Partida has been operating for 100 years now. What is your evaluation of this journey?
PARTIDA was founded in 1923 by Fernando Partida Palma, who set up as a Shipping Agency in the Port of Algeciras to manage and carry out the loading of goods destined for Tangiers and Ceuta. His work was to manage the transport between the port and the railway station, charging the incredible figure of 3 pesetas per tonne. At that time, they used mules pulling carts as the means of transport. Working from dawn to dusk in wartime was the daily routine to supply food and goods to the Spanish troops located in Africa. More than one Spanish soldier blessed the name of PARTIDA, which for them was like the umbilical cord that joined them to their Homeland. This incredible capacity for work and an almost unhealthy stubbornness about doing things correctly became the foundations on which the company was based.
The transformation of PARTIDA over its one hundred years of history has been significant and it reflects its capacity to adapt to the changes in the industry and to international trade: from its very beginnings as a company focusing on customs services to its current position as a comprehensive provider of logistics solutions and customs advisors-trainers.
Over the years, we have obtained important certificates and recognitions, which have endorsed our quality and professional skill, strengthening our reputation as a trustworthy leader in customs management and logistics. At present, thanks to the OEA Certificate, we can operate at all the customs points of Spain. We are available 12 hours a day; 365 days a year and we have a staff of 130 people divided up between the offices in Algeciras and Motril.
In an increasingly globalised and technological environment, the constant innovation in digital tools has always helped to ensure ours is a cutting-edge, modern organisation. The focus on quality, investment, internal training, innovation and adaptation to the changing market requirements has been essential.
How are you celebrating this important date?
We have carried out several special activities. To name but a few, there is a branding project, up-dating the image, or the opening of a new office in Algeciras, where staff work more united than ever to promote team work. We have also made important investments in IT tools. And in September, we have an event where we will bring together clients, authorities and our staff.
It is a mixture of recognition for our past achievements, gratitude to those who have been part of our history and an enthusiastic look to the future. We are excited about what the next one hundred years will bring us.
What is your assessment of the 2023 campaign?
We have lived through challenges and opportunities. The first three months were extremely tough due to the collapse of the Port of Algeciras with the Foreign Health organism. The delays of days and weeks caused economic losses, the destruction of goods and dissatisfaction from the entire logistics chain. These are incidents that cannot be repeated, for the good of the credibility and confidence in a top Spanish and European port.
The opportunities for growth and expansion arose at the beginning of the year when the investment group Everwood Capital formalised the purchase of PARTIDA. After that historic day, the renewed executive team, alongside the new managers of PARTIDA, have worked to optimise resources, restructure the staff, invest in IT and seek out expansion methods. However, the focus will always be on providing a quality service for clients, adapting to the constant changes of the market and looking for solutions to the obstacles that we find along the way in logistics.
The overview for 2023 is positive in terms of growth, opportunities and adaptation to a modernised business environment.
How do you see the Partida Logistics of the future?
Dedicated to the investment in IT, applying the latest technologies in customs management and logistics to improve efficiency, to promote agility at border crossing points, and offering the most advanced tools to our clients.
Expansion is on the agenda. Opening up branches in strategic locations, both national and international. We are finalising details to open an office in a location close to our clients and highly relevant for the fruit and vegetable market.
Promoting the advisory service and customs training. Going to our clients’ offices to train them on the subject of foreign trade (Incoterms, payment of VAT and duties, invoicing, accounting, caseload optimisation…) has been highly successful. Managing “to speak the same language” is essential in order to continue to be a trustworthy associate for our clients.
What are the technological innovations that you are applying?
We are incorporating the latest IT resources to efficiently manage our clients’ large volumes of goods, offering to substantially minimise the margin of error, streamlining customs formalities, providing a live tracking platform and moving towards a paperless office model.
