Logistics firm C.H. Robinson big opportunity in India
“We are not happy with our performance here but things are looking good as the opportunity is huge. India is now an important part of our global network,” said Stephane Rambaud, Senior Vice-President, Global Forwarding, C.H. Robinson, of the US. “We have kept the best place last,” he said referring to India being last in the itinerary after touring the company’s operations across Asia, along with Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, John Wiehoff.
C.H.Robinson last year acquired Phoneix International and the integration is almost over globally. In India, the combined employee strength is around 300, he said.
Asia contributes nearly 25 per cent of the company’s global revenue. And, within Asia, contribution from India was around 10 per cent, with China being the biggest contributor, said Rambaud.
According to Wiehoff, the company is the largest Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier in China, while in India, it is amongst the top players. “China is a competitive market but India is very competitive as we need to deal with a number of small players in various regions,” he said.
Out of China, the company annually handles 350,000 twenty foot equivalent units (TEUs), while in India, the volume was around 25,000 TEUs.
According to T.J. Srinivasaraj, Managing Director, South Asia, C.H. Robinson, out of the total volume handled by the company, nearly 70 per cent was import and the rest, export. The plan is to make it 50:50 in the next three years. The company handles only international cargo through both sea and air. The import cargo includes spare parts and machinery and export cargo are garments, auto ancillary and pharmaceutical products.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com