Panalpina Celebrates 50 Years of Operations in Peru

Team in Peru also rank as the most engaged employees in the world

Panalpina, the Swiss logistics and freight forwarding company, is celebrating 50 years of operations in Peru.

In the 1960s Panalpina was expanding rapidly into key import and export locations across the globe and, recognising that Lima had a significant manufacturing industry, quality workforce and established infrastructure for transport, the Peruvian capital was high on the company’s list for expansion in South America.

Panalpina officially opened for business in Lima on August 19, 1968 establishing a presence in this critical port and beginning what has proved to be a beneficial and long-lasting relationship with the local community.

Since that opening day in 1968, Panalpina has moved three times to accommodate its growing staff and has also added a 4000 m² warehouse facility on Villa El Salvador.

While companies sometimes struggle with strained communications as they grow, Panalpina considers employee engagement essential – something that the team in Peru has always recognised. The results of the company’s recent global annual employee engagement survey showed that the team in Peru ranked as number one for employee engagement in the world. With over 14,000 employees, based in over 70 locations across six continents, this is something that the Peru leadership team is rightly proud of.

“This achievement is not something we take lightly,” said Maria Eugenia Barbero, the managing director for Panalpina Peru. “The global leadership team in Switzerland understands the value of an engaged workforce and challenges every country to make changes, take risks and get employees excited about being a part of this company and the shipping and logistics industry.

“Our local leadership team really worked hard not just to improve but to excel, and I’m thrilled with the results. Their efforts have had an enormously positive effect on our team and I am excited to see how it pays off in the years to come.”

While Panalpina Peru has always valued its team in Peru, thriving as a business also requires a strong connection with the local community. Over the years, the team has collected and donated non-perishable food to the victims of the rains due to the El Niño Phenomenon, donated books for the new library at Antonio Raymondi National Public School, participated in blood drives and many other activities.

“We are all Lima residents and Peruvians and we must all help ensure our city and country continues to thrive,” Barbero said.

The Panalpina team will recognise its 50-year milestone anniversary with a celebration on 18 August highlighting the growth and success they have achieved together so far and toasting what’s to come. “I think it’s a wonderful way to celebrate both the history and the future of Panalpina Peru,” said Regional CEO Americas, Frank Hercksen. “I wish all Panalpina Peru employees, past and present, many congratulations and hope that they are looking forward to the next 50 years!"

                                 (Maria Eugenia Barbero, managing director for Panalpina Peru)