Maersk Warehousing & Distribution Services USA LLC has opened a new 1.2 million square foot omnichannel fulfillment facility in Groveport, Ohio, to help serve Levi Strauss & Co.’s wholesale, retail, and e-commerce channels.
This represents a capstone to Maersk’s comprehensive logistics support for one of the world’s largest apparel companies, including end-to-end solutions from origin consolidation to omni-channel fulfillment.
The facility is expected to be a key element for Levi Strauss & Co.’s ongoing distribution and logistics network transformation designed to increase best-in-class omnichannel capabilities and further the company’s push to become a Direct-to-Consumer (DTC)-first business.
“We are in the process of re-aligning our network to better position LS&Co. to meet customer demands, drive our DTC-first ambitions and sustain future growth,” confirmed Craig Jones, LS&Co.’s Senior Vice President of Global Distribution and Logistics Operations. “This Maersk-designed and operated facility is an important step in our strategy to transition to a hybrid distribution and logistics network that balances omni-capable owned-and-operated facilities with technologically advanced 3PL facilities like this one. Collectively, this will improve customer experience, capacity, on-time performance, and efficiency across our business.”
The new Groveport facility, which commenced operations in August, will help lower LS&Co.’s costs while reducing container handling time and enhancing speed and efficiency. The site’s location, given Groveport’s strong transportation network and labor market, aligns well with LS&Co.’s go-to-market strategy, allowing the company to reach more U.S. consumers faster.
Over the course of the next several months, the Maersk operations team will install advanced EuroSort systems capable of processing 100 million outbound units annually. The facility will feature the latest implementation of Maersk’s proprietary Warehouse Management System (WMS) for operational efficiency.
“We are honored to be part of Levi Strauss & Co.’s transformative journey to modernize and streamline its supply chain operations,” commented Jason Walker, Regional Head of Maersk Contract Logistics. “This 10th global facility operated by Maersk for LS&Co. marks a significant milestone for a partnership built on 25 years of trusted support and service that enables LS&Co. to focus on its core business activities and growth.”
Across North America, Maersk operates over 85 warehousing facilities covering approximately 22.5 million square feet.