On 4 December 2019, French logistics and transport company Bollore Logistics opened its $100 million facility in Boon Lay. The 540,000 square feet facility features a centralised automation system to allow for higher productivity in goods-picking activities and better use of space, and uses an estimated 40 per cent less energy than the average warehouse in the same category.
Speaking at the official opening, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Mr Chee Hong Tat said that the Blue Hub is testament to Singapore’s continued attractiveness as a strategic base for companies in the logistics sector, to manage their regional and global operations. Even though Singapore is vulnerable to global economic headwinds and ongoing trade tensions, bright spots remain in the logistics industry. Mr Chee added that Singapore is well-positioned to serve as the base of innovation and research for companies to bring in talents and ideas, while allowing companies to link up to the rest of the region to tap its potential.
Chief Executive of Bollore Logistics North Asia, Mr Fabien Giordano, said that Singapore was chosen as the location for its R&D centre as it is a strategic hub for the company’s operations in the region. He added that the level of training, schools and ecosystem in Singapore supports the level of R&D the company wants to do in Asia. B.Lab, the innovation centre housed within Blue Hub, was set up with the facilitation of EDB, and will team up with Institutes of Higher Learning in Singapore to co-develop curriculum, conduct research and provide internship opportunities to students.
