What has the industry learned about supply chain disruptions? Pandemic lessons?
We saw interruptions during the outbreak, followed by another wave. The takeaway was clear: reducing foreign dependence is essential. Firms found they could not source materials from China due to circumstances, making it vital to produce these needs in Europe or Spain. The costs were substantial. Companies shifted suppliers, even though it raised expenses, to keep production going. Some items, like automotive chips, became unavailable. This exposed risks and pushed major players, including Tesla, to recognize the need for European manufacturing to prevent a repeat.
Tesla is exploring investments in Valencia.
Yes, it already operates microchip facilities in Valencia and central Europe, supporting a broad range of Tesla’s production. Plans for a future electric vehicle factory and a Volkswagen battery plant in Valencia have generated significant excitement.
Are supply chain issues still not resolved?
Yes, there is more independence now. The economic trade-off was higher costs, but the problem has been addressed and the sector enjoys greater freedom. Most companies have diversified suppliers and are less dependent on a single country for critical materials.
Is the port of Valencia ready to overtake Barcelona as a major logistics entry point? Is Valencia prepared to grow?
Fundamentally, there are challenges. There is limited land, but a new logistics zone (ZAL) offers vast potential. The ZAL provides considerable space for implementing logistics operations, though land scarcity elsewhere in the Valencian Community poses hurdles for new entrants.
Can Valencia do without ZAL?
It should not. ZAL faces resource challenges from environmental groups, but parcels are being allocated gradually.
And could València proceed without expanding the port, or would that be a mistake?
Land is needed to grow. Without it, stagnation is likely. The objective is expansion paired with strong services and infrastructure to support a major port.
What advantage does Valencia offer compared with hubs like Algeciras or Barcelona?
Valencia connects more directly with Madrid, acting as a dry port for the capital. Its strategic location is strong, yet growth requires more available land.
Does the airport need a larger cargo terminal?
The current airport is small and limited. More intermodal transport is desirable, but the airport’s cargo capacity is insufficient for future needs.
There is a shortage of land and warehouse space. Advisors say the availability rate is under 0.8 percent. How is this affecting the sector? Rising warehouse costs push operators to seek alternatives. More land is needed, and politically, opening new zones or expanding existing ones is challenging. Without land, costs rise and warehouses shrink.
There is a one-million-square-meter industrial polygon in Vallada that experts say stalls due to connectivity. Does this polygon make sense?
Yes, it has potential because road transport opens many opportunities. If there is no other option, operators will gravitate toward Vallada, Náquera, or Burriana. The best option is Riba-roja due to excellent road connections. If I were an operator, I would set up there, but land scarcity means any suitable site is welcome.
What is missing in Vallada?
The start. Parc Sagunt faced a similar delay with a major tenant. Once a big company commits, others follow. That initial push is essential.
Tesla has set its sights on Cheste. Is there space there?
Industrial land has just been expanded and plenty of room exists.
What makes that land special?
Its location is well connected. Cheste offers superb road links, ten minutes to the highway toward Alicante and Barcelona, and it sits on Madrid’s corridor with rail access nearby.
Is it as strong as Parc Sagunt for strategic location?
Strategically, Cheste edges ahead due to road connections and closeness to Valencia. Tesla could use the Sagunt port, but it would be unusual. The natural port remains Valencia.
How will the Mediterranean corridor transform logistics?
Its importance lies in rail connections with other countries, something we mostly overlook due to limited availability and cost. It would create essential connectivity, especially with France, reducing the heavy reliance on road transport.
What impact will Volkswagen’s gigafactory have on the sector?
The effect is profound. It will drive job creation and require highly skilled professionals. A broad supplier network will grow, and Volkswagen’s arrival is broadly positive in every regard.
In these roles, English becomes important.
Yes, good English is needed because these are multinational companies. Middle and senior management must speak English. Other positions may require it less.
Has Parc Sagunt II been overtaken by Volkswagen, and is Parc Sagunt III needed?
More land means better conditions. Sagunt II will expand with its supplier parks. The trend mirrors earlier expansions where megafactories attracted surrounding suppliers. If Sagunt III is planned, it will be ideal because it will be filled quickly.
What is the outlook for the logistics degree at the university?
Very positive. Until recently there were few formal logistics tracks, and executives often came from engineering or business backgrounds. Some private and public institutions now offer dedicated logistics degrees, creating a clearer career path in the field.
What salary might a graduate expect?
Around three thousand euros a month is common.
Which profiles are hardest to find?
A capable operations director is scarce. This role orchestrates the entire logistics department and usually requires extensive practical experience rather than a fresh degree. There are many seasoned professionals, but top-tier experience is still in high demand.
With the ongoing shift toward road transport electrification, are deadlines being met? What about heavy transport’s future with hydrogen or batteries?
The transition is a trial-and-error process. Operators are cautious due to the high cost of new trucks. Electric vehicles currently have limited capacity, while hydrogen remains uncertain. A full fleet transition is expected, but the timing and method are still being determined.
The Valencian logistics sector is composed mainly of small and medium enterprises. Funds like Atitlán have started acquiring companies. Will we see consolidation or will the sector stay highly fragmentary?
I doubt strong consolidation. The Valencian community has a lot of SMEs. Some may change hands, but a large acquisition spree seems unlikely.
What is the typical size of Valencian logistics firms?
Operators tend to range from 100 to 150 companies in the logistics space, with many industrial firms employing logistics teams of fifty to sixty workers. Roles span from warehouse staff to senior leaders.