Maersk has expanded its partnership with Columbia Sportswear Company through a new warehousing and distribution agreement in the UK and Ireland.
Under the five-year agreement, Maersk will manage Columbia’s Pick & Pack operations from its existing facility in Tamworth, near Birmingham.
The operation will move closer to the UK and Ireland markets. It will replace Columbia’s current distribution setup in Cambrai, France.
Tamworth facility to handle 1.6 million units annually
Columbia will use approximately 8,000 square metres of dedicated space at Maersk’s multi-customer facility in Tamworth.
Initial volumes will reach around 1.6 million inbound and outbound units per year.
The operation will handle about 25,000 stock keeping units (SKUs). These include footwear, apparel, accessories and equipment.
The facility will serve Columbia’s e-commerce, retail and wholesale channels.
Matthieu Schegg, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Columbia Sportswear EMEA, said the company’s UK business has reached a level where a dedicated local setup can support faster service.
“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,” he said.
Maersk to provide additional logistics services
The agreement extends beyond warehousing and distribution.
Maersk will also provide customs handling, inland transportation and cross-docking in the UK.
In addition, the company will handle final-mile delivery for Columbia’s retail and wholesale shipments.
Jason Walker, Chief Operating Officer for Maersk Contract Logistics, said moving fulfilment closer to the end market can improve delivery times and flexibility.
The agreement builds on the existing partnership between Maersk and Columbia Sportswear. It also supports Columbia’s growing business in the UK market.
