Gefco UK has been recognised as ‘Best in Industry’ in the European Logistics category at this year’s British International Freight Association (BIFA) awards for enhancements to its 2Wheeler Development Project.
The awards, which were recently held in London, recognised Gefco’s expansion of the project beyond the UK into a number of new European markets. Working with around 50 motorcycle brands across France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK (as well as in South America), Gefco serves customers including KTM, Peugeot Scooters and Triumph.
The European Logistics category was open to companies providing road, rail and short-sea services.
Following a study that it conducted into service levels provided in the motorcycle industry, Gefco UK identified a gap in the market between cost control consolidation and enhanced customer care. Its logistics solution was recognised as “providing customers with a highly effective and personalised service, together with a shared user operation that delivers both competitiveness and significant cost efficiencies” to both existing and future clients in the sector.
Commenting on the award win, Chris Arnold, Gefco Network Logistics Director (pictured centre), said: “We are delighted to have been recognised by BIFA with this prestigious award. We have proven expertise in the 2Wheeler sector, and it is great to see recognition of the solutions that we offer our clients by way of an industry accreditation. We are looking to build on this success achieved within 2009, to further develop our client relationships within 2010.”
Among the enhancements to the 2Wheeler service Gefco has implemented is its investment in moffetts to provide specialist cradle management for 2Wheeler clients in the UK. Meanwhile, its expansion into new European markets includes final deliveries to dealers in Italy using 7m length double-floor trailers with tail-lift to deliver ‘naked’ bikes on two levels. The company is also using the double-floor trailers for linehauls of bikes across France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
Gefco has also established 2Wheeler warehouses across Europe, including two in France at Fontaine and Dourges, and one at Verona which also serves as the company’s main transport hub for the north of Italy.
In other Gefco-related news, Yves Fargues, Chairman and CEO of the Gefco group, and Anatoly Artamonov, Governor of the Kaluga region in Russia have signed a letter of intent setting out details to an agreement between Gefco and the regional government to develop transport and logistics services for local manufacturers. Gefco is already present in the region serving Peugeot Citroën and Mitsubishi.
Pictured left to right are: David Lumby from award sponsor TT club, Chris Arnold, Gefco Network Logistics Director, and guest speaker Frances Edmonds
A full list of the other BIFA award winners and categories can be found here
