Panalpina opens new logistics center in Singapore

Panalpina, the Swiss freight forwarding and logistics company, has opened a new, purpose-built logistics center in Singapore. Strategically located at Pioneer View, the new facility is constructed over six floors and offers 25,800 m² of usable warehouse space, which is equivalent to 3.5 FIFA-standard football pitches.

Speaking at the official opening of the facility, Panalpina CEO Stefan Karlen said: “Singapore is a very important consolidation hub for ocean and air freight. The nation-state is investing in the expansion of its ports, and a fifth runway is under construction at Changi Airport.” Karlen also stressed that 96 of Panalpina’s top 100 global customers have a base in Singapore.

“Against this backdrop, Panalpina plans to offer Air and Ocean Freight services including value-added logistics services to companies, particularly in the energy, healthcare, high tech, manufacturing, consumer and retail, as well as fashion industries.”

The majority of the space of the multi-purpose facility is already rented out to customers, and Karlen was keen to underline the importance of technologies to the Singapore facility, as well as to the company as a whole.

Panalpina plans to test and use many new technologies in Singapore, including the Internet of Things (IoT), augmented reality, and various automation systems. The new facility could also run 3D printers on behalf of customers, meaning it could one day become a hub for distributed manufacturing.

Karlen, who himself was once based in Singapore, took the time to meet and chat with Panalpina’s front-line staff, as well as with attending dignitaries, including His Excellency, Mr Fabrice Filliez, Swiss Ambassador to Singapore.

A full transcript of Karlen’s speech can be be downloaded as a PDF (see below).

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The building features a unique yard and container storage on the rooftop, state-of-the-art automation and air conditioning on all six floors.