K+N opens advanced, carbon neutral adidas fulfilment centre in Italy
Capacity to process 375,000 parcels per day at peak capacity; to add 700 new jobs in Northern Italy
Kuehne+Nagel and adidas have entered into a long-term strategic partnership for a highly automated, omni-channel 130,000 sq.m. dedicated fulfilment centre in Mantova, Italy.
"It is to be the largest CO2-neutral fulfilment centre in Kuehne+Nagel's global history," according to an official statement.
Launching in 2024, the fulfilment centre will create around 700 new jobs to supply adidas stores, retail shops, wholesalers and e-commerce customers in 19 countries throughout Southern and Eastern Europe, the statement added.
"Through a combination of cutting edge technologies, an experienced management team and well-trained warehouse workers, the centre is set to process no fewer than 18,000 packages per hour. Its operational model provides the exceptional flexibility required to handle adidas' wildly fluctuating volumes from its various B2B, B2C and Click & Collect channels, along with regular peaks in seasonal demand."
"The project's combination of technology, service levels, sustainability and of course its exceptional scale has made it one of the most challenging ever faced by our team," says Gianfranco Sgro, member of the Management Board of Kuehne+Nagel International AG, responsible for Contract Logistics. "The majority of it was also developed during lockdown, proving the capabilities of remote work and digital collaboration. Many thanks to adidas and our network of partners supporting us."
Mattia Palazzi, Mayor of Mantova, added: "The new logistic hub confirms Mantova's strategic role in the logistic landscape. We supported this extraordinary project at full speed and determination due to the strategic relevance on our community and the extraordinary innovation for our country."
The fulfilment centre is set to be powered by 100 percent renewable energy sources. Kuehne+Nagel will also employ the most sustainable packaging materials and processes, aiming to reduce total resource consumption and CO2 emissions while ensuring high operational performance.
