It makes me proud to point out that M&M is a pioneer in introducing a new way of automating logistics processes with an innovative solution for the implementation of sorting, which through the use of scanning and measuring, sorts out goods further for storage, reloading or further processing
We talked with Dragana Simović, Sales and Marketing Manager at M&M Militzer & Münch Serbia, about the logistics solutions the company has brought to Serbia which have made them pioneers in state-of-the-art logistics solutions. “We are extremely proud of the fact that the services we provide, given how long our company has been operating here, have become so popular in such a short period,” says Ms Simović.
You have announced earlier that you would be implementing new logistics solutions. Could you elaborate on that and at what stage are you at the moment with applying these novelties?
Our sister company, Rosenberg d.o.o., has invested EUR 8 million in the purchase of a logistics centre in Dobanovci, spanning 12,000 square metres and office space of 3,000 square metres. Also, we made an additional investment in a modern 1,000-square-metre Cross Dock with automated truck tracking and loading orders. On the other hand, due to high customer demand for our warehousing services, we have leased an additional 7,000 square metres of warehouse space, also in Dobanovci. Our new logistics centre provides state-of-the-art logistics solutions, and here we primarily mean the automation of the processes in the warehouse, which ensure fast delivery of goods, digital tracking of shipments and unique logistics solutions.
How advanced is an innovative technology and its application in the transport and logistics sector in general?
Regardless of whether we are talking about process or goods management, the implementation of new technologies in the logistics and transport sector, allows us to overcome the old ways of doing business, and above all, avoid manual labour as much as possible. We think that new technologies and automation have become necessary. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the logistics and transport sector has experienced expansion, primarily due to the fact that many supply chains were interrupted and some new ones were established. When we talk about new supply chains, we are referring to, first and foremost, turning to new suppliers and switching to online business and sales. It makes me proud to point out that M&M is a pioneer in introducing a new way of automating logistics processes with an innovative solution for the implementation of sorting, which through the use of scanning and measuring, sorts out goods further for storage, reloading or further processing. In addition to the sorting facility, our automated line also has conveyor belts and elevators, which are software-connected and automatically distribute goods either to 25 exits or to racks, ready for further manipulation.
“Step by step, we are growing and approaching our goal, which is to be one of the leaders and innovators in the transport and logistics sector in Serbia”
Thanks to this, logistics has integrated key factors, which are security, speed and flexibility.
You have opened regional offices and expanded your business to the region. How strategically important is this for your company?
In less than two years, we have established cooperation with leading European companies and become an exclusive provider of logistics services in the Serbian market. On the way to expanding our already stable network, we have opened branches in Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, where we plan to consolidate the success in transport and logistics services we have had in Serbia. The new regional branches are located in Sarajevo and Podgorica, where the Executive Director of M&M Serbia has been appointed General Manager.
However, we have not stopped there. We have embarked on the process of founding a company and opening a branch in Tirana, from where we plan to cover the entire Balkan Peninsula.
If you were to compare 2020 and 2021, which is ending soon, what marked last and what this year?
We are extremely proud of the fact that the services we provide, given how long our company has been operating here, have become so popular in such a short period, especially because of the pandemic that shook the whole world. As a brand, M&M has become recognizable and in a way, we have become synonymous with fast and efficient logistics solutions. We believe that, in addition to the quality service, care for the environment has also contributed to this, since we have recently started transporting goods with CNG trucks, which reduces exhaust emissions by 20%. Step by step, we are growing and approaching our goal, which is to be one of the leaders and innovators in the transport and logistics sector in Serbia.
What results did you have at the beginning of this year and what results do you expect at the end of it?
In addition to road transport, which is still experiencing a great expansion, we are simultaneously developing other modes of transport – rail, overseas and air – in order to complete the portfolio of services and provide customers with every service in one place.
Also, we would like to single out a service that gives us a comparative advantage over the competition. In addition to railway service, M&M has been globally developing truck transport from China, which can be very interesting to our customers given the large imbalance in transatlantic transport.
“In less than two years, we have established cooperation with leading European companies and become an exclusive provider of logistics services in the Serbian market”
Slow and complicated border procedures and commercial and non-commercial barriers cause significant delays and losses in transport and logistics. In this regard, we hope that, in the coming period, these barriers will disappear.
What are the further plans of M&M Militzer & Münch Serbia? Do you have exclusive news for us again?
Our long-term plan is to expand the international network, invest in national distribution and additional warehouse space, and open branches in new locations.
We are in the process of setting up a new sector, but due to the current setup of the entire system, we are not able to say what that is. We will inform the public about the new service in the nearest future.