From the first logistics platform in Mszczonów to becoming a leading player inthe TSL industry – celebrating 30 years of FM Logistic in Poland

Its first warehouse in Warsaw’s suburban town of Mszczonów was put into operation on 25 June 1995. At the same time, it was the first so large foreign investment in the region. Three decades later, the company is one of the leaders in its sector, both in the Polish and European markets, providing services in the area of warehousing and transportation. In Poland, it currently has 12 platforms and 16 cross-docks that employ nearly 3,700 staff and process more than 3 million orders a year. Over the past three decades, FM Logistic has developed its structures in Poland, providing sustainable services to customers in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, FMCG, industrial and e-commerce sectors as well as retail chains. It is now the leading logistics operator for the pharmaceutical industry in the Central European region. By implementing cutting-edge solutions in automation and technology as well as developing a robust and unique distribution network across multiple temperature ranges, combined with extensive international transport capabilities, the company has become one of the industry’s leaders specialised in advanced solutions, including value-
added services such as co-packing and co-manufacturing.

The first decade of FM Logistic’s operations in Poland saw the launch of four platforms, with five more following in the next 10 years. The growing business had a significant impact on the local
economy and labour market. At the moment, all of the company’s branches in Poland employ nearly 3,700 people. Currently, FM Logistic operates 12 logistics platforms and 16 transshipment warehouses in Poland, handling approximately 3,300,000 orders per year. Its teams are supported in their day-to-day work by state-of-the-art technologies and systems that optimise processes such as order picking, loading and document flow. Warehouse automation also ensures high efficiency, reliability and flexibility in delivering services such as co-packing and co-manufacturing. FM Logistic would not be able to provide fast and efficient delivery without its transport partners.

– Thanks to cooperation with our carriers, we can process about 1.25 million shipments per year in Poland as well as 250,000 abroad, transporting more than 5 million pallets in the Polish market and 2 million internationally. These efforts result not only in efficient service for our customers but also a significant strengthening of supply chains which are becoming more efficient, – adds Marek
Ziarkiewicz, Transport Director in Poland, FM Logistic.

The 30 years of FM Logistic’s operations were also marked by market challenges facing the entire TSL sector. The rapid growth of e-commerce, increasing automation and the digitisation of services are just some of them. Decarbonisation is also playing an increasingly important role in the operation of logistics platforms and cargo transportation. In an effort to respond to these changes, the company has repeatedly adjusted its operations, implementing innovative solutions to save energy, modernise loading processes and build and adapt platforms to current environmental and regulatory standards. The logistics platform in Olszowa was the first of FM Logistic’s facilities in Poland to be awarded a Silver LEED® O+M certification. A Gold LEED® accreditation, on the other hand, is held by facilities in Będzin and Wiskitki.

– Three decades of FM Logistic’s operations in Poland have been a period of dynamic changes in the world around us and profound evolution of the logistics industry. The company has repeatedly faced a variety of challenges, each time finding effective solutions. The 1990s were a time of economic change as well as a technological revolution. We had to face this and even stay one step ahead of these changes to maintain our competitiveness, – explains Rafał Woźniak, Poland Operations Director.

FM Logistic is more than just a logistics business. The company has also been socially involved for many years. In 2017, it launched its own FM Foundation which has been implementing projects in
Poland since its inception. Its partnership with the Independent Robinsons Foundation is one of them. The organisations’ joint project supports young people in foster care on their journey to
independence. FM Logistic’s volunteers organise internships, workshops and a vocational training programme. During the 7 years of partnership, the programme has supported 400 beneficiaries, with the involvement of 121 volunteers. To date, FM Foundation has contributed nearly EUR 100,000 to support social projects in Poland.

– Over the 7 years of operation, FM Foundation has supported many initiatives. We focus on helping local communities near our platforms. Our commitment was recognised with an award in the 21st edition of the Benefactor of the Year competition, organised by the Academy for the Development of Philanthropy in Poland, in the ‘social assistance’ category, – says Artur Ciuchta, Corporate DNA & FM Foundation Expert.

Over 30 years of operation in the Polish market, FM Logistic has established itself as a leader in the sector, won many awards and built valuable business partnerships. The company has no intention of slowing down and is motivated and ready to reach for new ambitious goals, as pointed out by Alexandre Amine Soufiani, Managing Director of FM Logistic Central Europe.

– The last three decades can definitely be called a period of dynamic development and strengthening of our position, both in the Polish and European markets. The direction we are heading inspires optimism, therefore, we have no intention of slowing down. We plan to further expand our services, strengthen our leading market position in existing sectors and enter new ones such as the automotive and fashion industries. We also plan to expand into more geographic regions and become a leader in multimodal European distribution, control tower and 4PL. We aim to achieve this by strengthening the spirit of entrepreneurship across the organisation, taking initiatives, supporting innovative solutions, investing in training and talent development and empowering leaders who will continue to proudly represent our company. Our achievements to date are our motivation to overcome further challenges and take bold steps into the future.