has new line in jobs
Belfast Telegraph

Co. Antrim firm Ireland Freight Services Group is planning to generate up to 100 new jobs over the next three years through the creation of a Northern Ireland first, it emerged today. The company's Global Logistics arm revealed it is rolling out a new web-based product called Vendorvillage, a virtual bonded warehouse where companies are able to house their inventory. And it is confident that by establishing Northern Ireland's first VMI (vendor managed inventory) hub it will help to develop the province's logistics infrastructure.

IFS Global Logistics, which has warehouses at Kilroot and Mallusk and also operates from the group HQ at Antrim's Seven Mile Straight, revealed technology giant Nortel Networks, which has a factory in Monkstown, is the first company here to embrace the new concept. It said it had fought off competition from multinationals to secure a contract with Nortel to provide a virtual bonded warehouse to its key supplier base.

Over the next three years IFS will supply Nortel's VMI requirements and all related logistics and e-commerce services. The Co Antrim firm said discussions are also continuing with other major manufacturing companies and it revealed Vendorvillage, if it proves successful, could generate up to 100 new jobs by the end of 2003. The IFS Group currently employs around 200 people. "Companies can now house their high value inventory in this virtual warehouse tool," explained a company spokesman.

"IFS will deliver directly to the production line, and duty, taxes and bills will only start to crystallise when the call off signal is received."A real time stock check and cycle counting system continually provides "ultimate visibility" to both vendors and manufacturers, he added.

Pat Hobbert, Nortel Networks, stated " Business to business e-commerce easily holds the greatest opportunities and Nortel have worked closely with Northern Ireland companies like IFS on supply chain management and indeed have divested themselves of what they regard as non-core competencies "

Jim Shaw, of Nortel Networks, said the new system supplied by IFS ensures appropiate levels of stock are maintained under Nortel's direction so that its customers can have shorter lead times and fast responses to their supply needs. Jeremy Fitch, of the Industrial Development Board, said that through its product IFS is assisting clients to win business on the global stage and improving the logistics infrastructure here.