COVID-19, the associated lockdowns, and the double hit to both supply and demand, has challenged supply chains networks in ways unprecedented in the history of advanced economies. Some have stepped up to the plate in remarkable style, others are scrabbling to find workable solutions, and some have simply collapsed. A common factor for many supply chains has been radical change in retailers', manufacturers' and shippers' requirements for warehousing and warehouse-related activities. In some cases, sales activity has slowed to a standstill and firms need somewhere to store goods that are still coming in from suppliers. In other sectors, health and groceries most obviously, demand has soared. Manufacturers have backlogs, not only of finished goods that retailers cannot currently take, but also of raw materials, intermediate and part-finished goods that are waiting on disrupted supply lines.
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