< Previousexpectations in terms of cost-efficient delivery.” Shamsuddin Moham- ed Yusof, CEO of CTRM, which has three decades of global supply chain experience in electron- ic, automotive and com- posite aero-structures for major commercial and military aircraft manufacturers, stressed the Malaysian firm’s ar- rangement with Strata will enhance its capacity to develop technology- based solutions for the advanced composites industry. “The deal with Strata augments our key strat- egy to further expand our business and foot- print in the industry. Through this strategic arrangement, CTRM be- comes the extended man- ufacturing arm and capac- ity provider for Strata. By leveraging on each other’s respective strengths and ca- pabilities, Strata and CTRM will complement each other in capacity and capabilities towards strengthening our position in this aerospace industry,” said Shamsuddin. Strata works with lead- ing aircraft manufactur- ers, including Airbus, Boeing, Leonardo, and Pi- latus. Based at Nibras Al Ain Aerospace Park, Strata supports the development of a leading aerospace hub in Abu Dhabi as part of the emirate’s economic diver- sification initiatives. The homegrown manufacturer employs more than 700 on-time delivery,” added Abdulla. Strata’s alignment with GAZC represents the UAE manu- facturing pioneer’s latest initiative in outsourcing sub-tier business functions, specifically best-cost procurement part- nerships for aircraft parts that are vital elements of Strata- manufactured composite aero-structure components. The company also signed a contract with Composites Technology Research Malaysia (CTRM) for the supply of composite detail aircraft parts. Under the 10-year contract, which was signed at Dubai Airshow 2019, CTRM will sup- ply Strata with structural composite detail parts for aircraft components. The first shipment is due to arrive at Strata’s world-class Nibras Al Ain Aerospace Park production facility in the second quarter of 2020. Outlining a strategy to secure best-cost international sup- ply chain partners for Strata-manufactured composite aero- structure components, Ismail Ali Abdulla, CEO of Strata, said: “Composite details are vital components in the final products we provide to our customers across the global aero- structures market. “By outsourcing sub-tier business functions to selected suppliers with proven track record of excellence, Strata can place a greater focus on core manufacturing activities and take full control of the end-to-end supply chain. This arrange- ment will enable Strata to continue exceeding customers’ www.logisticsmiddleeast.com30DECEMBER 2019 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST REPORT | DUBAI AIRSHOW 2019tivity to seamlessly link to the cargo.one platform. Through cargo.one we will offer global capac- ity to users on new rout- ings and to new destina- tions across our extensive worldwide network, and provide our own custom- ers with additional book- ing choice.” Serving more than 300 freight forwarding com- panies across Europe, people of 30 different nation- alities – with more than half of its workforce being repre- sented by Emirati nationals. On the air cargo side of things the news was much slower. With regards to cargo, there has been comparatively little news coming out of this year’s Dubai Airshow. Egyptair displayed its latest freighter addition, a converted A330 passenger plane, and Etihad Cargo announced that it was signing a landmark distribu- tion agreement with cargo. one, the multi-airline e-book- ing platform. Finalised on the side lines of Cargo Connect, an indus- try forum co-located with Dubai Airshow, the agreement confirms Etihad Cargo as the latest international carrier to partner with cargo.one. A key driver in its commit- ment to provide customers with a best-in-class booking experience, the cargo.one agreement empowers Etihad Cargo to offer an additional avenue for bookings on avail- able cargo capacity to a wider pool of European customers. Abdulla Mohamed Shadid, Etihad Aviation Group’s Man- aging Director of Cargo and Logistics Services said: “Etihad Cargo’s ambition to lead the industry into a new digital era has driven significant investment in our cargo.one has been growing its customer base at a rate of more than twenty per cent month-on-month. In adding Etihad Cargo’s global network to the plat- form, cargo.one forwarders will have access from Eu- rope to new markets across the Middle East, Indian Sub- continent, Asia, Africa, Aus- tralasia and US – including Sydney, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta. digitalisation programme across back of house and customer facing platforms in the last 12 months. This landmark partnership with cargo.one builds on the success we have achieved on our own online plat- form, etihadcargo.com, which now represents 38 per cent of our bookings. “Our digital investment enabled us to rapidly build the required API connec- www.logisticsmiddleeast.com Etihad Cargo announced that it was signing a landmark distribution agreement with cargo.one, the multi-airline e-booking platform. 31LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST | DECEMBER 2019 REPORT | DUBAI AIRSHOW 2019 Strata’s alignment with GAZC represents the UAE manufacturing pioneer’s latest initiative in outsourcing sub-tier business functions.32DECEMBER 2019 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EASTwww.logisticsmiddleeast.com FOCUS | SOHAR PORT & FREEZONE SOHAR PORT AND FREEZONE HOSTS 15TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION SOHAR has created 10,836 direct job opportunities and contributed to 4.8% of Oman’s GDP SOHAR Port and Freezone won CSR Initiative of the Year at the Logistics Middle East Awards this year.33LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST | DECEMBER 2019www.logisticsmiddleeast.com SOHAR PORT & FREEZONE | FOCUS SOHAR Port and Freezone celebrated its 15th Anniversary in a glittering cer- emony at the Kempinski Hotel Muscat, on November 4, 2019. The event was conducted under the auspices of HE Dr Ahmed Mohammed Al Futaisi, Minister of Transport, alongside the presence of distinguished Excellencies, Honourables, ministers, dignitaries, partners and members of the SO- HAR Management. Commenting on the event, HE Dr Ahmed Mohammed Al Futaisi said, “15 years since the inception of SOHAR, we are proud to have established a world-class port on the coasts of the Sultanate of Oman to serve the region and the world. SOHAR Port has become a pivotal part of the logistics sector in the Sultanate and a major import and export hub for both Oman and the regional coun- tries. The port itself is a success story, with regard to several aspects. This especially includes its achievement of attracting large vessels and international investors, accommodating a variety of industries and handling a diverse range and size of general cargos, containers and other goods.” HE Dr Mohammed Nasser Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Board of SOHAR Port and Freezone said, “SOHAR Port has created a remarkable footprint and made its presence recognised, both in the region and globally. We are also proud to be ranked as one of the fastest-growing port and free zones in the world, with investments exceeding OMR 10 billion. With our strategic geographical location, providing us access to global markets with an outreach of over 2 billion people, SOHAR Port has played a vital role in line with the national Logistics Strategy 2040. The strategy aims to place the transport sector as the second- highest source of national income alongside putting the Sultanate among the top ten countries for logistics per- formance by the year 2040.” HE Dr. Mohammed Bin Nasser Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Board of SOHAR Port and Freezone. René van der Plas, Board Member of SOHAR Port and Freezone, Director of Port of Rotterdam International.FEATURE | SOHAR 34DECEMBER 2019 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EASTwww.logisticsmiddleeast.com An integrated logistics facility In line with the efforts to promote integrated logistics ser- vices, an agreement was signed, under the patronage of HE Dr Ahmed Mohammed Al Futaisi, Minister of Transport, for the development of a truck rest area. The agreement was signed between HE Dr Mohammed Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Board of SOHAR Port and Freezone and Issa Moham- med Ali Al Barmani, Managing Director of Meena Investment Park LLC. The upcoming project will have a total investment of OMR 2.5 million and will take up an area of 50,000 sqm at SOHAR Freezone. Initiated by the Ministry of Transport and spearheaded by ASYAD, the truck rest area will assist in promoting road safety after the significant increase in the number of trucks at the port. The area will offer an added value to the logistics infra- structure of SOHAR and to all its tenants from various road transport companies, through the provision of a dedicated area for truck drivers to take breaks during long journeys. Apart from streamlining logistics at SOHAR, it will also aid in saving transit time between destinations and reducing road congestion by preventing drivers from parking at the sides of the road and in residential areas. The importance of this project is also demonstrated by its role of unifying operators and tenants of both the Port and Freezone. SOHAR vital statistics Employees of the Port and Freezone paid tribute to the past and future of the SOHAR by narrating their personal memories. Additionally, a video highlighting the notable achievements of the company over the course of 15 years, comprising of invaluable insights from significant spokes- people, was revealed. The event concluded with the pres- entation of the first copy of the 15th Anniversary SOHAR Port and Freezone Book to the chief guest. In addition to celebrating the people and achievements, the 15th Anniversary SOHAR Port and Freezone Book also highlighted key statistics about its contribution to Oman over the last 15 years. The throughput grew year on year reaching 61 million tonnes and the Port now handles over 3,400 vessels per year. 62% of Oman’s total imports entered through SOHAR in 2017, alongside 42% of the country’s exported volumes. In the same year, SOHAR also contributed to 4.8% of Oman’s total GDP. The Port and Freezone is also a trailblazer for job creation. SOHAR has created 10,836 direct job opportuni- ties, with the combined value for both direct and indirect employment amounting to 1.1% of the total number of work- ers in Oman, which has generated a combined added value of 1.3 billion in 2018. Presentation of the 15th Anniversary Book to the Minister of Transport, alongside Mark Geilenkirchen, CEO of SOHAR Port.SOHAR | FEATURE 35LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST | DECEMBER 2019www.logisticsmiddleeast.com A promising future Mark Geilenkirchen said, “SOHAR Port and Freezone has always aimed to expand and reach out to important markets and reinforce relationships with investors from across the globe. Our well-established mission and vision have helped all of the members of the SOHAR family remain focused on delivering business excellence to clients, growing bonds of friendship with the local community and increasing our con- tribution to the diversification goals for our national economy. With several projects in the pipeline, we continue to grow and continually adapt, keeping ourselves updated with the latest developments and technologies. At SOHAR, we also strive to implement innovative solutions that prove beneficial not only to the organisation but also to the surrounding community.” “Over the past 15 years, SOHAR has emerged as a global logistics and industrial hub. Looking ahead, we continue to align ourselves with Oman’s diversification and logistics strategies, attract foreign direct investment and increase employment and SME opportunities in Suhar. We are con- fident that by employing a young and capable workforce, while simultaneously investing in innovative solutions, we will be able to achieve our strategic objectives,” Omar Mahmood Al Mahrizi, DCEO of SOHAR Port and Freezone - CEO of the Freezone concluded. Token of appreciation from René van der Plas on behalf of the Port of Rotterdam.WAREHOUSING | AXIOM TELECOM 36DECEMBER 2019 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EASTwww.logisticsmiddleeast.comAXIOM TELECOM | WAREHOUSING 37LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST | DECEMBER 2019www.logisticsmiddleeast.com Swisslog automation solutions enable UAE-based Axiom Telecom to reduce total cost ownership, fulfil a greater number of deliveries and adapt to seasonal peaks MODULAR ROBOTICS FOR RETAILWAREHOUSING | AXIOM TELECOM 38DECEMBER 2019 | LOGISTICS MIDDLE EASTwww.logisticsmiddleeast.com Global warehouse automation spe- cialist, Swisslog, announced at Mate- rials Handling Middle East (MHME), the region’s dedicated trade show for warehousing, intralogistics and supply chain solutions, that it has completed a major project for the Middle East’s leading telecom distributor for handsets and accessories, Axiom Tel- ecom (Axiom). Swisslog designed and implemented a new Dubai-based automated warehouse facility with AutoStore for Axiom Telecom. Known as the region’s largest retailer and distributor, Axiom has more than 5,000 points of sale and 2,000 em- ployees across the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. It is the retailer and distributor of many of the world’s leading technology brands in the telecom industry, and is expanding into new verticals on the basis of its unique market reach and operational excellence. With a high volume of daily orders delivered across mul- tiple channels and a demanding customer base, Axiom is expected to provide speed, accuracy, and a competitive ser- vice to ensure its future in the face of increased competition. The move to a new facility was part of Axiom’s overall vision to continue to meet the changing customer demands, while driving down Cost Per Unit. In reviewing its options, Axiom selected Swisslog’s Au- toStore solution to deliver a higher level of automation compared to its conventional warehousing system. The solution deployed was designed to fulfill Axiom’s require- ment of 25,000 deliveries and provided a compelling total cost of ownership. The new warehouse located at Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) includes a range of pioneering distribution solutions that will give Axiom enhanced operational flexibility and ef- ficiency with less manpower. Modular robotic solution As a leader in robotic, data driven and flexible automated solutions, Swisslog is dedicated to helping companies im- prove the efficiency, productivity and cost effectiveness of their intralogistics operations. The Swisslog AutoStore solution consists of an auto- The move to a new facility was part of Axiom’s overall vision to continue to meet the changing customer demands, while driving down Cost Per Unit. . For Axiom, the AutoStore system will consist of nine robots and ve picking stations, providing storage space for 12,500 bins.AXIOM TELECOM | WAREHOUSING 39LOGISTICS MIDDLE EAST | DECEMBER 2019www.logisticsmiddleeast.com mated storage and picking system AutoStore, motorized lights goods conveyor QuickMove and SynQ Warehouse Management Software. AutoStore is an innovative auto- mated material handling solution that uses robots on top of an aluminium grid system to store and locate goods, efficiently delivering them to pick stations for processing. For Axiom, the AutoStore system will consist of nine robots and five picking stations, providing storage space for 12,500 bins. Ten gravity shipping lanes ensure efficient order consolidation for both store and home delivery. “Swisslog is uniquely well-placed to deliver the technology convergence and deep integration necessary to facilitate omni-channel, multi-modal movements across the supply chain — of which warehousing is a critical component,” said Alain Kaddoum, general manager of Swisslog Middle East. “The recent installation is a testament to our dedication to innovation and has helped Axiom deliver an efficient and accurate service for its customers.” Eight AutoStore projects already live in the Middle East “Our first Swisslog AutoStore solution went live in the region in June 2016, with number increasing to eight in just three years,” added Kaddoum. “The project for Axiom demonstrates the ongoing success of AutoStore in the region. At Swisslog, we tailor every warehouse solution to meet the needs of our customers. Our team of experts delivers warehouse management software solu- tions to provide facilities with the best inventory control and faster picking times.” Known as the region’s largest retailer and distributor, Axiom has more than 5,000 points of sale and 2,000 employees across the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.Next >