Walker Logistics Ltd has formed a Joint Venture with independently owned North American third-party supply chain solutions specialist, NRI Distribution. The deal will see both companies utilize their resources and networks to offer their respective clients a full package of logistics services within key markets.
The arrangement means that Berkshire-based Walker can now access NRI’s established supply chain infrastructure across North America and Canada to fulfil its clients’ B2B and B2C orders within those countries. In return, Walker’s fulfillment hubs in the UK and the Netherlands will be used by NRI to store, pick, pack and dispatch the goods that its US and Canada-based customers sell to Britain and mainland Europe.
Charlie Walker, Sales Director of Walker Logistics, commented: “We are incredibly excited to partner with NRI, this is a relationship that has grown over the last few years, from day one it was clear that the senior teams at both NRI and Walker Logistics are very well aligned in their approach to business, core values and establishing long term relationships. This agreement gives both organisations’ customers immediate access to enhanced logistics and fulfillment support, including in-country warehousing, fulfilment and returns and re-work facilities in key overseas territories.”
He added: “Walker’s clients who ship to the USA and Canada now have an instant logistics partner ‘on the ground’ that they can trust. And likewise, because Walker Logistics has successfully helped many brands to establish a strong presence in the UK and Europe, NRI’s clients who sell into these markets can benefit from our experience and expertise.”
NRI has been providing a full range of fulfillment services since 1997 and, although it is best known for its work with brands in the apparel, footwear, action sports and outdoor lifestyle industries, the company ships over 16,500 orders daily on behalf of more than 230 clients that operate across a wide range of business sectors and verticals.
Charlie Walker says: “We view our relationship with NRI as a long-term partnership that will develop and grow. NRI and Walker Logistics are a good fit, both operationally and culturally and, by fully integrating our IT systems we will offer our customers consistency and continuity of the exceptionally high standards of service that they expect from Walker’s and NRI.”
Chris Maydaniuk, NRI’s President & CEO added: “Expanding into Europe is a major milestone for NRI, and we are eager to offer our brand experience to clients in the UK and Netherlands. We welcome Walker into the NRI family; collectively we have a shared approach to people and partnerships. With them, we’re ready to deliver innovative solutions and a unified vision that helps our partners thrive internationally.”
Walker Logistics operates from a 250,000 sq ft multi-client facility close to the major towns of Reading and Swindon and is currently in the process of adding a 135,000 sq ft carbon net zero, state-of-the-art extension to the existing site to help keep pace with the growing demand for its range of services. Construction of the multi-million-pound development is expected to be complete in 2025.
