Dachser opens a food logistics centre in Waddinxveen
Dachser has signed a lease for a new food logistics distribution centre in Waddinxveen, the Netherlands. The facility, operational from the third quarter of 2025, will create around 50 new jobs. The building covers an area of 16,330 square metres, including 1,311 square metres of office space, and features three temperature zones for storage. The centre includes 45 loading and unloading bays. For the first time in the Netherlands, the European Logistics and Food Logistics lines will operate under the same roof, creating new operational synergies.
Ukraine invests €160 million in railway
In 2025, Ukraine will allocate 7 billion hryvnias (about €160 million) to the development of the national railway network. The funds will be used to co-finance projects with international resources, including the Eurotrack programme, the construction of new terminals, track upgrades, and the purchase of passenger carriages. The initiative aims to improve railway infrastructure and facilitate the country's links with Europe.
Magnaghi Aerospace and Radia collaborate on the WindRunner cargo plane
Magnaghi Aerospace (MA Group) will partner with the US-based Radia to build the WindRunner, the world's largest plane dedicated to transporting new large wind turbine blades. A blade can reach up to 100 metres in length, and the WindRunner will be used to transport them to wind farms worldwide. Magnaghi, based in Italy and active since 1936, will manufacture the landing gear system for the WindRunner, while Leonardo will take care of the fuselage.
€9 million tender for Catania and Augusta ports
The redevelopment of the ports of Catania and Augusta continues with a new €9.3 million tender. The works will involve road systems, energy efficiency improvements, and maintenance of port facilities. In Catania, the renewal of roadways and enhancement of the area in front of the Maritime Directorate, including the addition of an artistic fountain, are planned. In Augusta, the works will focus on improving energy efficiency in buildings and securing historical structures such as Forte Vittoria and Forte Garsia. This represents an important step forward in the modernisation of Sicily's port infrastructure.
First train runs on Russian Pacific railway
The first train has completed the entire 531-kilometre journey of the new Pacific Railway, connecting the Elga coal deposit with the under-construction port at Cape Manorsky on the Sea of Okhotsk. The operation took place between 30 and 31 October, involving twenty coal wagons and two support carriages, pulled by a TEM14 diesel locomotive. The single-track railway, owned by the Elsi group, will begin regular traffic in the first half of 2025, with eighteen coal trains travelling in both directions daily, with an annual capacity of 50 million tonnes. Sinara will provide the locomotives, with a total of 15 units and 1,200 wagons already ordered.
SF Holding aims for $793 million in Hong Kong IPO
Chinese delivery giant SF Holding aims to raise up to HK$6.2 billion (US$793 million) in its stock market listing in Hong Kong, scheduled for 27 November. The company is offering 170 million shares at a price between HK$32.30 and HK$36.30 per share. Key investors include Xiaomi, which has purchased shares worth US$205 million, alongside other strategic partners such as Oaktree Capital and Sino Land. SF Holding has a logistics network present in every Chinese city and in over 202 countries, and reported a profit of 4.76 billion yuan in the first six months of 2024.
New brand and collaboration for Avianca Cargo
Avianca Cargo has unveiled a new brand identity and announced a collaboration with Chooose, a climate tech company. The new concept, “Avianca Cargo, we do it for you,” aims to highlight customer focus and long-term partnerships. The company also launched a real-time platform to monitor and offset carbon emissions, supporting environmental projects in Latin America. Recent infrastructure investments in terminals in Miami and Bogotá have enhanced efficiency and increased peak capacity. Thanks to these measures, Avianca Cargo has positioned itself among the top six cargo airlines globally, with a renewed fleet and an expanding network.
Michelin closes two factories in France
Michelin has announced the closure of its plants in Cholet and Vannes, France, affecting 1,254 workers. Production will stop by early 2025 due to economic difficulties linked to the transformation of the tyre market and rising energy costs. The Cholet plant produces light truck tyres and employs 955 workers, while the Vannes plant, with 299 employees, specialises in metallic reinforcements. Michelin has offered relocation measures for the workers and reiterated the strategic role of France, with significant investments planned to modernise its production facilities.
