EXEL SIGNS LAUFEN IN U.S., SIA IN U.K., HITACHI IN EUROPE

EXEL SIGNS LAUFEN IN U.S., SIA IN U.K., HITACHI IN EUROPE    Exel, a U.K.-based logistics services provider, has contracted with Laufen Ceramic Tile to design, implement and manage a new Laufen distribution center in Los Angeles.
   Increasing sales of ceramic tile in North America persuaded Laufen to create a new facility to minimize transportation costs, centralize inventory, and speed deliveries to market.
   Sia, a giftware and home accessory company, has appointed Exel to manage the operation of a distribution center in Stauton, Suffolk, U.K. This is the first time Sia has outsourced any of its logistics operations in the United Kingdom.
   Hitachi Europe’s Digital Media Group has also contracted with Exel in Europe to manage inbound air and sea-freight shipments of flat screen televisions, VCRs, vacuum cleaners and air conditioning units.