Celebrating 15 years of excellence in the logistics sector, SILO has become a key reference in logistics associated with foreign trade in Chile. Since its inception, the company has worked hard to provide agile and efficient logistics solutions that adapt to the specific needs of each client. This dedication and commitment has allowed it to position itself as a relevant and competitive player in the market.
Silo Logistics (SILO) was born from Austrade, a family business that markets raw materials for the plastics industry with more than 30 years of experience in foreign trade, led by businessmen Guillermo Undurraga B. and Álvaro Mejía D. Inspired by the practices of comprehensive logistics in other countries, Austrade saw an opportunity to innovate and improve the raw materials supply chain in Chile.
In 2009, this vision materialized with the creation of Silo Logística as an independent entity, focused on offering high value-added logistics services, which, following the family legacy, began to be led by Guillermo Undurraga T. and José Joaquín Undurraga J Since then, the company has grown and specialized in inbound logistics services, integrating customs agents, port logistics operators, warehouses and qualified transporters to offer a complete, quality service at competitive rates.
“Fifteen years ago we started with the vision of improving logistics for our customers, facing numerous challenges and learning along the way. Today, from my most strategic role I can say that it was a great success. We detected a need and we have been able to successfully cover it. This thanks to the work of an exceptional team. Although there is still room to perfect, we are very happy with what we have achieved and how we have evolved” stressed one of the founders of SILO, Álvaro Mejía D.
CASABLANCA: LOGISTICS AND STRATEGIC LOCATION AS A NUCLEUS OF EXPANSION
One of the milestones in the history of Silo Logística was the acquisition of land in Casablanca and the purchase of its first silo semi-trailer truck in 2014. These investments not only marked the beginning of a significant expansion, but also cemented the capacity of this strategic operator to handle large volumes of cargo efficiently.
In 2022, the company inaugurated the fourth stage of its storage center, adding more than 13,000 m² of warehouse on a total of 40,000 m² of land. This growth reflects not only the company’s physical expansion, but also its continued evolution as a leader in comprehensive logistics.
“Our logistics center in Casablanca, strategically located between the ports of San Antonio and Valparaíso and the industrial zone of Santiago, facilitates the storage of high-volume cargo while preserving its integrity and traceability. Additionally, the operational flexibility that we provide, being a key differentiation factor, allowing clients to adjust their operations according to market demands, reducing risks and ensuring operational continuity,” stressed the Operations Manager of Silo Logistics, José Joaquín Undurraga.
SILO’S COMPREHENSIVE METHODOLOGY THAT BENEFITS ITS CUSTOMERS
For SILO clients, trust and quality of services are the most valued attributes. 95% of its clients highlighted the reliability and security they feel when working with Silo Logística. The high quality of services, competitive prices and the ability to respond quickly have been fundamental to establishing long-lasting and satisfactory relationships with clients. This level of trust is a reflection of Silo Logística’s commitment and dedication to its clients.
Hans Schwarzenberg, General Manager of Petroflex, highlights the importance of Silo Logística in its daily operations: “We have worked with Silo Logística since its inception and today I would say that practically 100% of our import and material handling operations are carried out by them. . We decided to outsource logistics to concentrate on our core activity, the manufacturing of PVC and polyethylene pipes, and leave this task to experts like SILO. What I would highlight most about them is their transparency in the operation, the neatness of their dispatch schedules and their ability to solve problems efficiently.”
One of the services that Schwarzenberg highlights was the implementation of automated entry logistics (just in time) for its raw materials. Hans adds: “SILO allowed us to receive, collect and transfer bags of raw materials to our storage silos. This was crucial as our facilities had space limitations, and SILO provided an efficient material storage, handling and dispatch service. This process has reduced waste and made our operation more fluid, thus optimizing costs and times,” he assured.
Another testimony comes from Tomás Vigouroux, Administration and Finance Manager of Envases CMF, a company that has worked with SILO since 2019, who commented: “We began working with Silo Logística looking for a more efficient solution for the logistics of our operations, which were being managed from Santiago. SILO’s strategic location in Casablanca turned out to be ideal for our needs, as it facilitates the reception and return of containers from the ports of Valparaíso and San Antonio, reducing significant costs associated with the transportation and handling of containers.”
Vigouroux highlighted how Silo Logistics adapted and managed the unloading of raw materials from China to a system of break bulk ships during the pandemic. This system involved receiving loose cargoes instead of containers, accumulating several months’ demand on a single vessel, which required quick and efficient unloading from the port of Valparaíso to avoid additional costs.
“It was an operation that required precise and efficient coordination since it corresponded to a load between 8,000 and 10,000 tons. SILO demonstrated its ability to adapt quickly, expanding its facilities and adjusting its processes to handle large volumes of cargo effectively,” he said. the Administration and Finance Manager of Envases CMF.
A SUSTAINABLE VISION
In these 15 years, Silo Logística has shown that dedication, innovation and flexibility are keys to success. Their ability to adapt to their clients’ needs and offer customized solutions has been critical to their growth and reputation in the industry. With a clear vision towards the future, Silo Logística continues to move forward, committing to continue being a strategic partner for its clients and a leader in the field of comprehensive logistics.
“Looking to the future, we hope that Silo Logística continues to expand its reach and deepen its commitment to quality service, simplifying logistics, making it more efficient and closer to our customers, and to continue fostering collaboration that fosters lasting mutual benefits,” highlighted the Commercial Manager of Silo Logistics, Guillermo Undurraga T.
In turn, the Operations Manager of Silo Logistics, José Joaquín Undurraga, highlighted the importance of continuing to focus on the sustainability of the industry and the business, “Today our main focuses in areas of sustainability have been on the optimization of logistics processes. for our clients, in bringing logistics closer to educational centers in the region, as well as in waste management, generating alliances for local development and being part of programs such as “Zero Loss of Pellets” of the Plastics Guild Association (ASIPLA). , among many others. However, we want to continue delving deeper and go further.”
In conclusion, the history of Silo Logística is a testimony of how a family business can become a benchmark in its sector through innovation, quality and commitment not only to its customers, but also to its stakeholders.
As the company celebrates its fifteenth anniversary, it continues to look to the future with the same passion and dedication that has guided its journey thus far. With a focus on customer satisfaction, operational excellence and sustainability, SILO reaffirms its commitment to providing a tailored and comprehensive service because, just as each business is unique, so is its logistics.
