Southwest Victorian operations see huge boost despite pandemic
Linx Cargo Care’s C3 forestry logistics arm is spotlighting its recent ‘multi-million dollar’ partnership with Pacific Forest Products (PFP) Australia in Portland, Victoria.
The deal sees C3 handling all log marshalling operations at the Port of Portland, having previously handled about 40 per cent of export volumes through the port.
The contract was signed in March, and work commenced just before the Covid-19 crisis escalated.
Despite this, including limitations around securing medical clearances to bring in new staff, the company says it has since increased throughput in Portland by 300 per cent.
“We’re proud of the work we have already done in the region, and the work we’re about to do,” Linx Cargo Care Group CEO Anthony Jones says.
“We’re committed to the region and have hired an additional 30 people from the area.”
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C3 offers both in-field chipping and cut to length harvest and haulage solutions, along with bulk and containerised export log marshalling and stevedoring services.
“We made a significant investment in the region despite the economic headwinds and concerns the world was facing,” Jones says.
“Portland, as part of the Green Triangle, is vitally important to the economy.
“This has been proven with an incredible ramp up in operations and productivity since the contract was signed, driven by customer demand and our ability to quickly adapt and cater to those demands.
The firm notes global supply chain impacts linked to Covid-19 actually led to an increase in Portland’s log marshalling activity and as such, it is handling volumes at levels twice what customers had forecast in its first month of operations.
“C3 took over the receivals in the thick of Covid-19 and have done a fantastic job to adapt and manage with the available resources and additional restrictions brought on by the pandemic,” PFP regional manager Australia Andy Bell says.
“The Portland Operation is fast becoming a flagship operation for PFP and as we come out of the other side of Covid-19, we remain focused on continuing to provide our suppliers with great service.”
C3 continues to invest in the operation with the purchase of three new material handlers along with the new members joining the team on-site.