Logistics International adjudged ‘Area Depot of the Year’ by Textainer
Logistics International Limited (LIL), a member of Hayleys Advantis Group, has been awarded the prestigious Textainer ‘Area Depot of the Year’ Award for 2006 by Textainer of USA, a world leader in marine container leasing. This is the second time since 2000 that Logistics International Limited has won this award, which is the latest addition to the company’s long list of awards. The internationally recognised Textainer Area Depot of the Year Award is based on an in-depth audit of eight interrelated areas, Administration and Reporting, Response to Special Requests, Repair Cycle Turnaround, Depot Quality Control, Estimating Accuracy, Maintenance and Repair Cost Control, Communications and overall Support for Textainer. The coveted award was presented in Colombo by the Technical Manager of Textainer Mr. Roshan Pandey to the General Manager of Logistics International Limited Mr. Janitha Jayanetti. “The Textainer Area Depot of the Year Award reinforces our position as the benchmark company in the container depot industry in Sri Lanka,” Mr. Janitha Jayanetti said. “A strong focus on customer service and an in-depth understanding of the factors that determine the success of our clients are needed to become a leader in this exacting area of business.” “The fact that LIL has won this award for the second time underscores the fact that we are making progress,” he added. Commenting on the award, Cathy Dudley, Textainer’s Operations Director for the European Region has said in a message: “From a long list of depots, LIL has won this award hands down. Depots like LIL make our lives at Textainer easier and much more enjoyable.” LIL has achieved impressive results at Textainer audits over the past three years, recording 96.7, 98.0 and 98.7 per cent respectively. Speaking at the presentation of the award, Textainer Technical Manager Roshan Pandey said: “We appreciate the hard work, loyalty and support you give to our team in Durban and look forward to another great year in 2007.” Logistics International Limited is a subsidiary of Hayleys Advantis Ltd, the logistics and transport arm of the Hayleys Group. LIL’s core activities lie in the repair and storage of marine containers for international shipping lines and container leasing companies. LIL is a member of the Association of Container Depot operators (ACDO) in Sri Lanka. LIL currently caters to main shipping lines such as NYK, APL, CMA-CGM, Dongnama, Oldendorff, Stolt Nielsen, non vessel owning common carriers like Balaji Shipping and Container Leasing Companies like Textainer and Spinnaker. Commencing operations in 1996, the company was awarded the ISO 9002:1994 certification for Quality Management System Standards in 1998, the first to receive this certification among local container yard operators, which has now been upgraded to ISO 9001:2000. Textainer was established in 1979 and is a leader in the marine container leasing Industry. Textainer leases standard and special dry freight containers to international shipping lines. A network of 14 regional and area offices form the backbone of Textainer's leasing, resale, and operations efforts. The company has offices and depots in more than 150 locations around the globe. Textainer has over 300 leasing customers, which include virtually all of the world's leading international shipping lines, and over 700 container sales customers.
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APL-LIL Partnership for expansion
	APL Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd. recently joined hands with Logistics International Ltd. (LIL) in expanding its operations. Speaking at the ceremonial inauguration of the alliance with Logistics International Ltd (LIL), recently. Managing Director of APL, Vincent Tan said that it was necessary to look around for additional facilities. LIL, a member of Hayleys Advantis Group, is well managed and provides a quality service. Selecting LIL, which was able to provide the quality of service that APL has achieved, was therefore the best choice we could have made, he added.
Managing Director of Hayleys Advantis, Mohan Pandithage (right) and Managing Director of APL Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., Vincent Tan at the Inauguration of the APL-LIL Alliance.
APL. one of the largest shipping lines in the world has been in Sri Lanka for over 40 years. APL operated through a joint venture since 1992. prior to which it was represented by Ceylon Shipping Lines he said. "The synergies of both organizations regarding quality and service would help serve our clients even better', said Tan. Managing Director of Hayleys Advantis Mohan Pandithage said that they were proud and happy about this Alliance, it was more than an agreement for increased business .but the commencement of a strong partnership between two giants. In addition to storing boxes. we are presently providing transport to APL and we would also work on a complete service including third party logistics. Since APL needs additional facilities, we have invested in two and a half acres of land to be developed for APL's additional requirements, Pandithage concluded.

Winds of Change July-September 2003
Promotional Activities of LIL

LIL has achieved much over the last few years and the successful implementation of 5S is the one such achievement. As a concept 55 is very simple, but actual implementation can be tough. It was only after much effort that we were able to get it right.

Since we are now thorough with the system we thought it would be a nice idea to start 5S promotional activities (i.e. introduction the 5S system to other organizations) elsewhere. As a first step we selected a school in the vicinity of our company. We launched awareness programmes at this school with great success, and a lot of enthusiasm was shown by the children as well as the teachers.

5S teams were established and each class was represented on the teams. Responsibilities were assigned to each team such as arranging "cleaning Days", 5S inspection activities etc.with stipulated deadlines. We had a pre-appointed co-ordinator for this project, and his responsibility was to update the progress of the project at the 5S and to generate enthusiasm, we arranged an inter-class 5S competition, where the best practices were rewarded.

With our initial efforts being a success we will be looking out for more opportunities and avenues where we will be able to help others in making their work environment more efficient and pleasant.

Winds of Change January -March 2003
Our "Journey of Quality" will never end………

LIL becomes the one and only contenier depot in the island to be accredited with ISO 9001-2000 certification

LIL Quality Management System (QMS) was certified for ISO 9001:2000 International Standard by Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance in October 2002. The auditors were highly impressed by the design of LIL HR process in achieving the company Mission and objectives. A special commendation was given to ' LIL Navigator' which is developed based on the 'Balanced Scorecard Concept' allowing the management to review the past and current performance of LIL in anticipating the future trend and targets.

The QMS Upgrading Project was launched in January 2002 with the formation of a steering committee consisting representatives from all functions. A milestone plan was drawn and the project targets were determined with time frames. Several training programmes were organized for different levels of staff. The functional representatives were made responsible for implementing action plans among their relevant functions. The steering committee met periodically to review the progress of the project.

The entire QMS was re-designed giving priority to 'Customer Satisfaction' through 'Prevention of Nonconformities' and 'Continual Improvement'. The individual processes and their interrelationship were identified while HRM and ISD were requested to align their service processes with LIL QMS. The Staff PMS form was revised allocating 'SMART KRAs' along with Performance Measures to Each and every individual, aligned with LIL Mission and Objectives. A special column was allocated in the PMS form to review and reward the 'Value Addition' by, 'Individuals' and as well as 'Teams'. The employee performance is tracked and reviewed in a manner enabling aspiring individuals to show their colours while performing at one optimum level to achieve the LIL Mission and Objectives.

Eventually, bulky documents were converted into simple and meaningful tabular formats. The Quality Manual was written in a customized manner demonstrating the uniqueness of LIL. The commitment and team sprit of 'TEAM LIL' enabled the implementation in August 2002. Currently we are practicing a user-friendly system with effective controls in all our processes. All decisions are made based on factual data leading to effective and efficient results. The new system has enabled us to identify the avenues to continually improve the QMS to ensure customer satisfaction while achieving a competitive advantage.

As the 'Benchmark Container Depot' in the industry we have traveled a long way in the 'Journey of Quality'. Today, winning the SLNQA is our past Obtaining "ISO 9001:2000" certification is just another step in our journey. We are always looking for new challenges through continual quality improvement.

'Quality is the norm of LIL. Our 'Journey of Quality will never end………………

The Island - 15th December 2002
LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED - CARVING OUT A NEW PATH

This relatively young member of Hayleys group having gone off the beaten track in the field of HRD, having won the commitment of their team of players in an exercise of participating performance.

Commencing operations in 1997 this organization was awarded the ISO 9002.1994 certification of quality management system standards in 1998 the first to do so among container yard operators.

Not been satisfied with just ISO 9002 and due to the high morale and the commitment of the employees the company adopted the Malcolm Baldrige criteria (an American standard) and prestigious National quality awards for small scale service sector was theirs for the asking in the year 2001.In 2002 they were certified as complying with latest ISO 9001 2000 standards.

The goals of the company are expressed in terms of the different stakeholders and the employees are listed as one such stakeholder in addition to customers principles shareholders and the like. The performance management system in use ensure that each members of the staff knows the targets allowed to him and their relevance to the goals of the company. The employees are rewarded on their efforts to achieve the predetermined targets. A process is also in place where suggestions and complaints move up from the junior levels to senior Management for consideration and suitable action. This has resulted in there being hardly any turnover of employees.

Here the employees don't feel left out they are aware of their own contribution towards the maerd goal of the company .For instance even the employee who serves and refreshments knows that he is playing his part putting visions at case and when coming them to a beneficial relationship with the company.

An aspect of particular attention is that attendance and punctuality has never been problem. The workers stay behind the voluntarily to help their colleagues to help out whenever there is heavy load of work At this has been possible due their knowing the part they play in achieving the mission and vision of the company. Regular transparent and frank discussions help maintain the strong bonds between all employees assuring them of success. (G.T)

The Island - 24th February 2002
LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL WINS NATIONAL QUALITY AWARD

The presentation of the Sri Lanka National Quality Award to Logistics International Limited (LIL) has established significant firsts for the company, It's parent company and it's sector, the company said this week.

"A subsidiary of the Hayleys group Maritime Holdings, LIL was adjudged winner in the small scale service category at the recent National Quality Awards for 2001. The National Quality Award is the country's highest recognition for excellence in business management and execution.

LIL's achievement is the first for the container depot industry in Sri Lanka," the company's General Manager Chandima Allis said. "LIL is also the first company in the Hayleys Group to win this prestigious award".

Logistics International Limited commenced container depot operations in the early 1997. In it's brief five year history, the company has made giant strides in quality enhancement. Becoming the first and only container depot in Sri Lanka to receive ISO 9002 certification, and being selected the best container depot in a region including South Africa, UAE, India and Pakistan by Textainer, one of the largest container leasing companies in the world.

"The National Quality Award brings us a step closer to our mission to be the bench mark company in the container depot industry in Sri Lanka," Mr. Allis added. "New quality initiatives are planned for the current year to enhance our competitive edge".
Sri Lanka National Quality Awards is based on an in-depth audit of seven interrelated areas, Leadership, Strategic Planning, Customer and market focus, Information and analysis, Human resource focus, process management and business results. The National Quality Award is modeled on the world renowned Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award Program in USA. The audit is conducted by a team of auditors from the Sri Lanka Standards Institute and the private sector.

The Sunday Times - 11th November 2001
QUALITY IN CONTAINER DEPOT LOGISTICS
By Akhry Ameer

Standing from the recreation facility all one sees is mountains of containers in a six acre land extent. Arranged in a pattern are washing bays, repair workshops, customs office and warehouse and staff rest rooms, fuel facility, a rigging facility and office.

As the trailer carrieng an empty container approaches, it is checked by surveyors for damages, repairs are conducted if necessary, the inside is washed and the container is stacked away, ready to transport it's next load upon request. This is the container depot of Logistics International Limited (LIL), the winner of a Sri Lanka National Quality Award for 2001.

The company talks of some of the world renowned management techniques such as Balanced Score Card, Japanese 5 S system of house keeping, FIFO queues and a chalk mark system developed by the company itself. The Sunday Times Business toured this facility to ascertain what it takes to be a quality award winner in a business of it's kind.

LIL selected as the winner in the Small scale Service Category of the Sri Lanka National Quality Awards 2001 recently, is a member of the transportation arm of the Hayleys Group and serves some of the major shipping lines and container operators around the world.

The company has an online system that enables it not only to track it's own operations, but also provides connectivity to it's international clients through a password based access system to keep them updated of the empty containers, workshop repairs, billings, etc. The organizations IT strengths spread to the level of clerical staff who each have an email address for internal and external communication. LIL has also a revolutionized chalk mark system that enables staff to verify the status of each container on site.

The company has also adopted many practices to keep it self fine tuned. We operate through out the year with a break only for May Day. We have introduced independent audits for continuous improvements and make sure that all stake holders involved are in the operation and development of the company. "Our IT system automatically triggers email reports to our customers and the balanced score card approach we follow is available on the net work to all our staff "explained Chandima Allis General Manager of LIL.

LIL whose aim is not to be the biggest depot but to be the most productive has left no stone unturned to reach the top. The company has addressed all areas and has specific plans such as staff welfare, community development, environmental orientation, disaster management and recovery, etc.

The win for LIL, making it the first container depot and the first winner in the Sri Lankan shipping industry adds to one of its many firsts. The company is also the first and only container depot in Sri Lanka with the ISO 9002 Quality Management System Certification, besides being the winner of Textainer "Depot of the Year 200" out of 28 depots in the world's southern shipping region.

LIL has a container storage capacity of 2800 TEUs stacked up six containers high, In house transformer, generator, fuel facility, adequate container handling machinery, etc at it's facility in Welisara. It also has specific bay areas for repairs, washing, customs office, stuffing and de stuffing ware houses, staff quarters, etc. The company functions effectively with a team of 41 working in their different capacities and boasts of the highest number of qualified surveyors certified by the Institute of International Container Lessors (IICL), USA.

The Sunday Times - 14th May 2000
LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL GETS ISO CERTIFICATION

Logistics International Limited (LIL) became the first container depot operator in Sri Lanka to be awarded the ISO 9002 certification. LIL is a member of the Hayleys Group.

The certificate which was awarded by Lloyds Register Quality Assurance(LRQA), a leading globally accredited certification body, Covers the entire range of inland container depot services offered by LIL.

LIL's organization culture is defined by and supports the constant achievement of customer satisfaction through an integrated system of tools, techniques and training.
Prior to the implementation of the ISO 9002 International Quality Standard, LIL launched numerous continuous improvement projects based on areas highlighted through customer surveys and business process reviews.

LIL's ISO achievement is merely a mile stone in it's never ending quest for continuous quality improvement. In fact addressing the ISO certificate presentation gathering Mohan Pandithage, MD of LIL said " we will not rest with this achievement but continuously improve quality system to even higher levels". LIL's future quality improvement plans include using the prestigious Baldrige criteria as a road map to further improve quality.