27. History of Growth Year 1996 Gati entered into strategic alliance with Indian airlines, on Jan 1 st 1996. This association helped Gati take advantage of IA’s air network and deliver the shipments on time and intact and offer the customers a twin advantage of efficiency and cost effectiveness 1997 Gati introduced an innovative concept, 3rd Party Logistics solutions. The customer could outsource a readymade distribution channel. Keeping track of the changing needs of the customer and demands of the industry, Gati made the transition from 3PL to complete Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Gati believed in tailor making supply chain solutions that added value to customers business and enhanced profitability . 1999 Gati developed the infrastructure to enter the international Cargo Segment 1999 PD Agarwal Development Center in Pune was set up exclusively for employees training and development with the objective to instill in the employees, in depth knowledge of their work along with a sense of commitment and teamwork . 2003 Gati took up a pioneering initiative in further strengthening its internal communication process with the latest ORACLE based software, in [email_address] was designed to simplify the internal processes and communication with a view to offer faster and better service to the customers. 2004 Gati introduced Mechanized Racking System in its automated warehouse (Express Distribution Center) at Panvel, near Mumbai in July 2004