For many, the Brink’s name is synonymous with bullet-proof trucks picking up cash in financial districts. Few realise the company is part of a sophisticated, secure logistics supply chain, which stretches from the deserts of central Asia and the jungles of Papua New Guinea to the boutiques of 5th Avenue.

Gold from mines that yield one ounce of precious metal for each 20 tonnes of rock extracted is transformed into high-end luxury items in a process that spans the globe, utilising the skill of craftsmen from across the world. South African mining engineers hand semi-processed metal over to Swiss refiners, who in turn pass their work to the skilled goldsmiths of India and Italy. Upscale designers in France and the US create brands that combine the intrinsic value of precious metals and gemstones with retail and brand experience that engages the aspirations of consumers across the world.

During its transformation from gold nugget to wedding ring, a precious metal will change hands at least five times

There from the start
Throughout this process, Brink’s Global Services, a division of the iconic US security company, secures and transports these valuable goods, taking liability for the property while in Brink’s possession – be it gold bullion from Australia, rough diamonds from Botswana, or polished gems from the traditional diamond bourses in Antwerp and Tel Aviv.

During its transformation from gold nugget to wedding ring, the precious metal will change hands at least five times. Brink’s navigates this complex journey through mine, refinery, bullion bank, jewellery manufacturer and retailer to ensure that the finished goods reach the consumer as quickly and safely as possible.

Such a responsibility requires a range of skills that are continually evolving in today’s compliance-driven world. Chartering a helicopter with an armed escort in Burkina Faso to collect raw gold from a remote mine site is a world away from the skills needed to conduct the complex customs process required to import jewellery into the US. It is this range of capabilities that marks Brink’s as a unique service provider, able to tackle the challenging demands of a truly global supply chain.

Experience and adaptability
Brink’s Global Services is trusted by the world’s leading financial institutions to transport billions of dollars of merchandise in high-security, time-sensitive conditions. From the global supply of US dollars and international bullion flows, to the delivery of individual items of jewellery through the worldwide courier networks, Brink’s is the world’s leading global service provider, with over 15,000 customers in 109 countries, successfully mitigating the risk of loss and satisfying the requirements of the market to transact quickly and at minimal cost.

Exacting stakeholder expectations drive Brink’s Global Services to innovate and seek out new solutions, both within existing customer value chains and in related business sectors.

Innovation and improvement
Compliance and supply chain quality standards are imposing greater demands on the pharmaceutical industry, and Brink’s has successfully responded by leveraging its experience and reputation to develop new services to transfer vital high-risk cargo across the Americas. As consumer electronics play a growing role in our lives, so the risks associated with their transport and storage increase. Brink’s has layered additional security processes to strengthen the traditional distribution channels for these products in high-risk parts of Latin America.

The nature of those things we hold precious differs across cultures, and changes with time as society develops. Over 150 years, Brink’s has adapted and developed its offerings to stay relevant to its customers. The company remains committed to safeguarding the supply chain to the present day, and to delivering the products that will ensure it continues to do so in the future.