Panalpina is expanding its logistics footprint in China

Panalpina, one of the world’s leading providers of supply chain solutions, has opened a new logistics center in the Chinese city of Tianjin. The Tianjin Logistics Center marks an important milestone in the company’s forward strategy to extend its Value-Added Logistics Services (VAS) capabilities not only in China but throughout the world. The Tianjin Logistics Center also reflects the strategic partnership between Panalpina and Bosch Automotive Diesel Systems Co., Ltd.

Tianjin, one of the municipalities under direct administration of the Chinese central government, is located in Northern China. To the east, it borders on the Bohai Gulf. Beijing is only one hour away by high-speed train. Tianjin’s geographical advantages and the comprehensive logistics infrastructure including ocean port, international airport, railway, highway and road networks as well as logistics parks, made Tianjin an obvious choice for Panalpina to set up a logistics center that serves as a hub for Northern China. In the next three years, Panalpina plans to set up many more new logistics centers in strategic locations in Greater China. “We are establishing a truly integrated supply chain network in China that combines international air and ocean freight with comprehensive Value-Added Logistics Services and Supply Chain Services,” explained Mike Wilson, Global Head of Logistics at Panalpina. “This is in line with our global strategy to extend our VAS capabilities throughout the world.”

Tianjin to become logistics hub for Northern China

In a first phase, the Tianjin logistics center offers 10,000 square meters. The facility uses efficient and environmentally-friendly technologies, has a CCTV monitoring system and 24/7 on-site security personnel to ensure the highest security standards. “In the next phases, we plan to develop Tianjin logistics center into a hub first for the whole Bohai Bay district and then for Northern China,” said Stefan Gustafsson, District Manager Yangtze and Bohai Bay, Panalpina Greater China. “The hub will serve multiple customers and provide VAS, together with cross-docking for air and ocean freight shipments,” he added.

Strategic partnership between Panalpina and Bosch

The new Tianjin logistics center also reflects the on-going strategic partnership between Panalpina and Bosch Automotive Diesel Systems Co., Ltd. Today, 5,000 square meters are exclusively for the Bosch Automotive Diesel Systems Co., Ltd operation. “Bosch and Panalpina can look back at a long partnership that started more than forty years ago. Over the decades, Bosch grew together with Panalpina and we achieved excellent results through continuous improvement programs on both sides,” said Dr Hans-Henning Toepper, Vice President of Bosch Automotive Diesel Systems Co., Ltd. Panalpina is involved in all major Bosch markets and has a relationship with all global Bosch manufacturing, distribution and sales facilities.

The Panalpina Group
The Panalpina Group is one of the world’s leading providers of supply chain solutions, combining intercontinental Air and Ocean Freight with comprehensive Value-Added Logistics Services and Supply Chain Services. Thanks to its in-depth industry know-how and customized IT systems, Panalpina provides globally integrated end-to-end solutions tailored to its customers’ supply chain management needs. The Panalpina Group operates a global network with some 500 branches in more than 80 countries. In a further 80 countries, it cooperates closely with partner companies. Panalpina employs approximately 15,000 people worldwide.