Imperial has added a further 50% to its already extensive lithium-ion battery handling capacity, following the award of a major new contract from a German car maker.
Imperial’s existing lithium-ion module storage and handling facility at Rieste in Germany, covers an area of 60,000 square metres. Imperial has now taken a lease on an additional 28,000 square metre site in Sarstedt near Hanover, which is dedicated to handling the new contract.
The new facility is divided into three separate fire zones, and embodies all features required for storing lithium-ion modules in a safe and environmentally-friendly manner. These features include a fire protection concept that’s closely aligned with the relevant authorities, LED lighting and energy-efficient building design.
The winning of this latest lithium-ion module contract results from Imperial’s early decision to target the fast-evolving lithium-ion battery sector, which requires special handling and facilities due to the hazardous nature of the commodity. Imperial’s dual competences in both hazardous cargo and the automotive sector made the expansion into battery logistics services a logical move, says Michael Pohl, its Vice President Commercial Chemicals:
“Recognising the direction of the automotive industry’s travel towards electric vehicles, our chemicals logistics experts teamed up with Imperial’s automotive specialists to produce a specific solution for this growing sector over two years ago. Our automotive customers are now expressing great demand for this new solution.”
Imperial’s services for lithium-ion modules and batteries include storage and handling, processing of incoming and outgoing goods, repackaging production boxes and placing them in shipping containers. The new facility has already created 20 new jobs, with more expected to follow.
“Thanks to our profound knowledge of this sector and our excellent business relations in the field of battery logistics services, we have been able to secure a long-term agreement with our client,” continues Pohl. “We are also benefitting from the expertise gained in Rieste where we have been operating for the past two years.”
The new Sarstedt facility is fully aligned with Imperial’s strong environmental policy, which is based on the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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About Imperial:
Imperial is an African focused provider of integrated market access and logistics solutions. With a focus on the following key industries – healthcare, consumer, automotive, chemicals, industrial and commodities – we take our clients’ and principals’ products to some of the fastest growing and most challenging markets in the world. Ranked among the top tier global logistics providers and listed on the JSE in South Africa, we seek out and leverage new technology to deliver innovative, end-to-end solutions. Through our significant African footprint and international expertise, and with the support of our 25,000 people, Imperial’s purpose is to connect Africa and the world – and to improve people’s lives with access to quality products and services.
Imperial’s Logistics Africa business is the leading logistics supplier in South Africa, and one of the largest on the African continent, providing Contract Logistics, Road Freight and Lead Logistics Provider solutions. The Logistics International business at Imperial has its headquarters in Duisburg, Germany and is responsible for all Group logistics activities (including Contract Logistics and Freight) outside of Africa. Imperial’s Market Access business builds complex route-to market solutions that provide principals access to patients and consumers across Africa through comprehensive channel strategies that integrate sourcing, sales, demand generation, distribution, marketing and promotions.
www.imperiallogistics.com
For further information please contact
Tanja Vinnepand
Head of Marketing | Logistics International