Japanese manufacturer of cycling components and fishing equipment, Shimano, has partnered with Kuehne + Nagel to accommodate e-commerce growth in Europe.
A 20,000-square-metre distribution will be part of Kuehne + Nagel’s existing e-fulfilment hub in Tessenderlo, Belgium, to handle Shimano’s increasing volumes.
Operations are expected to launch this year and will reportedly create 50 new jobs.
Supported by an automated picking technology, the highly flexible solution aims at serving different sales channels. On top, it includes advanced value-added services for end-customers, such as battery transportation management (classified as dangerous goods) for e-bikes.
“In Europe, bicycles and e-bikes are an increasingly popular means of accessible and sustainable transportation,” said Kuehne Nagel International AG Management Board Member, Gianfranco Sgro, who is responsible for Contract Logistics.
“We are proud to help Shimano meet the growing demand for bicycle parts through an automated, highly flexible warehousing solution.”
Marc van Rooij, President of the Shimano Europe Group, said: “After a careful and intense process we are more than confident and happy that Kuehne + Nagel will be our partner to further develop Shimano Europe’s logistics structure and to ensure Shimano’s customer centricity and flexibility for the future, employing state of the art warehousing processes and systems. Team Shimano is looking forward to a great cooperation and a bright future.”
In a report dated 25 October 2022, Shimano forecast net sales of ¥590,000 million (approx. €4.2 million) and an operating income of ¥163,500 million (approx. 1.2 million) for FY2022.
Meanwhile, Kuehne + Nagel announced a leadership update in November 2022.