The Italian way to fulfillment
Meet Stefano Scognamiglio and Radial Italy: two e-commerce logistics innovators
Stefano Scognamiglio, the site manager of Radial’s Cusago warehouse, provides insights into the company’s operations and unique approach to e-commerce logistics. Established in 2019, the 6,000 m² facility specializes in flexible, sustainable logistics solutions for fashion and health & beauty brands.
Can you walk us through your professional journey before joining Radial?
My career has been quite diverse. I started at Amazon, working in the logistics department focusing on inbound merchandise, small goods handling, returns management, and fraud prevention. I spent about two years there, gaining valuable experience in e-commerce logistics.
After Amazon, I joined Zalando’s startup in Italy as their first employee through their logistics division. It was an incredible growth journey. We began with just 160 pairs of Adidas and rapidly expanded to over 7 million items in stock and more than 340 employees – all within less than two years.
Seeking to be closer to home, I then worked with Abi Logistics, managing merchandise for McDonald’s and the Wild West CGR group. This gave me exposure to food logistics, understanding the nuances of different product categories like dry, fresh, and frozen goods.
My next adventure was with PVS Europe in Parma, where I started a warehouse and expanded operations to Chicago. This opportunity not only helped me improve my English but also gave me extensive experience in warehouse startups and international operations.
When did you move to Radial?
Around two and a half years after my Chicago experience, I was contacted by Radial. They were looking to open a new warehouse in Italy based on a client’s strong desire for a local presence. Given my expertise in warehouse construction, operations, personnel management, and structural setup, I was an ideal candidate.
I joined in October 2019 as an operations manager and became the site manager two years ago. It’s been an exciting journey of growth and innovation.
Can you elaborate on Radial’s ownership and global presence?
Radial is part of the bpostgroup, with Belgian ownership but a distinctly American operational mindset. The company was founded over 15 years ago in the United States and was previously known as eBay Enterprise. Bpost acquired Radial in 2015, strategically investing in e-commerce as traditional postal services were declining.
What makes our Italian operation unique is that we started completely from scratch, unlike other European locations that typically acquired existing businesses with established infrastructure, personnel, and clients.
Tell us more about the Cusago warehouse’s physical characteristics and initial setup.
Our warehouse was delivered to Radial in August 2019, with operational activities starting in November of the same year. It’s a 6,000 m² facility, which is relatively small for a starting point but offers room for expansion. When I first arrived, the facility didn’t even have electricity installed – we truly built everything from the ground up.
The building is constructed according to the latest building regulations and features an advanced sprinkler system for fire safety. It has excellent temperature maintenance characteristics, allowing us to operate without additional heating or cooling systems.
You mentioned sustainability efforts. Can you go into more detail?
Sustainability is a key focus for us. Structurally, we have a significant photovoltaic system on the roof that provides electricity for office spaces. We’ve designed the warehouse to maintain stable internal temperatures naturally, eliminating the need for additional heating or cooling.
In our operations, we’ve completely eliminated plastic packaging. Instead, we use only recycled paper for filling packages. We work with a packaging partner that uses at least 35% recycled materials in their packaging.
We also optimize transportation routes to minimize unnecessary truck movements, reducing our carbon footprint and transportation inefficiencies.
How do you handle workforce management, especially during peak periods?
We have a strategic partnership with a cooperative consortium in Lombardy. Our core team consists of 45-50 dedicated employees, but we have access to a broader pool of over 600 workers in the Milan area.
To ensure quality during peak periods, we’ve developed a unique training cycle. About 30% of additional workers rotate through our warehouse to learn operations. This means during high-demand periods like Black Friday, the Christmas season, and January’s return peak, we have trained staff who can perform at a level similar to our regular team.
What technological solutions do you use for warehouse management?
We utilize a primary software solution. Manhattan, a proprietary software developed internally, handles our automation needs. We also use a Transportation Management System (TMS) for carrier integrations.
The level of automation varies by client and location. For example, DoTerra is managed manually in Italy, while in the Netherlands and Poland, we’ve implemented more advanced automation, including picking robots.
How flexible are you in accommodating new clients and their unique needs?
Flexibility is one of our core strengths. Radial has a company-wide policy of never losing a client due to space constraints. If a client needs more space, we find a solution – whether that’s expanding existing facilities or creating entirely new dedicated warehouses.
We’re not just focused on filling current warehouses. We’re open to growing with larger, more structured clients who might need a completely dedicated facility. Typically, we need about six months from initial agreement to launching operations, with timelines varying based on warehouse size and planned automation.
Are there plans for expansion into Southern or Central Italy?
We’re absolutely open to opportunities. In my nearly four years with the company, I’ve never seen a profitable business proposal rejected. If a client is interested in opening a warehouse in Southern or Central Italy with a mutually beneficial business plan, we’d be very interested in exploring that option.
Any final thoughts about Radial’s operations in Italy?
What makes Radial special is our adaptability and commitment to client success. We’re a growing, dynamic organization that believes in tailoring our solutions to each client’s unique needs. Whether it’s handling essential oils, footwear, or potentially expanding into new product categories, we’re always ready to innovate and adapt.
