For a long time, there has been a discussion about the location of new logistics centers (LC) in Poland, including, among other things, the location of a new airport for Warsaw. The question of whether logistics centers should be established in Poland was settled a long time ago. Years ago, Prof. Stefan Abt pointed out that at least 5 international LCs should be established in Poland, the location of which should be determined by existing or projected transport corridors. The essence and scope of concentration and complexity of logistics services, implemented by modern logistics centers through a modern approach to supply chain management in the conditions of constantly progressing e-commerce development, determine the diverse nature of these centers. The functional structure of a logistics center consists of three basic spheres:
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intermodal transport system
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multifunctional logistics service system
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computer-integrated telecommunications system.
The infrastructure of logistics centers includes:
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buildings enabling the operation of all center units providing logistics services
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warehouses with their equipment, including specialized warehouses, such as cold storage or for hazardous materials
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transshipment terminals with equipment (container, swap bodies) as well as maneuvering areas and access roads
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IT networks enabling cooperation with suppliers and recipients, banks, insurance companies, customs agencies
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hotel and catering facilities, medical facilities, workshops (especially car workshops).
The highest degree of organizational and functional development, offering a full package of logistics services, such as warehousing, sorting, transshipment, transport, customs formalities, cargo insurance, etc., is implemented by international logistics centers, characterized by a cooperation radius of about 500 – 800 km, a development area of 100 – 150 ha, developed logistics infrastructure, a full IT system, as well as developed logistics service support. Prof. Leszek Mindur believes that the diversity and complexity of logistics tasks related to the flow of goods and services create the need for their implementation in logistics centers. Improving the provision of logistics services contributes to multiple benefits. The increased interest in logistics management is mainly related to the possibility of significantly reducing production costs, because a significant amount of capital is involved in logistics processes. Its better use by accelerating the flow of goods streams favors the increase in the efficiency of produced goods and services. Any, even a slight percentage reduction in logistics costs can lead to a significant reduction in production costs and an increase in national income. According to L. Mindur, the premises for the rational location of LCs are: the volume of transport for individual branches of transport, including containers; loading points, including combined transport terminals, and voivodeships with conditions for the operation of logistics centers (Masovian, Greater Poland, Silesian, West Pomeranian, Lower Silesian, and eastern voivodeships). These regions are distinguished by a high share of international trade, including general cargo with high value-added; a high road density index, ensuring convenient access to the communication network, especially international roads; and a high index of development trends. However, the decisive factor is the economic calculation indicating that LCs are more profitable for investors and the national economy than logistics services provided by dispersed operators or carried out in-house.
Attempts to develop the Modlin airport
The location of Modlin means that from the beginning of the economic transformation and restructuring of the Polish Armed Forces over a dozen years ago, attention was drawn to its location and the associated advantages. In 1990, the development of surrounding municipalities was linked to the creation of a “CARGO” civil airport, using the areas of the former military airport in Modlin for this purpose. The municipalities of Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki, Zakroczym, and Pomiechówek formed the “NOVELTI” Association, which cooperated with the company Cargo Modlin SA, founded by: the Stefan Starzyński Warsaw Regional Development Foundation, the “Solidarity” Press Foundation, the “Artwoj” Military Culture Foundation, and the “Gloria Victis Aeronauticus” Pilots and Paratroopers Foundation.
The article comes from the magazine “Logistyka” 1/2008.