Jan 24, 2018 | By Tess

Courier and delivery services giant FedEx has announced that as of March 1, 2018, it will be realigning its specialty logistics and e-commerce solutions. The restructuring will see these services put under a the FedEx Trade Networks, Inc. unit and will mark the launch of FedEx Forward Depots, a new company focused on 3D printing, service parts logistics, and more.

The new FedEx Trade Networks, Inc. (FTN) unit, previously known as the freight forwarding and customs clearance branch of FedEx, is headed by Richard W. Smith, the son of FedEx founder Fred Smith.

“In order to improve our ability to leverage the unique capabilities of our specialty companies, we are realigning several companies in a new organizational structure under FedEx Trade Networks, led by FTN CEO Richard W. Smith,” commented David J. Bronczek, president and CEO of FedEx Corporation.

“Richard brings a strong background in working with the unique capabilities that have existed in many parts of the FedEx portfolio for several years and is well suited to lead this new organization that will bring these solutions to customers more seamlessly than ever,” he added.

FTN CEO Richard W. Smith

FedEx Forward Depots, which is set to function as its own company, will take over Critical Inventory and Service Parts Logistics, 3D printing, Repair Center, and the FedEx Packaging Lab. Other organizational changes made under the FTN decision include a new FedEx Custom Critical division, FedEx Cross Border, FedEx Supply Chain, and FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage.

“This realignment under FedEx Trade Networks will allow us to offer customers the full power of our wide array of unique and competitively advantaged customized services in a way that is even more convenient and intuitive,” said Smith. “I am delighted to lead this organization of talented FedEx team members in delivering to customers the power of the broad FedEx global portfolio.”

It’s not yet clear what this restructuring will mean exactly for FedEx’s 3D printing services, though the announcement suggests that it will be scaling up its adoption of the technology.

In recent years, logistics and courier companies such as UPS and and DHL have shown an increased interest in additive manufacturing technologies. In UPS’ case especially, 3D printing has taken on a particular importance as the company is aiming to offer a comprehensive network for on-demand 3D printed parts and products.

FedEx, for its part, has not made any major announcements about the technology until now, but it has collaborated with the University of Memphis for the creation of specialized 3D printed replacement parts for its aircraft couriers.

 

 

Posted in 3D Printing Service

 

 

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