Well-known Sunderland employer Vantec has officially rebranded as Logisteed UK Limited, marking a significant transition for the logistics provider that serves as a key partner to Nissan's Washington operations. The change brings new signage to its three facilities in Washington, visible to motorists on the A1231 Sunderland Highway and northbound on the A19, and aligns the company with the international Logisteed Group, which operates across 122 companies, 1,003 sites, and 30 countries.
A Global Transition
The name Logisteed combines the word 'logistics' with 'exceed, proceed, succeed and speed,' according to the company. Martin Kendall, managing director at Logisteed UK, expressed enthusiasm about the rebranding. "We're delighted to now be Logisteed UK Limited. The change represents an important transition in the business, as we firmly establish ourselves as part of a global group that will open up exciting new opportunities for our business and for our colleagues," he said.
Kendall highlighted the company's journey from its early days operating from a competitor's facility as a logistics supplier for Nissan in Sunderland to becoming part of a global group. "It's incredible to think that a business that started out operating from a competitor's facility as a logistics supplier to Nissan in the early days of its life here in Sunderland is now part of a global group, creating hundreds of jobs in Sunderland and across the UK, supporting blue-chip clients in automotive, premium automotive, construction, electric battery, offshore renewable energy, HVAC, commercial lighting, and fashion sectors. The business has come so far, and this marks a bold new chapter for us – one filled with opportunity, innovation, and global ambition," he added.
Operations and Growth
Logisteed UK Limited operates 13 sites across the country, with three being its own purpose-built facilities. These include a 40,500 sqm head office at Hillthorn Business Park, a 38,750 sqm site at Turbine Business Park, and a 3,300 sqm centre in Basingstoke. The business began in the early 1990s as Autrans, before becoming Vantec Europe Limited in 2007 and now Logisteed.
Kendall emphasized the sector's potential: "We really want to show people that there is huge opportunity in this sector, and outdated perceptions of warehouse work no longer reflect the reality of today's logistics industry. This is an industry with so much going for it, and we'll support colleagues to reach their full potential, whether that is through education, training, or opportunities to experience work in different locations."
He also noted that the work done within the former Vantec Corporation had already generated interest in Japan, and now Logisteed has a stronger platform to showcase its innovations. "There was previously huge interest in the work we've been doing here within the Vantec Corporation, and it has already been exported to Japan. But we now have a great platform to showcase what we're doing and the skills of the team; there's already been interest in the technology from Logisteed's head office in Tokyo," he concluded.
