What are the key challenges facing the logistics sector in 2007? Claude Boisselet examines five of this year’s major preoccupations.

The reshaping of the European Union will affect distribution in some profound ways. Romania, regarded by many as a wild frontier, could soon become a significant transit hub.

Welcome to the first edition of Supply Chain Standard, the new name for Logistics Europe.

Wincanton is proposing to close two of the distribution centres it handles on behalf of Somerfield, following the retailer’s decision to streamline its operations.

LPR is launching a campaign to reduce the number of FMCG pallets that go missing each year.

Research by King Sturge indicated that there were 72 new speculative schemes over 100,000 sq immediately available or under constriction at the end of last year.

Construction company AJ Morrisroe has paid £1m for a 2.6-acre site Ampthill, Bedfordshire, which it will use for open storage.

Lufthansa Cargo has set up a freight handling company and is looking to break into the German freight forwarding market.

Boughey Distribution has built the first of the three 100,000 sq ft warehouses at its main base near Nantwich in Cheshire.

Entertainment UK has won a three-year contract to supply Virgin Retail with CDs, DVDs, games and books.