The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €450m (US$4488m) funding agreement for Poste Italiane aimed at boosting the digitization of services and the creation of a more modern, efficient and sustainable logistics and postal ecosystem.
The funding will be used to automate and digitalize logistics processes by opening two new parcel hubs, including the first one in southern Italy; the migration of software platforms to the cloud; the strengthening of physical and digital channels to ensure an excellent experience for customers when interacting with Poste Italiane; the introduction of artificial intelligence tools to support the automation of business and operational processes; and the strengthening of physical and IT security. The financing also includes a ‘green’ component for direct investments to improve energy efficiency and electrification of the vehicle fleet.
The partnership between the EIB and Poste Italiane builds on its 25-year relationship that has seen 10 agreements signed totaling nearly €3.3bn (US$3.58bn). This partnership has contributed to the digitization of services, the development of IT and logistics infrastructure, sustainable mobility and energy efficiency.
“Our partnership with Poste Italiane is a concrete example of how financial institutions can work with large companies to promote innovation, sustainability and energy efficiency,” commented Gelsomina Vigliotti, EIB vice president. “This loan is a key step in ensuring that Poste Italiane can continue to evolve and meet the requirements of a rapidly changing marketplace, offering ever-more efficient and sustainable services to individuals and businesses.”
Matteo Del Fante, CEO of Poste Italiane, added, “This transaction supports our role as the leading national operator in logistics and the process of digitization of services initiated in recent years. The new projects will enhance the capacity of our infrastructure, increasing the automated management of parcels from a sustainable perspective and allow us to respond to the growing demand for logistics related to e-commerce.”