The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is supporting one of the leading logistics companies in Turkey with a loan of up to €25 million.
Netlog Lojistik Hizmetleri A.Ş. (Netlog) is one of the largest third-party logistics service providers in Turkey. In addition to its customised solutions for all major business segments, the company is one of the country’s leading food logistics operators. It fulfils a pivotal supply chain function through the collection, preservation and distribution of fresh foods in hygienic environments using temperature-controlled trucks and warehouses. Netlog has been investing in expanding its network of temperature-controlled storage and distribution facilities, which extend the shelf life of food and other consumer products.
The loan will support the sustainable growth of the company by financing its capacity expansion programme. This will include the construction and implementation of six cold chain storage facilities across Turkey, including in Istanbul, Ankara, Muğla and the eastern cities of Mersin, Erzurum and Diyarbakır.
Netlog Logistics Group Vice President, Gökalp Çak, said: “Netlog is a well-known solution provider with its supply chain management expertise in the food sector in Turkey. Our extensive know-how with regard to food safety and prioritising health measures make us a preferred solution partner for both manufacturing companies and for the stores that sell these companies’ products. This loan is the first deal with an international financial institution for Netlog. Our cooperation with the EBRD to fund our ongoing capacity increase in this field was a very rewarding experience for us.”
EBRD Director for Agribusiness, Gilles Mettetal, said: “Turkey’s climate means that all transported goods, including food, are exposed to hot and cold temperatures, depending on the season. This, in turn, means that in order to reduce its high amount of food waste, Turkey needs more temperature-controlled logistics facilities. We believe that by building up its network of cold chain warehouses Netlog is not only making a good business decision, but also contributing to food security in the country”.
The EBRD has also undertaken an energy efficiency audit of Netlog’s existing facilities and truck fleet. Energy efficiency is a priority for the EBRD in Turkey, and the current loan will support Netlog’s installation of energy efficiency facilities.
Since the start of its operations in Turkey in 2009, the EBRD has invested almost €5 billion in the country across 170 projects in various sectors.