Geodis Logistics open Ireland's largest distribution warehouse at IBM Technology Campus Dublin

An Tanaiste, Mary Harney, T.D. and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, today officially opened the Geodis Logistics Warehouse at the IBM Technology Campus in Mulhuddart.

This multi-million euro investment by the Geodis group is part of a strategy by Geodis to partner its key accounts developing its international logistics from Ireland. The 30,000 square metre warehouse, the largest ever built in Ireland, will be operated by Geodis Logistics Ireland, an Irish Group Subsidiary providing logistics, European groupage and full truckload services. IBM will accommodate two thirds of the capacity of the warehouse and the remaining third will be opened to customers other than IBM. Geodis Logistics Ireland will employ two hundred people in Ireland at full operation.

“This significant long term investment reflects Geodis’ will to rapidly expand in Ireland and to accompany IBM in its strategic evolution throughout Europe”, said Pierre Blayau, Geodis Chairman.

The Geodis group signed a strategic partnership agreement with IBM in Ireland in May 2002. This agreement includes the pre and post production logistics for the Dublin Campus, supporting the Microelectronics Division and Server Division which manufactures IBM servers for the European, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific markets.

“This strategic partnership between IBM and Geodis for the provision of logistics, warehousing, storage and replenishment activities on the Campus will result in increased serviceability enabling faster delivery to our customers and increased competitiveness. It reinforces and strengthens IBM operations on the Dublin Campus and furthers IBM’s commitment to its Irish operations”, said Mr. Fernand Sanchez, Vice President, IBM Technology Campus.

For Geodis, Ireland is a strategic country for future development. Geodis’ Development Plan in Ireland is based on current large European customers with business activities in Ireland. The initial phase of the plan is due to be complete by the end of 2003, and further plans by 2004 to increase the site capacity by 25%.

Speaking at the official opening the Tanaiste said “The investment being made by Geodis is strategically important both for the company and for Ireland. Clearly the company believes that Ireland is a good place to do business and with their arrival sophisticated techniques developed in other countries for all supply chain activities will be implemented in Ireland”.