The University of North Florida and The Suddath Companies ceremonially opened the new UNF Suddath Logistics Information Technology Solutions Lab on Oct. 11.
University and Suddath leaders, other members of the business community, alumni and students explored the lab’s new technology and design intended to enhance the learning experience of students enrolled in UNF’s transportation and logistics program.
“We are extremely fortunate to partner with The Suddath Companies to offer this new state-of-the-art technology lab within our College’s Transportation and Logistics program,” Richard Buttimer, dean of UNF’s Coggin College of Business, said in a news release.
“The Suddath Logistics Information Technology Solutions Lab will provide students access to real-time data and information relevant to building logistics analytics capabilities,” he said.
Buttimer said students will gain greater opportunities to research solutions that can alleviate challenges impacting the supply chain and will help UNF to develop more skilled talent for the growing transportation and logistics industry.
As part of a multiyear sponsorship commitment from Suddath, the lab is equipped with tools and resources used in the industry, helping students acquire practical skills for job readiness.
The release said students can engage in collaboration, discussion and research across multimodal transport systems including road, rail, sea and air.
The third-party logistics market is expected to exceed $297 billion by 2023, according to research from Statista provided by the university.
“Suddath is proud to support this initiative, delivering an enhanced learning experience that both inspires and prepares the industry’s future leaders,” Michael Brannigan, Suddath president and CEO, said in the release.
“Jacksonville is a dynamic and growing multimodal transportation hub, and we’re very pleased to play a part in cultivating – and keeping – the best talent here, with many different roles that offer promising and rewarding careers.”