Falköping’s new terminal facility revolutionises Swedish transshipment logistics

The new, state-of-the-art terminal facility in Falköping is now complete and ready to revolutionise Swedish transhipment logistics. With its impressive 85,000 square metres of storage space, equivalent to around twelve football pitches, this major investment marks a significant development for Jula Logistics and Sweden’s largest dry harbour. APM Terminals recently had a tour of the facility, just days after the final inspection.

The first train shuttle between the Port of Gothenburg and Falköping was introduced back in 2014. Since then, more train shuttles have been added, and today almost 19 shuttles are being handled per week with import goods for major players such as Jula, Mio and Volvo, as well as exports from basic industries. 

'We always strive for a high fill level on the trains and a good balance between import and export, which makes it possible to reuse import containers for export. We recently measured a turnover rate of 70%, which is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly for our customers', says Robin Törnqvist, Team Leader at the terminal. He adds:

'This is largely due to increased export volumes that we have in stock. As a result, the demand for stuffing of paper in particular has really snowballed'. 

An accumulated need for storage; a 'unique solution in Sweden'

In the huge warehouse, space is leased and operated by several companies, who offer services in the area of transhipment and storage. Here, large rolls of paper are combined with steel and metal for heavy basic industry. 

'It's clear that the Swedish department stores have had an accumulated need to stock goods', Robin explains, continuing: 'This type of transhipment terminal is common on the continent, but has so far been absent in Sweden. We now offer a unique opportunity to easily and smoothly tranship, for example from bulk to container, for a direct connection by train to Gothenburg and further out into the world by sea'.

An innovative terminal that's bubbling with efficiency

The new transshipment terminal isn't just huge, it's also innovative. With 500 metres of railway tracks that go all the way into the warehouse, loading and unloading can be done easily and efficiently. 

'We often stuff and load on the same day. We can make two runs to APM Terminals in Gothenburg a day, but we've also seen that it is possible to make three', says Robin. 

Pride and future prospects

Despite the impressive facility, it's neither the large surface area nor the rapid growth that leaves the biggest impression. Robin and his colleagues’ pride and commitment shine brightest.

'When the first spade went into the ground in April last year, we didn't have a single established warehouse customer, but we had a strong belief in the concept', says Robin. Now we’re growing fast, which generates lots of jobs for the entire region and strengthens the Skaraborg Logistic Center as one of Sweden’s leading logistics hubs.

'What makes our logistics facility so successful, I think, is the holistic concept, the secure delivery, and our attitude that anything can be solved. What was only a vision one and a half years ago is now a reality and there are no plans to slow down.