Straits Times 30 Oct 10;
A NEW $6 million logistics hub equipped with the latest green technology has been opened by a French energy solutions firm in Penjuru Lane in Jurong.
Schneider Electric's new 14,000 sq m Hub Asia - one of only two Schneider global hubs - is able to handle more than 110,000 cubic m of cargo yearly from 50 suppliers in 17 countries.
Serving more than 170 customers in 31 countries, it is able to shave up to 30 per cent off its energy costs - or $68,000 a year- through the use of devices such as LED lights instead of conventional bulbs and sensors that switch off lighting when not in use.
Strong sea breezes mean that the facility does not need energy-guzzling industrial fans.
Mr Stuart Thorogood, president of Schneider Electric South-east Asia, said Singapore was chosen because of its strategic position, skilled workforce and strong state support.
'The Economic Development Board (EDB) was very helpful in assisting us with the setting up of Hub Asia,' said Mr Thorogood.
The company considered Hong Kong and Shanghai as possible sites, but Singapore won out mainly because of its central location in Asia-Pacific.
Mr Bruno Lesage, Hub Asia's director, said more workers will soon be taken on at the site, given that it is used as a springboard to reach emerging markets across the region.
'We started with about 90 staff. But we plan to have 190 by the end of this year,' he said.
The firm's international operations in Singapore date back to August 1993, when a logistics site, serving mainly South-east Asia, was opened. Schneider's presence in Singapore began in 1973, with a local distribution centre.
Mr Tan Choon Shian, EDB's deputy managing director and guest of honour at the opening ceremony this week, drew attention to the city state's growing role as a logistics centre.
'Recognising the strength of the talent pool available in Singapore, leading multinational companies such as Schneider Electric have made Singapore an important base for their regional and global operations,' he said.
DHEVARAJAN DEVADAS
