CEVA Logistics expanding footprint

Guy Meredith, Managing Director at CEVA Logistics in Australia and New Zealand, talks about the company’s expansion into new sectors, and its aim for zero carbon emissions by 2050.

CEVA Logistics is a leading supply chain and logistics provider that leverages its strengths across multiple sectors to meet evolving market demands while prioritising sustainability and innovation.

An expanding global footprint

CEVA has a large global footprint, covering 170 countries, including Australia and New Zealand.

“In Australia and New Zealand, we have over 50 facilities, spanning approximately 730,000 square metres,” says Guy Meredith, Managing Director of CEVA Logistics in Australia and New Zealand.

This network allows CEVA to connect businesses all over the world, reaching new markets with the ease of one single provider. CEVA’s solutions are tailor-made and thanks to a strong culture of innovation and expanding expertise, CEVA is able to provide logistics solutions to a range of industries, including automotive, industrial, technology, consumer & retail, healthcare, luxury and more.

“In addition to our warehouses, we operate manned and unmanned depots around the country, primarily serving utilities and telecoms infrastructure accounts,” says Guy.

This blend of facilities strengthens CEVA’s end-to-end capabilities, offering warehousing alongside ground transport.

“Seventy percent of our contract logistics customers rely on our transport services, which reinforces our position as a full-service provider,” he adds.

Recently, CEVA has further enhanced its capabilities in consumer and retail, and e-commerce, offering omnichannel solutions for both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) services.

Strategic acquisitions driving growth

A key factor in CEVA’s continued growth is its strategic acquisitions. The 2022 acquisition of Ingram Micro Commerce and Lifecycle Services (CLS) strengthened CEVA’s presence in the technology and eCommerce sectors.

More recently, CEVA’s parent company, CMA CGM Group, has recently completed its acquisition of Bolloré Logistics.

Guy highlights the synergy between these acquisitions and its existing operations.

“There’s limited overlap, which creates good synergies. We’ve integrated these new capabilities seamlessly into our broader operations,” he says.

With these expansions, CEVA continues to grow its operational footprint, aiming to bring on between 30,000 and 40,000 square metres of additional warehouse space annually.

“Our Kemps Creek facility became operational in January, and more recently, we opened our first site at Lockwood Road nearby,” adds Guy.

“We’re expecting a second facility in Lockwood to come on board early next year.”

Focus on sustainability

Sustainability is at the core of CEVA’s operations. Guided by the CMA CGM Group’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the company’s contract logistics division is leading the way in sustainable practices.

“We’re excited to say that 100 per cent of the lighting in our warehouses is LED and we have renewable energy and waste management programs in place,” explains Guy.

A standout example of CEVA’s commitment to sustainability is its new Kemps Creek warehouse located in Western Sydney.

This state-of-the-art facility, positioned strategically near the Western Sydney Airport, incorporates numerous green technologies.

“We’re very proud of this site,” says Guy. “It features temperature control, translucent roofing to reduce lighting needs, and rainwater harvesting from the roof.”

Additionally, the Kemps Creek facility has 1,510 solar panels installed on the roof, generating 230 kilowatts of photovoltaic power. The site is also equipped with six to eight electric vehicle charging points and technology to optimise energy usage and monitor temperature control.

“Each new site we open builds on the lessons we’ve learned from previous facilities, continuously enhancing our sustainability measures,” says Guy.

Achieving environmental excellence

CEVA’s commitment to sustainability has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, the company received the Environmental Excellence Award at the Australian Supply Chain and Logistics Awards, recognising its efforts in sustainable warehousing practices.

In 2024, the company emerged as the winner for the Sustainable Initiative Award at the MHD Mercury Awards Ceremony. CEVA’s procurement team played an important role in the project with the aim of reducing CO2 emissions.

“The goal was to reduce 4,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually through aggressive recycling measures that divert waste to landfill,” says Guy.

“By partnering with a waste management company, we’ve implemented monitoring and reporting at each site, and we’ve seen recycling conversion rates improve from as low as 45 per cent to over 80 per cent in just 12 months.

“These efforts align with CEVA’s broader focus on minimising its environmental impact. We prioritise sourcing packaging materials with high recycled content, and where possible, using biodegradable alternatives.”

Strengthened freight management capabilities

The integration of Bolloré Logistics has bolstered CEVA’s freight management capabilities, particularly in sectors like healthcare, fragrance, cosmetics, luxury goods and aerospace.

“These industries are highly focused on sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR),” says Guy.

With the Bolloré acquisition, CEVA has become one of the top five logistics providers globally in terms of air and ocean volumes.

The acquisition has also introduced new freight management services and allowed the company to explore scope three carbon reduction strategies, which focus on emissions generated throughout the supply chain.

Enhancing services for ANZ customers

Australian and New Zealand customers can expect a range of new solutions as a result of the Bolloré acquisition.

“We’re enhancing our domestic transportation offerings and expanding our Trans-Tasman solutions,” says Guy. “We’re also strengthening our end-to-end services, from customs clearance and warehouse management to domestic delivery.”

These solutions provide customers with seamless, integrated services across the supply chain.

“Our ability to manage everything from air and ocean freight to warehousing and domestic transportation is an advantage,” adds Guy.

Embracing AI and cybersecurity

In an increasingly digital world, CEVA is also investing in artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity to stay competitive.

“We inherit robust cybersecurity measures from our parent company, the CMA CGM Group, including intrusion detection and cyber vigilance,” says Guy.

On the AI front, CEVA is implementing innovative solutions across its operations. For instance, in its fashion retail division, it has introduced a labour planning model that uses historical data to optimise staffing and performance management.

“This not only improves cost-effectiveness but also helps us utilise our resources more efficiently,” explains Guy.

CEVA is also leveraging smart camera technology to automate scanning and reduce errors in kitting operations for our technology customers. In New Zealand, the company uses demand planning systems to assist with product launches and reposition inventory based on demand.

Globally, CEVA is driving AI innovation, developing tools for dynamic predictive visibility and real-time container tracking.

The company’s digital platform, myCEVA, helps customers balance cost, speed, and emissions, while the Green Ocean program focuses on reducing carbon emissions across ocean freight operations.

As CEVA Logistics continues to expand its footprint and enhance its sustainability initiatives, the company remains committed to delivering innovative, customer-focused solutions.