Goods & Services Tax (GST) has helped companies to streamline their distribution by consolidating their warehouses. Role of warehouses is primarily to handle goods and most businesses use equipment such as pallets to manage their storage and movement. With the consolidation of supply chain, companies are also investing in automation to increase efficiency at the warehouses, thus offering more opportunities for material handling equipment (MHE) suppliers. As the pace of automation improves, demand for MHEs such as forklift will grow. Forklift handle palletised loads and LEAP has started its presence in this segment and provides forklift on hire as part of their total solution to customers. Automated and robotic warehouse ecosystem is quite challenging, but simultaneously it is an opportunity for our company, says Sunu Mathews, Managing Director, LEAP India Pvt Ltd. In this interview, he talks about impact of modernisation in warehousing and how MHE industry is facilitating this trend. 

 

According to CBRE report, leasing of warehousing space went up by over 45 per cent in 2018 in seven major cities in India. What does this mean to a company like LEAP India? 

Introduction of Goods & Services Tax (GST) has been the catalyst for consolidation in distribution infrastructure and the resulting spurt in warehousing activity. Handling of goods is the primary activity carried out at warehouses and most businesses use equipment such as pallets to manage their storage and movement. LEAP as the market leader caters to a large segment of this enhanced opportunity as they work closely with their customers to modernise their end-to-end supply chain. Increase in warehousing space consumption augurs well for solutions providers like LEAP. 

 

How is the demand for your products (pallets, containers, etc)? 

LEAP India is growing at a healthy rate as it engages with existing as well as potential customers to help modernise their supply chains. LEAP provides technology driven supply chain solutions based on returnable packaging such as pallets and containers on pay-as-you-use basis. LEAP partners with leading Indian and multinational companies in sectors such as e-commerce, FMCG, beverage, consumer durables, logistics, automotive and many other industries to enable them handle as well as move goods across their end-to-end supply chain.   

 

How is the market for forklifts in India? How is your company tapping this market?

As the pace of automation improves, demand for MHEs such as forklift will grow. Forklift handle palletised loads and LEAP has started its presence in this segment and provides forklift on hire as part of their total solution to customers. 

 

What types of innovative products you are currently developing? Any product launches in the pipeline? If yes, please elaborate

LEAP is currently working on many IoT driven supply chain solutions. These solutions are expected to help customers manage their packaging assets better as they move across their supply chain, affording greater visibility and control. LEAP Totes have been very successful with E-commerce industry for delivery of pantry products to the households. 

 

Automation & robotics is increasing in warehousing sector. How is your company benefiting from this trend?

ARSS systems at warehouses call for stringent pallet specifications. LEAP is a reliable partner to many of these trendsetter customers. Automated and robotic warehouse ecosystem is quite challenging, but simultaneously it is an opportunity for LEAP to prove their expertise in meeting customer expectations. Increase in modern warehousing opens further growth opportunities for LEAP.