The ETE Group is strengthening its integrated logistics offering by expanding its industrial cold storage capacity at the Azores Logistics Platform.

With the new industrial refrigeration unit (with both positive and negative temperature control), the ETE Group has more than doubled its cold storage capacity to 1,550 m², significantly strengthening and anticipating its ability to respond to local demands and needs in the Autonomous Region of the Azores.

Focusing on customer satisfaction and responding to local demand, the ETE Group has recently invested in the expansion of its integrated logistics platform in the Azores through the construction of a new industrial cold storage facility for temperature-controlled storage, significantly strengthening its ability to meet the specific needs of this region. This new industrial cold storage facility will enable the ETE Group to increase its capacity, quality and service levels in relation to its local logistics operations.

At the same time, the ETE Group has invested in strengthening and expanding its integrated logistics offering to include new services, such as the last-mile distribution of goods at ambient and controlled temperatures, through the acquisition of its own fleet of vans, some of which are electric. This investment will also improve the safety and efficiency of the local logistics operations for the distribution of all types of cargo and products. The combination of these investments – in capacity expansion and the scope of logistics services – raises the ETE Group’s level of capability and excellence in logistics, and specifically in terms of last-mile distribution services in the Azores, particularly in the transport and storage of refrigerated cargo.

Thanks to the prime location of the integrated logistics hub – close to the port and airport of Ponta Delgada – this new infrastructure and the expanded range of logistics services will also improve the efficiency of the logistics chain for distributing local products between the islands of the Autonomous Region of the Azores and the mainland, providing clear support for exports and the regional economy. With the expansion of its logistics, distribution and storage capabilities, the ETE Group is enhancing synergies locally between its local companies – ETE Logística, Transinsular and ETG – whilst also fostering new synergies with local partners, thereby strengthening the economy at various levels.

“This is yet another investment by the ETE Group in the Azores, demonstrating our commitment to the economic development of this Autonomous Region and to providing integrated logistics solutions that anticipate our customers’ needs and enable us to raise the standards of quality and excellence in our services. Furthermore, it is another step that strengthens our ties with local and regional communities, reinforcing the ETE Group’s position as one of the leading logistics operators and integrators in Portugal. It should also be noted that one of the ETE Group’s priorities in carrying out this investment was to ensure a positive and significant impact on the local economy and economic operators, as evidenced by the fact that around 60 per cent of this financial outlay was awarded to companies based in the region.”

Tiago Martins, Director of the ETE Group responsible for logistics operations

Sustainability as a priority

The ETE Group is strongly committed to implementing and upholding good environmental and social practices. Environmental best practices have also been a priority throughout this process, including a greater focus on the reuse of materials, energy efficiency, water efficiency, proper waste management, as well as the aim of reducing our environmental footprint. In this regard, it is worth noting that the logistics hub is now equipped with a 50,000-litre storage tank that feeds a rainwater harvesting system for the logistics park’s own use. Container washing, another service provided by the Group at the logistics park, is now carried out without using mains water – a very significant change in terms of conserving natural resources and promoting water efficiency.

Also worth noting is the completion of a solar panel installation on the roofs of the buildings to generate energy for self-consumption, comprising a system of around 400 solar panels with a capacity of 240 kWp. As a result, the Group’s logistics hub in Ponta Delgada will have the capacity to generate energy to cover 50 per cent of its annual electricity consumption.

Furthermore, with regard to environmental sustainability, it is worth noting that the new local distribution fleet is already partly based on fully electric vehicles, thereby also contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the region.

Finally, in terms of social best practice, it is worth noting that this investment will create new direct and indirect jobs, the majority of which will be skilled roles.

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