Logistics Scene Region Basel Met at the Logistics Cluster Forum

The regional logistics industry met at the annual forum of the Logistics Cluster Region Basel – an initiative of the Chamber of Commerce of both Basels in collaboration with the cantons of Basel-Landschaft and Basel-Stadt, industry associations, and infrastructure operators. Around 150 logistics professionals from companies, associations, politics, and authorities exchanged views on labor shortages and sustainability in logistics. The highlight was the awarding of the public prize for sustainability, which went to the Cooperative Food Network Basel.  

(Basel) At this year’s Logistics Cluster Forum, the regional logistics community engaged with representatives from companies, associations, politics, and authorities on labor shortages and sustainability in logistics. Both topics play an important role in the logistics and transport industry: “The Logistics Cluster provides companies with platforms to jointly establish new solutions for both labor shortages and a sustainable future for the logistics industry,” explained Deborah Strub, Head of Cluster & Initiatives at the Chamber of Commerce of both Basels, at the outset.

Staying Attractive in the Labor Market  

The opening was made by André Michel, Managing Director of DHL Global Forwarding, Freight Switzerland: “Employers need to rethink. We also need to stay attractive in the labor market to attract top talent to our industry!” He highlighted how the globally active DHL is engaged in vocational training, recruitment and development of personnel, as well as employee retention and adapting to new working methods.

In the subsequent discussion rounds, Martina Vogel, owner of Comm.versa GmbH, focused on successful “Employer Branding”: “Employer Branding is much more than a flashy job advertisement. Authenticity, care for employees, and appreciation are essential.”

Ibrahim Senguen, Young Generation Initiative, represented the so-called “Next Generation” on stage: “We sometimes think differently, but we want to balance performance and work-life balance.” Mathias Siegenthaler, owner of Logjob AG, illuminated the challenges and opportunities of new working methods in the digital age for logistics. “Flexibility and digitalization not only increase efficiency but also employee satisfaction. They are also excellent measures for employee retention.”

Public Prize for Sustainable Logistics  

“The Logistics Cluster will continue to promote sustainability to strengthen the industry,” emphasized Gian Alessi, President of the Logistics Cluster Region Basel and Managing Director of Lamprecht Pharma Logistics AG. “I am pleased that we can award the second public prize for sustainability projects today.” The nominated projects were “Regio-Logistics of the Cooperative Food Network Basel,” “Planzer KEP AG – Route Optimization with AI,” and “Swissport International AG – Refrigeration Cells at EuroAirport Basel.” The audience clearly chose the project “Regio-Logistics” of the Cooperative Food Network Basel (GLN Basel). The emotions and joy were palpable on stage: “We are proud to be the winners of this public prize from the Logistics Cluster Region Basel. It feels good to know that we are on the right track and making an important contribution to sustainability,” said Felicia Schäfer, project manager of GLN Basel.

Greeting from the Basel-Landschaft Government  

In his greeting, Thomi Jourdan, member of the Basel-Landschaft government, praised the logistics industry as the backbone of the economy and encouraged logistics professionals to approach the disruptive changes brought about by artificial intelligence in the economy with foresight, courage, willingness to take risks, and perseverance.

Photo: © Logistics Cluster Basel / Image Caption (l. to r.): Gian Alessi, President of the Logistics Cluster Region Basel and Managing Director of Lamprecht Pharma Logistics AG, Deborah Strub, Head of Cluster & Initiatives at the Chamber of Commerce of both Basels, Daniel Lüdin Logistics Cluster Region Basel, award winner Felicia Schäfer, Project Manager of the Cooperative Food Network Basel, Government Councilor Thomi Jourdan