Logistics Giant GXO has announced a 20-year partnership with popular fashion brand Levi Strauss & Co (LS&Co.) to manage operations at Dorsten Distribution centre (DDC) in early June.
GXO said they will manage all logistics services for LS&Co. at the 70,000 square metre fully automated facility.
This includes value-added services, to distribute apparel and accessories across wholesale, retail, digital, ecommerce and marketplace channels.
Richard Cawston, Chief Revenue Officer, GXO, said: "This significant partnership with LS&Co. will help accelerate their omnichannel growth across Europe and advances our growth ambitions in Germany.
“This fully-automated site is among the greenest distribution centres in all of Europe with phenomenal sustainability features that raise the bar in the logistics industry.
“Together, we share a commitment to creating an inclusive and dynamic culture that will drive growth for both colleagues and the community.”
Inside the centre you will find what GXO has described as ‘sate of the art’ technology at every step of the logistics process, from inbound to outbound, including shuttle and miniload systems as well as automatic carton opening, closing and labelling.
The facility is also LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and WELL Health-Safety certified, including features such as sourced concrete, walls of vegetation, rooftop solar panels and a green roof, as well as access to electric vehicle chargers, an on-site park and advanced recycling facilities.
Craig Jones, Senior Vice President, Global Distribution & Logistics at LS&Co., said: "The Dorsten distribution centre will support our strategic priority of being a direct-to-consumer led retailer by accelerating our omnichannel capabilities in Europe.
“With GXO taking over management of the facility, we have full confidence that this goal will be effectively supported by best-in-class operations that address our logistics ambitions with technologically advanced supply chain and e-commerce solutions.
“With this agreement, LS&Co. also reaffirms continuous efforts to reduce the environmental impact of our operations across the supply chain."
The Dorsten site will initially start with a capacity of 33 million units. By 2026, when the site reaches its full capacity of 55 million units, up to 650 employees are expected to be employed in Dorsten.
The partnership highlights GXO's growth strategy to serve diverse sectors, including omnichannel and DTC retailers in Germany, where it has recently invested in a new large warehouse facility in the logistics hub of Dormagen to support its operations for consumer tech repair, refurbishment, and other services.