It’s not the first thing you would expect a speaker to say at a logistics conference: “Why talk about logistics – logistics is the least important part”.

Geodis Calberson has opened a new global distribution centre in Dover, extending its European wine distribution operations, currently based in Poole.

The government’s proposals for the creation of 14 strategic national transport corridors for road, rail, waterways, ports and aviation have been welcomed by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.

Trident has launched a new mobile printer/plotter designed to simplify in-vehicle installation, and offer easier integration into mobile computing systems.

JLT, the Swedish manufacturer of rugged portable PCs, has appointed Per Holmberg chief executive officer.

Conveyor manufacturer Sovex has modified its MVL9 mobile vehicle loader to simplify and speed up parcel handling operations, as well as improve efficiency and reduce manual handling requirements.

The downturn in UK manufacturing slowed in April, according to the CIPS/Markit Purchasing Managers’ Index.

UK-based textile manufacturer Formax has signed a deal with Geodis Calberson to boost its supply chain efficiencies.

Barclays Commercial Bank has appointed Graeme Allinson head of manufacturing, transport and logistics.

Rotterdam World Gateway has appointed Frank Keizer as project director for the development and construction of the 156 hectare container terminal which upon completion will have a capacity of 4.2 million TEU.