In a remarkable expansion move, Körber Supply Chain has chosen Santo Tirso, Portugal, as the site for its latest manufacturing facility, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. This new site, nestled within the Ermida Industrial Park, promises to set new standards for technology and operational excellence. Today, we’ll explore the strategic choices behind this expansion, the advanced facilities planned, and their anticipated impact on the region and beyond with Marco Gaietti, an accomplished expert in business management and corporate strategy.
What motivated Körber to choose Santo Tirso, Portugal, as the location for the new manufacturing facility?
Körber’s choice of Santo Tirso isn’t just about geographical convenience but more about strategic foresight. Portugal presents a promising landscape for innovation due to its burgeoning industrial capabilities and strong community support. The region’s political stability, favorable economic policies, and proximity to talent-rich cities like Porto make it an ideal hub for logistic innovations. Collaborating with local institutions further strengthens these opportunities, enabling Körber to integrate seamlessly into the local ecosystem.
Can you elaborate on the objectives of this new facility and how it fits into Körber’s global growth strategy?
The primary objective of this facility is to elevate Körber’s manufacturing and logistics capabilities globally. By enhancing production and integrating cutting-edge technology, Körber aims to lead in supply chain solutions. This aligns perfectly with their global growth strategy by positioning Portugal as a critical node in their network, thus fortifying their market presence in Europe and setting a benchmark for other international ventures.
What specific technologies and solutions will the new site focus on developing and producing?
This facility will concentrate on producing advanced mechanical, electrical, and software integrations tailored for supply chain solutions. It’s designed to embrace automation, offering state-of-the-art capabilities in logistics automation and integration. By fostering an environment ripe for technological advancement, Körber is poised to develop solutions that address complex logistical challenges and improve overall supply chain efficiency.
How does Körber plan to integrate sustainability into the new facility’s operations?
Sustainability is at the forefront of Körber’s plans. By aiming for BREEAM “Very Good” certification, Körber commits to eco-friendly practices in design, construction, and operations. This involves meticulous planning to reduce carbon footprints and deploy sustainable technologies, ensuring that environmental considerations are integral to every operational facet.
Could you explain what achieving BREEAM “Very Good” certification entails?
BREEAM certification serves as an acknowledgment of a building’s environmental performance. To achieve a “Very Good” rating, every aspect from energy use to material selection is scrutinized. It involves stringent assessments of resource efficiency, waste reduction, and ecological impact. Attaining this level of certification underscores Körber’s dedication to responsible and sustainable growth.
How will this new facility impact Körber’s market position in Europe and globally?
This facility significantly bolsters Körber’s market position by enhancing logistics and manufacturing capacities, thus offering more competitive solutions. By fortifying their operational capabilities in Europe, they not only capture new business opportunities domestically but create leverage to influence global supply chain dynamics. It’s a bold declaration of Körber’s intent to lead the industry from the forefront.
What are the expected benefits of the Research and Development area included in the new site?
Including an R&D area allows Körber to pioneer innovation directly. It’s here that they can experiment with new technologies and solutions, accelerating the rate at which innovations are brought to market. It strengthens Körber’s culture of continuous improvement, allowing them to stay ahead in responding to dynamic market needs and customer expectations.
Can you describe the significance of the advanced testing areas in the new factory?
These testing areas are critical—they enable Körber to ensure every piece of equipment is rigorously vetted for quality and performance before deployment. By simulating real-world challenges in-house, Körber can refine their solutions to meet, if not exceed, client expectations. This capability is paramount in achieving operational excellence and reliability across their supply chain solutions.
How many individuals does Körber plan to hire for this new facility, and what kind of roles will be available?
Körber plans to employ over 400 full-time staff by the end of 2025. The roles span various functions, including engineering, manufacturing, logistics, and sales, reflecting the comprehensive nature of their operations. This hiring spree not only supports Körber’s capacity expansion but also stimulates local economic growth by offering diverse career opportunities.
What is the timeline for the construction and operational phases of this project?
Construction is set for a swift pace, with foundational work starting in July 2025. The goal is to have the site fully operational by the second half of 2026. This timeline reflects Körber’s urgent commitment to expanding their capabilities while disrupting the market with timely and cutting-edge solutions.
In what ways will Körber collaborate with local institutions and organizations in Portugal to support this project?
Körber plans to engage actively with local universities and training institutions to cultivate local talent, fostering skills that align with their operational needs. They also seek partnerships with regional organizations like Invest Santo Tirso, ensuring that the project not only thrives but also benefits the community substantially.
How does this investment reflect Körber’s commitment to innovation and the local community in Porto?
This investment underscores Körber’s philosophy of integrating innovation with social responsibility. It highlights their ambition to be a trendsetter in technological advancements while simultaneously uplifting the local community through job creation and skill development initiatives, fostering an ecosystem of mutual growth.
Could you share more about the showroom with automation technologies that will be part of the new facility?
The showroom is more than a display area—it’s a dynamic space designed to showcase Körber’s latest innovations in automation. It serves as a beacon for clients and partners to visualize and experience firsthand the transformative impact of Körber’s technology on supply chain operations, effectively becoming a hub of innovation and inspiration.
What strategies does Körber have in place to develop local skills and talent in Porto for this project?
By establishing robust training programs in collaboration with educational institutions, Körber is setting the stage for substantial upskilling among the local workforce. They aim to cultivate a talent pool skilled in modern supply chain technologies—creating not just jobs, but improving the overall quality of the labor market in Porto.
Why is it important for Körber to engage with Invest Santo Tirso and other regional partners during this expansion?
Engaging with local partners like Invest Santo Tirso is vital to align Körber’s objectives with regional interests. These collaborations ensure that the expansion is mutually beneficial, addressing local socio-economic needs while securing the resources and support necessary for Körber’s successful establishment and operation.
Could you discuss any potential challenges Körber anticipates with this new development, and how you plan to address them?
Challenges may arise from logistics, integration of new technologies, or workforce adaptation. Körber is proactive in their approach—leveraging research, local expertise, and strategic partnerships to mitigate such risks. Planning and adaptability remain central pillars, allowing Körber to confidently navigate the complexities of this significant undertaking.
What is your forecast for the impact of this new facility on the local community and global operations?
This facility is poised to be transformative, setting a precedent for combining industrial expansion with community development. Locally, it will drive employment and skill enhancement. Globally, it will elevate Körber’s strategic influence, fostering innovation and operational excellence that ripple across their worldwide network. Such foresight and execution make Körber a leader not just in logistics but in responsible corporate citizenship.
