UPS is heading for the logistical finishing line for the Paralympic Games in London which starttomorrow (August 29) after successfully managing complex logistics at the recent Olympic Games.
The company, which is the Official Logistics and Express Delivery Supporter to London 2012,said it had successfully planned for and managed a series of complex logistics operations, running24 hours a day, before and at the recent Olympic Games. About 1,000 British staff have beeninvolved in the mammoth project.
Over the last fortnight since the end of the Olympics UPS has been busy getting ready for theParalympics by switching equipment and goods between venues and moving a vast inventory between twodedicated London 2012 warehouses and 20 competition venues.
During the Paralympic Games UPS will also play a central role in converting venues betweensports. The Basketball Arena, for example, must be converted from Wheelchair Basketball toWheelchair Rugby in a matter of ten hours, the shortest transition period in the whole London 2012programme.
UPS is responsible for virtually all the distribution and logistics services required toproduce the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. By the end of the Games, it is estimated thatUPS will have handled 30 million items, including one million pieces of sporting equipment for boththe Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“London 2012 has been a tremendous success by any measure and our employees delivered alogistical performance worthy of these Olympic Games,” said Dan Brutto, president UPSInternational. “We are immensely proud of their achievements but we aren’t resting on our laurels.After the last medal of the Paralympic Games has been awarded, UPS will be working tirelessly tomanage the reverse logistics of nearly everything required to conduct this incredible celebrationof human endeavour.”
Paul Deighton, Chief Executive, LOCOG, added: “The transition to what will be the largestParalympic Games ever is a huge operation in a short time period. We need to get everything rightfor the athletes, spectators and media alike and UPS has been a key partner in helping us ensurethe process goes smoothly and that we are ready to stage a spectacular Paralympic Games.”
UPS has also been supporting ParalympicsGB in their preparations by delivering the officialteam kit to homes and sport headquarters all across the UK. Once the team has been able to testsizes, make adaptations and even wear in and wash their kits, UPS will collect it again and deliverinto the Paralympic Village direct into each athlete’s room.
