Representing their largest facility in South Asia, Menlo Logistics have opened their 8th high-tech facility in Singapore last week at a staggering investment of S$127 million, which has sent a strong signal about the profitability of starting a logistics business in Singapore.
Catering to the storage and distribution needs of a variety of industries such as apparel, automotive, and consumer electronics, the S$1.9 billion global company’s opening of the 50,000 square metre state-of-the-art warehouse marks the American-founded company’s remarkable success in Singapore’s logistics industry. Menlo Logistics has grown to serve over 200 local and international businesses including major clients like Asia Pacific Breweries and Philips & Bosch since their incorporation in Singapore in 2001.
Singapore today plays host to the regional or international headquarters to 20 of the world’s top 25 logistics titan companies including DHL and UPS, and has been ranked as the top 5 Logistics Hubs in the world amongst 160 other nations in the 2014 Logistics Performance Index. According to the Economic Development Board of Singapore (EDB), the city-state has established itself as a prime international location to start a business in the global logistics and supply chain management due to the following advantages:
STRATEGIC GLOBAL POSITIONING
Singapore is strategically positioned in the heart of Southeast Asia and at the nexus of major shipping lanes. Not only is the island located within a seven-hour flight radius to 50% of the population in Asia-Pacific, its proximity to the major world markets is enhanced by the 200 shipping lines that connect it with 600 ports in 123 countries, making it the world’s busiest transshipment hub.
This is notwithstanding Changi Airport’s ability to serve 6,500 flights to 250 cities in 60 nations every week. Such excellent accessibility of the sea and airports along with the efficient domestic road network makes Singapore an ideal place to serve the logistics, distribution and transportation needs of businesses in Asia and the rest of the world.
BUSINESS-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT
Singapore also appears strongly welcoming to international logistics companies due to its efficient customs and business-friendly trade protocols that facilitates in arranging clearances and permits for goods. This is especially possible thanks to its development of the online platform TradeNet that simplifies documentations for the applications and approvals of trade permits for traders and freight forwarders, enhancing their efficiency in the transshipment of goods.
In terms of security, the Singapore Customs’ streamlined security regulations and operational protocols confers an adequate degree of safety to the transportation of goods without compromising on the free and open trade. In addition, their adoption of international customs and security programmes such as the Singapore Customs Secure Trade Partnership programme conveys the nation’s commitment to provide reliability and protect the viability of logistics businesses that start here.
SPECIALISED INFRASTRUCTURE
Logistics companies are attracted to set up base in Singapore given its unparalleled logistics infrastructure that features the world-class Airport Logistics Park of Singapore, Changi International Logis Park, and Banyan Logis Park in Jurong Island. Innovative and specialised in high value services to distinguish itself from competition, the logistics infrastructure has been heavily instrumental in attracting logistics companies to set up in Singapore.
“In view of how the logistic businesses in Singapore of performing, I can safely say that there has never been a better time to start a logistics company in Singapore than now”, declared Mr. James Nuben, Head of Taxation at Asiabiz Services.
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