Supporting critical laboratory logistics across Denmark
In laboratory environments, a failed freezer can mean losing years of research or biological samples that simply cannot be replaced.
For Holm & Halby, this is part of everyday business. They supply specialised laboratory equipment to hospitals, laboratories and research institutions across Denmark. To ensure that equipment is stored, transported, and delivered safely and placed exactly where it is needed on site, Holm & Halby works with TLS as its logistics partner. TLS is a DANX subsidiary and part of the DANX network.
The challenge
The equipment such as laboratory freezers and incubators is heavy, sensitive and requires careful handling, as deliveries take place directly inside laboratories, hospitals and research facilities where access is limited and precision is vital. For Holm & Halby, logistics is far more than just transport. Their equipment must arrive safely, be handled correctly and be placed exactly where it is needed at the customer site.
A challenge is the risk associated with equipment failure. If a freezer at a customer location stops working, the consequences can be severe. The contents often consist of biological samples or research material of significant value, which in some cases are irreplaceable as they represent years of research. Fast access to backup solutions is therefore essential. Emergency replacement freezers must be available and delivered within a short timeframe to avoid disruption and reduce the risk of losing valuable samples.
Another key challenge is ensuring reliable nationwide coverage. Holm & Halby requires a logistics setup capable of reaching customers across all of Denmark, including islands and remote locations, within strict timeframes – particularly for emergency replacement freezers.
As Jess Dahl Madsen, CFO at Holm & Halby A/S, explains: “The contents can never be replaced. You can’t put an economic value on that.”
Previously, Holm & Halby worked with multiple logistics providers. Over time, however, the need for a more integrated setup became clear, as they required one partner capable of managing the entire logistics chain – including storage, transport, delivery and emergency capacity.
The solution
TLS provides storage and preparation as well as transport and final placement on site. Deliveries often take place in complex environments such as hospitals, laboratories and research facilities where strict procedures apply. TLS also stores and handles the replacement of Holm & Halby’s emergency freezers. TLS has pre-cooled replacement units ready for immediate deployment, which can be delivered within a four-hour response window, with 24/7/365 availability across Denmark. Ultra-low temperature freezers can require up to 24 hours to reach operating temperature. Having prepared replacement units available is therefore essential to protect biological samples, medical materials and research data.
As Jess explains: “Our customers can have freezers with contents worth millions. In most cases, it is not even possible to replace what is inside.”
This makes reliability, speed and correct handling critical throughout the entire logistics process.
The result
Holm & Halby and TLS have a well-established setup built on reliability and trust, with extremely low incident rates. TLS delivers replacement freezers quickly across Denmark, helping Holm & Halby support customers in critical situations. The integrated setup has reduced the need for internal coordination and hands-on logistics management, allowing Holm & Halby to focus more on their core business. This has led to time savings and reduced operational workload, as TLS handles storage, transport and on-site delivery. Through dialogue and continuous collaboration, the two companies refine and improve the setup over time.
As Jess describes the collaboration: “We make evolution, not revolutions. We continuously improve the way we work together.”
This approach enables Holm & Halby to maintain the high level of quality and service their customers expect, supported by a logistics setup that meets those expectations.
Key takeaways
- Long-term and expanded partnership since 2010
- Specialised logistics for laboratory equipment
- Warehousing, transport and on-site placement
- Nationwide distribution across Denmark
- Reduced operational complexity through an integrated setup
- Extremely low incident rates
- Emergency replacement freezers with a four-hour response time, available 24/7/365
“For us, logistics is not just about transport. The equipment must be stored safely, transported carefully and delivered exactly where it is needed at the customer site.
Our customers do not simply buy a freezer – they expect a complete solution backed by quality and service. With TLS we have a logistics partner that understands this and supports the same level of reliability throughout the entire chain.”Jess Dahl Madsen – Chief Financial Officer, Holm & Halby A/S
