DHL Supply Chain will become the largest provider of reverse logistics in North America with its recently announced purchase of Inmar Supply Chain Solutions.
Some 800 associates and14 return centers will join the DHL Supply Chain business expanding the company’s North American footprint which currently stands at over 520 warehouses and 52,000 associates. DHL Supply Chain will also strengthen its returns capabilities to include product remarketing, recall management, and supply chain performance analytics. Inmar Intelligence will retain its pharmaceutical reverse distribution business.
DHL added that the acquisition of Inmar would also contribute to its decarbonization goals. It says that Inmar’s technology-driven reverse logistics solutions are recognized across the industry for reducing cost and eliminating the waste generated from returned consumer goods. Emphasis is placed on recommerce, which has prevented 99% of consumer returns from going into landfill.
Global chief executive of DHL Supply Chain, Oscar de Bok, said: “DHL Supply Chain’s market-leading logistics expertise and the addition of Inmar’s suite of returns services and its talented workforce will enable us to provide best-in-class logistics services to our industry customers. Together, we will create a returns business in North America that is unmatched in its depth, breadth, capabilities, and talent to fuel long-term growth.”
Chief executive of DHL Supply Chain, North America, Patrick Kelleher, (pictured right, with Spencer Baird, chief executive of Inmar Intelligence) added: “As companies strive to simplify their supply chain strategies and enhance their operational agility, DHL Supply Chain continues to innovate to provide comprehensive and integrated solutions. This acquisition strengthens our existing capabilities, allowing us to offer our customers a single-source solution for their entire supply chain, including the critical and complex area of returns management. This enhances the value we deliver to our customers by streamlining their operations, reducing complexity, and improving their overall supply chain efficiency.”