Palletways Bologna investment[50995]

The Palletways Group is investing in a new multi-million pound, environmentally friendly hub in Italy as it drives for further growth across Europe.

The bespoke facility is in Sala Bolognese, in the city of Bologna. It is expected to launch in the next few months and will include 30,000 m² of office and operational space.

The new hub is relocating from its former headquartered operation in Calderara di Reno in Bologna. It has been designed to speed up the network’s operations, process a higher capacity of domestic and international shipments from the group’s networks in the UK, Benelux, Germany, Hungary and Iberia, and ship them faster.

The improved transit times aim to deliver a more efficient supply, and lead to increased customer service and satisfaction.

The hub will be located near the A1, A13 and A14 and just a few kilometers from the major ring road for easy access to the north, centre and south of the country.

BREEAM certified as "Very Good", the facility will feature more than 1,000 photovoltaic roof panels and numerous electric vehicle charging points.

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It also includes technology to recycle and reuse rainwater, with tree planting planned to increase biodiversity at the site. A path connecting the hub to the train station in Sala Bolognese will make it easier for employees to cycle to work.

Luis Zubialde, Palletways chief executive, said the group is constantly investing to innovate and ensure the highest quality standards for its members and their customers.

He added: "Despite global economic challenges, we were keen to invest in our Italian network and the new hub will allow us to pursue our growth objectives, with an ever-increasing focus on the sustainability of our business.

“The Bologna hub will modernize the infrastructure of the Italian network and will become the strategic centre of the Italian networks’ operation for years to come.”

Rob Gittins, Palletways UK managing director, said the investment was good news for its UK members that regularly ship to Italy.

“Operational enhancements will greatly improve transit times meaning consignments will reach their destination faster than ever.

“We’re excited with the prospect of being able to offer this improved service which will build on our reputation for delivering service excellence at every step," he explained.

Plans for the launch of the new Bologna facility takes the number of hubs in Palletways’ Italian network to three, with its Mesore facility in Milan covering northern Italy and Avellino which covers the south.

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