Building on a leading position in Europe, the potential transaction would enable Walden Health to accelerate its growth, expand its international reach, and enhance its service by benefitting from Yusen Logistics Group’s global network and integrated logistics capabilities.

Shared Vision for Healthcare Logistics

Founded in 1951, Walden has since been at focused on pharmaceutical and healthcare market trends, with an offering of a wide range of value-added services tailored to clients’ needs. Walden has grown from a French to a pan-European operator through a successful combination of organic growth and acquisitions, having notably acquired Movianto from Owens and Minor in 2020. As the healthcare logistics market becomes increasingly global, the proposed transaction would ensure that Walden Health is best positioned as it enters its next phase of growth, involving:

• Expansion of its footprint beyond Europe
• Building on Yusen Logistics Group’s global infrastructure and digital capabilities to enhance service quality and resilience
• Continued investment in sustainable, compliant, and temperature-controlled logistics solutions

“Today’s announcement is a significant step in our journey to become a leading healthcare logistics player and we look forward to welcoming Walden Health into our group. We have been expanding healthcare logistics for the past years by enhancing our capability worldwide to provide customers with various logistics services. We believe combination between Walden Health’s high professionalism with longstanding reputation and our global network can make our healthcare logistics service truly unique” said Hiroki Harada, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Yusen Logistics Group.

“We are proud of the journey Walden has taken to become a trusted partner in healthcare logistics across Europe,” said Stephane Baudry, Chairman of Walden Group and grandson of Marcel Baudry, the founder of Walden, formerly known as CSP. “Thanks to Yusen Logistics Group, Walden Health will develop into a truly global player, capable of offering end-to-end services to clients, building on a strong innovative DNA focused on improving patient care with an unwavering commitment to quality. I am delighted to see the strong cultural and strategic fit of the two organizations and truly believe that Walden Health is set for continued success”

Continuity and Growth

While the healthcare division plans to embark on this new journey, Walden Group will continue to invest in its mobility division, including Ciblex and Relais Colis, where exciting opportunities lie ahead in express transport and last-mile delivery.

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Synopsis:

In this webinar Steven Timberlake of Infios discusses how you can measure your organisation’s level of supply chain maturity and the steps involved in developing greater efficiency and resilience in today’s challenging environment. Together with Peter MacLeod, Steven will explore topics including artificial intelligence, automation and system modernisation and outline how they form part of the practical steps that any organisation can implement today to relentlessly improve supply chain performance tomorrow.

Steven Timberlake, Infios

Steven Timberlake provides thought leadership and strategic challenge around supply chain execution as the Vice President of Sales Northern Europe at Infios. In his role, Steven plays a pivotal role in consulting businesses on transforming their supply chain execution, leveraging his extensive experience to drive strategic initiatives and foster growth opportunities. With over two decades of experience in technology and supply chain, Steven has established himself as a strategic leader adept at driving growth for his customers. His innovative approach to enterprise engagement has enabled organisations to navigate complex challenges and achieve sustainable success in today’s dynamic supply chain environment.

Register to watch it here now

The name Infios draws inspiration from the concept of infinity, representing the vast, interconnected global marketplace and the limitless opportunities to help businesses create their future. Infios is built on the belief that supply chains should be agile, intelligent, and constantly evolving to meet the demands of a changing world. By leveraging advanced technologies, data-driven insights, and a deep understanding of customer needs, Infios delivers innovative solutions that drive efficiency, lower costs, and empower businesses to succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

“Supply chains are the backbone of modern business and global progress. And when they work better — simpler, faster, smarter — businesses thrive, people benefit, and communities become stronger. We believe that the future is better when supply chains work better,” said Ed Auriemma, CEO of Infios. “Our goal at Infios is to work alongside our customers to provide solutions that meet today’s challenges while thinking ahead to solve tomorrow’s problems.”

Infios integrates order management, warehousing and fulfillment and transportation management into a comprehensive suite of solutions, equipping businesses with the tools they need to navigate today’s complex supply chain landscape. Infios is dedicated to its customers, evolving with them to provide scalable, adaptable solutions that meet their changing needs. This flexibility enables customers to optimize every aspect of their operations with versatile, scalable, and future-ready capabilities. With a thoughtful approach to innovation, the company integrates data, predictive analytics, and AI-driven insights to help businesses stay ahead, anticipating challenges and opportunities before they arise.

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Here’s Why Jamaica is the Strategic Answer. Global logistics is being rewritten. Port congestion, rising warehousing costs, geopolitical risk, and the demand for faster delivery are all placing unprecedented pressure on supply chains across Europe. For decision-makers tasked with keeping goods moving while margins tighten, the hunt is on for smarter, more resilient solutions. And surprisingly to some, Jamaica is fast emerging as a compelling strategic partner.

For decades, Jamaica has been a transshipment point between the Americas. But today, the island is stepping confidently into the role of logistics hub for the modern age. Here’s why logistics leaders should be paying close attention.

Prime Geography Meets Modern Infrastructure

Kingston Harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in the Caribbean and among the largest in the world. Strategically positioned along major global shipping lines, Jamaica lies directly on key east-west and north-south routes. Kingston, its capital, is just 3–5 sailing days from major US ports like Miami, Savannah, and New York. This makes Jamaica an ideal location for companies pursuing just-in-case and nearshoring strategies in a post-COVID, post-Brexit world.

At the heart of this potential is the Kingston Logistics Park (KLP), a port-adjacent, bonded SEZ (Special Economic Zone) located next to the CMA CGM-operated Kingston Freeport Terminal. With over 100,000 square metres of space and direct customs integration via ASYCUDA World, KLP offers a scalable platform for regional consolidation, e-commerce fulfilment, reverse logistics, and light manufacturing.

Exceptional Cost Advantage

Compared to European and US logistics hubs, Jamaica offers highly competitive cost structures. Labour costs are 40–60% lower than US equivalents. Land and warehouse lease rates typically range from US$0.85- US$1.75 per sq.ft. per month, depending on location, infrastructure, and amenities. US$0.25–0.60 per sq. ft./month. Energy and telecoms infrastructure support modern distribution models, with solar integration opportunities for sustainability-conscious brands. In addition, SEZ benefits include a reduced corporate income tax of 12.5 %, which may be lowered to 7.5% with the approval of additional tax credits. Other incentives include duty-free inputs, and VAT/GCT exemptions on capital equipment.

Market Access to 40+ Million Caribbean Consumers

Beyond Jamaica itself, a logistics base in Kingston opens access to more than 40 million consumers across the Caribbean. Jamaica’s connectivity to Latin America and the US East Coast makes it ideal for firms looking to expand regional presence without committing to costly continental operations. Major carriers including CMA CGM, ZIM, Seaboard Marine, Tropical Shipping (represented locally by Kestrel Liner Agencies) and Maersk call at Kingston, ensuring consistent service schedules and reliable outbound reach.

Government Support and a First-Mover Advantage

JAMPRO and the Government of Jamaica are actively seeking logistics partners. We are ready to facilitate site visits, coordinate SEZ approvals, and connect investors with trusted developers. Workforce development programmes are already in place via HEART/NSTA to ensure trained staff are ready for new logistics roles. Importantly, no multinational 3PL has yet established a flagship logistics hub of scale in Jamaica. This presents a unique first-mover advantage for visionary firms willing to lead.

European logistics firms don’t need more of the same. They need adaptable, cost-effective, strategically located infrastructure that can buffer against future shocks. Jamaica is not just another dot on the map — it’s a gateway to the Americas, waiting to be activated.

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Sunswap, the British manufacturer of Endurance transport refrigeration units, today announced the delivery of multiple battery and solar-powered units to Cranswick’s Preston site. Cranswick, one of the UK’s largest farm to fork food producers, joins a growing network of operators running zero-emission refrigeration across food manufacturing, retail, and logistics, advancing their ‘Second Nature’ sustainability strategy and science-based targets.

For companies with ambitious sustainability targets, transport refrigeration represents both a significant challenge and an immediate opportunity. Traditional transport refrigeration burns thousands of litres of diesel a year, generating CO2 emissions and harmful local pollutants such as NOx and particulate matter. Sunswap enables the complete elimination of these emissions while reducing operational costs.

When Cranswick ran Endurance in their own operations in 2024, Endurance demonstrated 81% lower running costs and 43% total cost savings compared to diesel refrigeration. Additionally, when tested against HVO fuel – already a cleaner alternative to standard diesel – Sunswap still came out ahead, eliminating all NOx and particulate emissions while maintaining the cost advantages.

“Cranswick joins the growing number of operators choosing zero-emission refrigeration for UK food manufacturing”, said Michael Lowe, Chief Executive Officer, Sunswap. “What’s significant here is that Cranswick didn’t just compare us to standard diesel. They compared Endurance against their existing HVO solution, and the operational benefits were compelling. This shows that even companies already investing in lower-carbon fuels can achieve breakthrough improvements with purpose-built electric refrigeration”.

Gary Hewson, Transport Manager, Cranswick commented, “integrating Sunswap’s zero-emission refrigeration technology aligns perfectly with our Second Nature sustainability commitments. Beyond the benefits of direct emissions reduction, the operational cost savings and performance reliability made this a sound business decision that supports our progress towards our Science Based Targets.”

The Endurance units will be used to transport temperature-sensitive meat products from Cranswick’s manufacturing facilities to retailers across the UK, ensuring product quality while eliminating emissions from refrigeration throughout the journey.

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In a country of 211 million people, Bem Brasil covers up to 55% of the national demand for products like smiley chips (carinhas) and onion rings, among other specialities. The company also exports to South America, Taiwan, Singapore, the US and Mexico, where it holds a commercial partnership with Walmart.

“Mecalux’s solutions give us complete control over our stored goods. That translates into faster, safer and more cost-effective logistics operations,” says Célio Zero, Operations Manager.

The two Mecalux clad-rack warehouses have provided 66,000 pallet positions. Automation has helped Bem Brasil increase production by 10% and revenue by 30% over the past year. Inside the facilities, kept at -25 °C, the Automated Pallet Shuttle system inserts and retrieves goods autonomously. Conveyors connect the storage and production areas to maintain a continuous flow of raw materials and finished products. This robotic infrastructure eliminates the need for lighting during operations, improving energy efficiency.

Bem Brasil ensures the quality and traceability of its frozen products with Easy WMS, which monitors inbound, putaway and outbound processes in real time. The Mecalux warehouse management system applies the FEFO (first-expired, first-out) method to prioritise the dispatch of products with the nearest expiry date. By optimising inventory turnover, this strategy minimises food waste.

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The good news? Cold chain automation is no longer just about speed and operational precision – it is rapidly becoming a key enabler of sustainability. As companies face growing pressure to decarbonise, cold chain logistics is undergoing a quiet transformation.

This traditionally energy-heavy sector is evolving into a more sustainable, efficient, and climate-conscious system.

The Sustainability Problem (and the Opportunity)

The conventional cold chain is challenged by three major sustainability issues:

● High energy use from refrigeration, lighting, and HVAC systems
● Product loss and waste due to temperature fluctuations, spoilage, and human error
● Carbon emissions from diesel-powered transport and inefficient warehouse operations

With rising energy costs and increasing focus on ESG goals, businesses can no longer ignore these inefficiencies. Fortunately, automation offers a powerful solution.

How Cold Chain Automation Supports Sustainability

Automated cold storage systems – such as ASRS (Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems) – are often compact, high-density, and fully enclosed. These systems reduce the volume of air that needs to be cooled, resulting in significantly lower refrigeration demand.

When paired with smart zoning and AI-powered climate controls, automated facilities can dynamically adjust cooling only where and when it’s needed – cutting down on unnecessary energy usage.

Reduced Waste, Increased Accuracy

Real-time monitoring systems in automated warehouses continuously track temperature and humidity. If any parameter deviates from set thresholds, alerts are triggered immediately. This helps to:

● Minimise spoilage
● Reduce packaging and product waste
● Avoid the environmental and financial costs of lost goods

In industries such as food and pharmaceuticals, where safety and compliance are non-negotiable, this level of precision is critical.

Smaller Environmental Footprint

Automated storage solutions typically allow for vertical integration, maximising space within the existing footprint of a facility. This not only increases storage capacity but also reduces the need for new warehouse construction – along with its associated emissions and resource consumption.

Diana Davoyan

Greener Transport and Smart Routing

Cold chain automation isn’t limited to storage. It also extends to transportation:

● AI-driven route planning helps reduce mileage and fuel consumption
● The adoption of electric and hybrid refrigerated vehicles is accelerating
● Some logistics hubs are integrating with on-site renewable energy sources, like solar panels, to power both storage and charging infrastructure

Data-Driven Sustainability

One of the most powerful advantages of automation is the ability to collect and analyse granular data. Businesses can now track:

● Energy usage per pallet or unit
● Refrigeration efficiency trends
● Carbon emissions per delivery
● Compliance with sustainability benchmarks and regulations

This data not only helps identify inefficiencies but also provides the transparency required for ESG reporting and sustainability certifications.

What’s Next for the Greener Cold Chain?

The future of sustainable cold chain logistics is being shaped by several emerging technologies, including:

● Battery-powered and solar-assisted refrigerated vehicles
● AI-optimised HVAC systems that adapt in real time to changing internal and external conditions
● Passive cooling innovations, such as phase change materials used in packaging
● Carbon-neutral warehouses powered entirely by renewable energy sources

As these innovations continue to scale, automation will be essential for managing complexity while maintaining operational efficiency. Ultimately, the future of cold chain logistics will hinge on how boldly organisations embrace automation – not only as a performance driver, but as a key enabler of long-term sustainability.

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Designed to address the complexity and fragmentation of today’s fast-paced logistics environment, the system provides a unified, scalable solution that supports all transport modalities, including full truckloads (FTL), less-than-truckloads (LTL), groupage, and parcels.

Companies like Ingram Micro, PON, and VDL rely on CtrlChain’s technology to support their logistics operations; and the system continues to scale with them as they expand into new markets.

A Unified System for Full Shipment Lifecycle Management

CtrlChain TMS consolidates all core transport management functions: carrier setup, rate management, order execution, shipment tracking, documentation, and compliance into one centralized system. This integrated approach eliminates the operational silos and software fragmentation that often slow down logistics teams and create data inconsistencies.

At its core is high-quality, actionable data that goes beyond simple shipment tracking. By analyzing key data points across the transport flow, the system helps businesses optimize routes, reduce delays, and address disruptions before they scale, without constant manual intervention.

“Shippers don’t need another rigid platform,” said Giovanni Gubbels, CEO at CtrlChain. “They need visibility that goes beyond surface-level tracking. They need insights that help them act fast, stay reliable, and deliver a better experience to their own customers.”

Shippers can onboard and manage their own carrier networks or work with CtrlChain’s vetted partners, all while retaining full control over workflows and data.

Addressing Fragmented Logistics Markets

Both U.S. and European markets remain highly fragmented. Over 90% of road freight companies are small businesses operating with fewer than 10 trucks. CtrlChain TMS is designed to operate reliably in these environments.

As a cloud-based solution, it requires no heavy IT infrastructure. Businesses can go live in days through a fast, intuitive onboarding process, minimizing the delays typically associated with traditional logistics software. Shippers are free to configure their own network and operate independently, without being locked into a predefined one.

Scalable Architecture to Support Growth

CtrlChain TMS is engineered to grow with the business, from small regional operations to enterprise-level global logistics.

“Scalability is not a layer we added later, it’s part of the core architecture,” said Rik Van Elk, VP of Technology at CtrlChain. “Whether a customer is moving 50 shipments a week or 50,000, the system handles it without requiring costly integrations or performance tradeoffs.”

This ensures that growing teams maintain consistent control, speed, and traceability across their operations.

Key Functional Capabilities

CtrlChain’s approach to TMS is defined by six core capabilities:

1. Real-Time Visibility
Live status updates via telematics, geofencing, and mobile app integration enable timely response and proactive decision-making.
2. Carrier Management
Shippers can onboard and manage their own carriers or use CtrlChain’s vetted network while maintaining full control of relationships and data.
3. Procurement Automation
Centralized management of rates, contracts, and order workflows reduces administrative load and ensures consistency.
4. Multimodal Transport Support
Supports FTL, LTL, groupage, and parcel shipments, adapting to a wide range of logistics models and geographies.
5. Infrastructure Ownership
All operational data and processes remain with the shipper, avoiding vendor lock-in and preserving long-term control.
6. Scalability
Handles increasing shipment volumes, teams, and regions without compromising performance or visibility.

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IRU welcomes the European Commission’s proposal to extend toll exemptions for zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles, including trucks, to help encourage their market uptake. The Commission’s proposal extends the current exemption from road tolls and user charges for zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles from 31 December 2025 to 30 June 2031. Announced in the Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector, the measure aims to support the competitiveness of sustainable road transport to help boost the market uptake of zero-emission vehicles and align with the EU’s CO₂ emission performance standards, which target a 43% reduction in emissions from new heavy-duty vehicles by 2030.

IRU EU Advocacy Director Raluca Marian said, “Extending toll exemptions is a much-needed signal of support for early movers investing in zero-emission vehicles. It acknowledges the reality that incentives, not penalties, are what truly accelerate decarbonisation in commercial road transport. However, IRU urges EU policymakers to address key gaps in the broader Eurovignette framework to ensure a fair and effective transition to low- and zero-emission road transport.”

IRU stresses the need for urgent action in the following key areas:

1. Including other low-carbon fuels: Vehicles powered by alternative liquid and gaseous fuels, such as e-fuels, carbon-neutral fuels, biofuels, and biofuel blends, should also benefit from substantial toll reductions to support immediate lowering of CO₂ emissions in transport through the uptake of clean fuels.

2. Earmarking of CO₂-related revenues: A temporary, mandatory allocation of all CO₂-related toll revenues to support the commercial road transport sector’s decarbonisation efforts is essential.

3. Avoiding double taxation: The current framework allows Member States to impose multiple CO₂-related charges (e.g. rate variation and external cost charges), which risks overburdening operators and undermining investment in clean technologies.

“At this critical stage, when the sector must scale up its investment in zero-emission vehicles, which remain significantly more expensive, a temporary earmarking of CO₂-related toll revenues to support this transition is essential,” concluded  Marian. “Without this, many operators will struggle. Moreover, the Eurovignette framework must go further by recognising the contribution of low-carbon fuels already reducing CO₂ emissions. An inclusive and balanced approach is the only way to ensure a fair and effective green transition.”

The proposal will now be reviewed by the European Parliament and the Council under the ordinary legislative procedure.

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“Tariffs and trade shocks have put UK firms under real pressure – but they’re not retreating, they’re rewiring. This is a strategic reset – not just a stopgap. The UK is leading Europe in nearshoring and local sourcing, not just to cut costs but to take control. This is a strategic reset – not just a stopgap,” says Matthew Woodcock, Regional VP, CVM/Supply Chain Strategy (EMEA & APAC), Coupa.

Businesses are responding to rising global tariffs and supply chain volatility by taking decisive action. According to new research from Coupa, a leading AI-native total spend management platform, 85% of UK companies are increasing or planning to increase nearshoring over the next 12 months to shift operations closer to home – more than any other country surveyed, including the US (74%), Germany (74%), and France (66%).

Rather than absorb cost shocks passively, UK businesses are strategically reshaping their supply chains to prioritise local suppliers, reduce dependencies on high-risk regions, and build greater resilience into business operations.

Pricing remains a primary pressure point. 61% of UK suppliers plan to raise prices by five to ten percent – the highest share across any country surveyed – with a further 22% expecting to increase prices by more than ten percent. These hikes are expected to hit consumers directly in the coming months, with rising supplier costs likely to be passed along the value chain. To manage margin erosion, businesses are turning to mitigation strategies such as stockpiling inventory (38%) and increasing local sourcing (37%), signalling an urgent shift to contain upstream costs and safeguard downstream stability.

While almost half (49%) of UK firms report that recent US trade policies have negatively impacted their bottom line, only six percent forecast revenue losses above ten percent. This suggests businesses are feeling the pressure but remain comparatively confident in their ability to adapt.

This resilience is underpinned by decisive sourcing shifts. UK companies are moving away from perceived high-risk regions, with 31 percent pulling back from the US and 27 percent from China. Instead, they are increasingly prioritising domestic and European partners, with 41 percent sourcing more from the UK itself, 41 percent from Germany, and 31 percent from France. In total, 75 percent of UK suppliers now prioritise local sourcing in their future strategies – a higher proportion than in Germany (70%) or France (67%).

At the same time, the criteria UK buyers use to select suppliers is shifting. While price remains important, businesses are placing greater emphasis on reliability and compliance. 53% of UK buyers cite proven quality and reliability as a top priority. Stable and competitive pricing (57%) and full regulatory compliance (47%) is also important. These figures point to a clear pivot from cost-efficiency to risk reduction and supply assurance.

Woodcock adds: “Periods of disruption always create space for reinvention – and the smartest companies are using this moment to sharpen their competitive edge. UK firms aren’t just surviving – they’re simplifying, localising, and building supply chains fit for the future.”

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For over three years, Denkavit has partnered with Zencargo to manage its outbound ocean freight. Known for its young animal nutrition feed, Denkavit exports from the Netherlands to customers across the globe. The renewed two-year partnership reflects the value Zencargo delivers in enabling supply chain visibility and control.

As Denkavit’s control tower partner, Zencargo oversees all ocean freight bookings and coordinates with carriers and logistics providers to ensure timely, efficient global shipments. The Zencargo platform offers centralised booking management, milestone tracking, and performance insights.

Beyond execution, Zencargo supports Denkavit in optimising carrier performance. This includes providing detailed operational feedback, performance data, and managing escalations. These efforts strengthen partner collaboration and reduce risk across trade lanes.

“Zencargo has become an extension of our team,” said Gerard Van Beek, Logistics Sourcing Manager at Denkavit. “We work together closely on a daily basis to manage bookings, solve issues, and improve carrier performance. Their platform gives us the visibility we need, but it’s the ongoing collaboration and strategic input that drive better outcomes across our operations.”

“Denkavit has a clear vision for quality and reliability across their supply chain,” said Kyle Ingerman, VP Customer Success. “We’re proud to help them deliver on that vision by combining real-time visibility, agile execution, and strategic insights that improve performance year after year.”

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