Chennai: Redington Limited, a global leader in the distribution of technology products and services, announced the launch of a Centre of Excellence in Chennai, COLTE (Centre of Logistics Training Excellence), in collaboration with the Logistics Sector Skill Council (LSC). COLTE was inaugurated on 10th January 2024 as a part of Redington’s CSR initiatives, with the aim of bridging the digital divide between technology and people.
COLTE will be later replicated in other states and cities across India and will serve as a practical learning and training academy equipped with displays, AR VR Simulators, and training facilities for best-in-class logistics and supply chain practices. The Centres-of-Excellence will focus on skilling unemployed youth and upskilling/reskilling the existing workforce of the Indian logistics and supply chain sector.
Speaking on the inaugural ceremony of this initiative, Sriram Ganeshan, Global Chief Commercial Officer, Redington Ltd., stated, “India’s supply chain and logistics sector is one of the largest in the world that is undergoing a transformation driven by Industry 4.0 trends. The workforce in this sector, currently at 21 million is projected to grow significantly over the next few years, creating a need for additional skilled resources across various modalities—roads, railways, ports, and aviation. COLTE, aims to address the growing demand for technically skilled personnel in the logistics industry. COLTE will be an evolving hub of innovation, research, and collaboration, empowering individuals with the skills needed for a technology-driven future. This initiative represents our unwavering commitment to social development and our dedication to shaping a brighter future for all stakeholders. “
Ravikant Yamarty, CEO at LSC, added, “COLTE is a testament to our shared vision of revolutionizing the logistics and supply chain sector. The inauguration of this Center of Excellence marks the beginning of a transformative journey. We believe this initiative will not only meet the current demands of the logistics sector but will also contribute significantly to its future through cutting-edge research, education, and capacity building. It is a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence, and we are excited about the positive impact it will have on India’s logistics landscape, while there is a concentrated focus on improving the logistics sector’s efficiency and reducing the logistics costs of the Government of India through the New Logistics Policy and Gati Shakti initiatives.
COLTE, a cutting-edge Center of Excellence, is poised to redefine the landscape of Supply Chain Management, anchored in a dedication to innovation and education. Providing real-time experiential learning, COLTE enlightens students about the myriad opportunities available within the SCM sector. Its advanced training capabilities are facilitated by Simulation Labs featuring Truck Driving, Warehouse, and Forklift Simulators, which equip individuals with practical skills essential for success in this dynamic field. Furthermore, COLTE will actively promote collaboration between industries and academic institutions, fostering a supportive environment for capacity building and mentorship within the logistics and supply chain domain.
COLTE aspires to be a nationally recognized hub for Supply Chain Management, fostering knowledge exchange, digitization, and sustainability in the logistics industry. This initiative underscores Redington’s commitment to empowering individuals and organizations, driving progress in the logistics and supply chain sector. The collaboration between Redington and LSC represents a transformative leap in logistics training, emphasizing the pivotal role of technology-driven education in shaping a dynamic and competitive logistics industry.
