The 70,000 square metre facility, launching in June 2024, will be fully automated and handle all logistics for LS&Co.’s apparel and accessories across various channels, including wholesale, retail, digital, e-commerce, and marketplaces.
“This partnership will accelerate LS&Co.’s omnichannel growth in Europe and aligns with our growth ambitions in Germany,” said Richard Cawston, Chief Revenue Officer at GXO.
GXO’s press release details the facility’s environmental features. These include LEED certification, the use of sustainable building materials like solar panels and a green roof, as well as the availability of electric vehicle charging stations and on-site recycling facilities.
According to Craig Jones, Senior Vice President of Global Distribution & Logistics at LS&Co., the Dorsten centre supports the company’s strategy of becoming a direct-to-consumer leader. “GXO’s best-in-class operations will ensure our logistics ambitions are met with advanced supply chain and e-commerce solutions,” he said.
The partnership reflects a growing trend in Germany of outsourcing logistics for efficiency and cost savings through automation, workforce management, and inventory control. GXO has experience in Europe, serving clients in e-commerce, fashion, consumer goods, and DIY sectors, including German companies like Henkel and online retailers like zooplus.
The Dorsten facility will initially have a capacity of 33 million units and is expected to employ up to 650 people when it reaches a full capacity of 55 million units in 2026. GXO currently employs around 80,000 people across 550 locations in Europe, including Germany.