US envoy inaugurates smart warehouse at Dhaka EPZ
Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA)-operated Dhaka EPZ has witnessed the launch of a Smart Warehouse by Paxar Bangladesh Limited, a subsidiary of global company Avery Dennison.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen inaugurated the smart warehouse on Monday, said a press release.
The state-of-the-art, technology-driven warehouse has been established in integration with Paxar Bangladesh’s existing operations to enhance its capacity to supply labels and other products required by the readymade garment and footwear industries more quickly and efficiently.
BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain, ndc, afwc, psc, G, MPhil, Member (Investment Promotion) Md. Tanvir Hossain, Executive Director (Dhaka EPZ) Mohammad Abdul Jabbar, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan, AmCham President Syed Mohammad Kamal and senior officials of BEPZA and the concerned organisations were present at the inauguration ceremony.
Prior to the inauguration, the US Ambassador met with the BEPZA Executive Chairman at the Dhaka EPZ Zone Office.
During the meeting, the Executive Chairman briefed him on BEPZA’s activities, investment in Dhaka EPZ and other BEPZA-operated EPZs, exports, employment, labour conditions, harmonious relations between workers and management, and BEPZA’s role in creating an investor-friendly environment.
He also highlighted BEPZA’s contribution to Bangladesh’s economic development and export growth, as well as the potential for technology-driven investment in the EPZs.
Discussions also covered international standards and ways to unlock Bangladesh’s economic potential through mutually beneficial trade between Bangladesh and the United States.
Later, in a written comment in the visitors’ book, the US Ambassador expressed his expectation of working together through a mutually beneficial trade agenda to unlock Bangladesh’s economic potential.
He also planted a sapling on the premises of the Zone Office.
Paxar Bangladesh, a subsidiary of “Avery Dennison” operating at Dhaka EPZ, manufactures various types of labels, branding materials and related products for the readymade garment and footwear industries.
The US-owned company has established the 830-square-metre Smart Warehouse to make its operations more efficient and modern.
The facility can accommodate approximately 25,000 cartons at a time, while the receiving, storage, order picking, packing and dispatch operations will be managed through digital and automated technologies.
This will enable the company to supply required products to its customers more quickly and accurately. Avery Dennison’s Smart Warehouse is part of its broader Manufacturing 4.0 initiative.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the US Ambassador Brent T. Christensen said that technology, productivity and supply-chain efficiency are important for enhancing Bangladesh’s competitiveness.
“American companies can further strengthen Bangladesh’s industrial capabilities through technology, expertise and investment. Such initiatives highlight the potential for deeper commercial and economic ties between Bangladesh and the United States,” he added.
BEPZA Executive Chairman Maj Gen Mohammad Moazzem Hossain said, “Technology-driven investment is enhancing the capacity and productivity of enterprises in the EPZs while making Bangladesh’s export industries more competitive.”
Describing Avery Dennison’s Smart Warehouse as an important example of Bangladesh’s progress towards smart manufacturing, automation and modern supply-chain management, he said that companies like Avery Dennison are bringing not only investment to Bangladesh, but also technology, knowledge and modern production practices.
Currently, eight EPZs and two economic zones are in operation under BEPZA. The Patuakhali and Jashore EPZs are also expected to commence operations soon. He invited prospective investors to explore investment opportunities in these two upcoming EPZs.
It may be mentioned that Paxar Bangladesh Limited, a subsidiary of Avery Dennison, has been operating at Dhaka EPZ since 2003. The company has invested approximately US$ 81 million and currently employs around 1,500 people.
