A.P. Moller – Maersk has signed a new agreement with Columbia Sportswear Company, which it described as a global leader in outdoor, active and lifestyle products, to provide warehousing and distribution services for the company’s Pick & Pack operations in the UK and Ireland.
Under the agreement, Maersk will operate Columbia’s UK and Ireland Pick & Pack business from its existing multicustomer facility in Tamworth, near Birmingham. The new setup replaces Columbia’s current distribution arrangement, which serves the market from Cambrai, France, and is intended to create a more localized and responsive supply chain for the region.
The Tamworth operation will support Columbia’s full product portfolio, including footwear, apparel, accessories and equipment, across retail, wholesale and e-commerce sales channels.
Matthieu Schegg, senior vice president and general manager of Columbia Sportswear EMEA, said, “Over the years, we’ve developed a strategic partnership with Maersk, and it is super important for us to partner up with professionals in the field of logistics due to the complex nature of our supply chain. We’ve reached the level of business in the UK where we can now set up a facility dedicated to this market to serve the consumers and the customers faster.”
Jason Walker, chief operating officer for Maersk Contract Logistics, said, “This agreement reflects the continued momentum in our partnership with Columbia Sportswear and highlights the value of integrated logistics solutions. By moving fulfillment closer to the end market, we can support faster delivery times, improved flexibility and a more resilient supply chain.”
The operation will begin with initial volumes of approximately 1.6 million inbound and outbound units annually, supported by an inventory of roughly 25,000 SKUs. The dedicated space within Maersk’s Tamworth site will span approximately 8,000m2 , secured under a five-year contract.
In addition to warehousing and distribution, Maersk will provide Columbia with a broader range of logistics services in the UK, including customs handling, inland transportation, cross-docking and final-mile delivery for retail and wholesale shipments.
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