sector extends its capabilities in handling over dimensional cargo that demands meticulous planning and possesses experience in storing, transporting and positioning different types of project cargo.

Operating a fleet of prime movers, multi axle, low, high bed trailers, cranes, forklifts and other equipment to undertake handling of complex special projects in areas of telecommunication, power, irrigation, road development and high-rise buildings in Sri Lanka.

Container conversions and repairs

With increased demand for garment on hangers (GOH), sector converts General purpose containers to hangers using in house, all weather, state-of-the-art container repair facility, which conforms to International Institute of Container Lessors (IICL) standards. The specialisation in container conversions also enables it to provide with many forms of container converted utility cabins/villas and purpose-built office facilities.

Mobile storage solutions

Aitken Spence Logistics pioneered providing cold storage solutions using reefer containers with 24-hour backup maintenance which is widely accepted by the food and beverage industry and general-purpose containers as a cost effective and a flexible means of storage. The company is the sole agent for a reputed International Flexi bag manufacturer, a revolutionary method of international bulk liquid transportation, undertake rigging, removal and disposal of Flexi bags.

Services at EPZ

Prompt and tailor-made contract logistics solutions are offered to customers in the Export Processing Zone in Katunayake, in close proximity to the Bandaranaike International Airport. Its exclusive range of services include clearing and forwarding, 3PL services, warehousing and yard storage facilities, container rentals for short- and long-term storage, cold storage facilities via reefer containers, handling of heavy and over-dimensional project cargo.

Sustainability integrated in its business

Sustainability is the bedrock of the Aitken Spence Group, and it is amongst the first signatories to the UN Global Compact in Sri Lanka (in 2002), the world’s largest corporate responsibility network and it is committed to sustainability in all its operations upholding the values of triple bottom line. Its commitment to sustainability has been demonstrated with pioneering projects that has impacted all spheres it operates in. Aitken Spence introduced the nation’s first ever waste to energy project its most recent initiative in its sting of pearl investment in sustainability. It continues to invest confidently, for the future.

Resilient logistics of Aitken Spence

In unprecedented pandemic times, the Aitken Spence Logistics Team has demonstrated their commitment for operational excellence and continuity. It has strived to provide un-disrupted services to its loyal customers, in a challenging disruptive environment. Its exceptional triple bottom performance is dedicated to its team, the sheroes and heroes who have relentlessly pursued Key Performance Index of the sector and its business partners in global trade and e-commerce.

Aitken Spence Logistics pledges its commitment to elevate Sri Lanka as the preferred logistics hub within the region and beyond. Ace it today with Aitken Spence.