Tag: Europe

German DHL can open cargo hub at Lepizig/Halle

Posted by | Nov 9, 2006 | |

DHL, the express and logistics unit of German postal services group Deutsche Post AG, has cleared its way to establishing its own cargo hub at the Leipzig/Halle airport, following a decision by the District Court in Leipzig, allowing nighttime landings and takeoffs only for cargo aircraft, it was reported on November 9, 2006.

The ban is pending the approval of the regional council.

The court ruling has thus ensured Leipzig/Halle’s becoming an international cargo hub airport.

The reconstruction of the new 290 mln euro (USD369.9 mln) southern runway is progressing according to plan and is scheduled to start operation by the summer of 2007.

However, due to the excessive noise caused by the night flights, the court has retained its right to further revise the matter.

[Editor’s note: In May 2005, the court ruled against a collective lawsuit filed by a citizens’ committee which sought to shut down the new 24-hour-operation runway project, pointing out that it would create more than 10,000 jobs by 2008. The project for turning the Leipzig/Halle airport into a cargo hub airport involved the extension and reconstruction of the airport’s southern runway by 3,600 metres, the German News Digest reported on May 20, 2005.]

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Wincanton H1 pretax profit up 6.3 pct; targets more acquisitions

Posted by | Nov 9, 2006 | |

Wincanton PLC, the pan-European logistics group, has reported a 6.3 pct rise in first-half underlying pretax profit, with a robust performance from its UK and Ireland business offsetting a weaker outturn in mainland Europe. Analysts regard Wincanton as a prime target in a consolidating logistics market.

In the UK it is the second-largest player after Exel, which was acquired for 5.5 bln eur by Deutsche Post AG last year. Christian Salvesen PLC and TDG PLC are the UK’s third- and fourth-largest players respectively.

For the six months to Sept 30, Wincanton made an underlying profit before tax of 17.0 mln stg, broadly in line with analysts’ expectations and up from 16.0 mln stg last time, on revenue that was up 5.9 pct to 931.8 mln stg. Pretax profit was flat at 15.1 mln stg versus 15.2 mln stg.

Underlying operating profit rose 7 pct to 21.4 mln stg. Operating profit in the UK and Ireland rose 10 pct to 20.0 mln stg, with the division benefiting from contract wins and renewals.

In September, Somerfield, the supermarket group, extended its logistics provider contract with Wincanton for five years. Wincanton reckons the contract will generate turnover of some 900 mln stg.

It expects the momentum of the UK and Ireland business to continue into the second half, supplemented by contributions from its recent acquisitions — RDL Holdings Ltd and Lane PLC, purchased in October for up to 35 mln stg.

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Royal Mail rivals fail to dent lead

Posted by | Nov 8, 2006 | |

Deregulation of the postal industry has not yet severely damaged Royal Mail’s position as the main provider of post to businesses, according to Postcomm’s annual Competitive Market Review.

The watchdog’s report shows that Royal Mail still serves 99% of businesses – the same as in 2005. The postal services market was opened to full competition on 1 January.

Royal Mail’s rivals, led by TNT Post UK, DX Network Services and DHL Global Mail, appear to be expanding their customer base, albeit from a very low starting point. These competitors are used by 6.7% of businesses for at least some of their direct mail – four times more than in 2005.

‘Although Royal Mail remains by far the biggest operator, competition has encouraged it to raise its game,’ said Postcomm chief executive Sarah Chambers.

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HELP is on the way for Royal Mail’s people

Posted by | Nov 8, 2006 | |

Royal Mail is launching a far-reaching employee assistance scheme that will put the company at the leading edge of workplace advice and help programmes.

Known as HELP (Health and emotional wellbeing, Employment advice, Legal services and Practical assistance), the new service will be free of charge to employees and members of their immediate family. It offers confidential advice round-the-clock on both personal and practical topics from independent experts. These could range from money problems, legal issues and work-related topics to finding local service providers, such as child minders.

Initial contact to the HELP service is via a dedicated helpline, with the option of face-to-face counselling if appropriate to cover issues such as stress management, bereavement, and relationship issues.

Tony McCarthy, Royal Mail’s People and Organisational Director, said HELP was part of Royal Mail’s commitment to support its people whenever they needed it under the company’s continuing drive to make Royal Mail a great place in which to work.

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TNT Express Germany wins European Award for Business Excellence

Posted by | Nov 8, 2006 | |

TNT Express Germany has won this year’s European Business Award together with the BMW Group. The European Business Award is one of the most prestigious economy prizes in Europe. Donald Pilz, chairman of the board of directors, received the award at the Forum of the European Foundation for Quality Management in Budapest on Tuesday evening. In addition to TNT Express Germany, three other TNT business units made it into the short listed 27 finalists – TNT International (Europe), TNT Express Greece and TNT Express Estonia.

Winning the EFQM Excellence Award is a milestone in TNT Express Germany’s company history. Host Andreas Sugar presented the important prize to Donald Pilz at the Palace of the Arts in Budapest on the evening of November 7th. In his speech Pilz stressed that “It was only possible to win this award because everyone at TNT Express lives and breathes business excellence each and every day.“ TNT Express succeeded over 27 other companies which made it to the final. These included reputable names such as E.ON, FIAT, Philips, General Motors and T-Systems.

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