Kuehne and Nagel warehouse and distribution expands road logistics network in France

With a newly built hub in Chaponnay, south east of Lyon, the globally operating logistics group Kuehne + Nagel expands its road logistics network in France. The state-ofthe-art facility will serve as transhipment platform for the Group’s
growing activities in the fields of domestic and European groupage.

In the presence of numerous guests, Klaus-Michael Kuehne, Chairman
of the Kuehne + Nagel Group, officially inaugurated the modern logistics
facility yesterday evening. Since Kuehne + Nagel took over the French
groupage specialist Alloin effective January 1, 2009, it has continually
extended and optimised its road logistics capabilities in France.

Featuring 56 loading and unloading bays, a 220 meters long circular subfloor
conveyor chain, video surveillance and modern labelling systems the new 6,400 sqm logistics platform is geared to ensure fast and secure freight handling and high process efficiency.

The Chaponnay site is ideally located for the collection and the delivery
of goods in the south of Lyon, one of the country’s most dynamic economic
areas. Through Kuehne + Nagel’s groupage network it is linked to all
French regions by 33 overnight shuttle services.

Engaged in a sustainable development management policy for several
years, Kuehne + Nagel has deliberately adopted a ‘low consumption’
and ‘alternative energy generation’ concept also for these new premises.
Among else, the distinctively designed building has a single-sloping roof
equipped with 6,000 sqm of photovoltaic cells.

Klaus-Michael Kuehne said: "The inauguration of this new facility in the
important Lyon area is a further step in our strategy to significantly extend
our road logistics activities in France. At the same time this new hub
demonstrates the smooth merger of two companies which complement each other. The successful integration of Alloin’s groupage network into Kuehne + Nagel’s existing structures has considerably improved our 2 of 2 capability to provide customer-oriented door-to-door services, based on standardised IT systems and processes."

Jean-Louis Alloin said: "The steadily increasing volumes we handle through
the more than 50 platforms in France – currently some 5 million domestic
and international shipments per year – are proof of the attractiveness of
our products and solutions. Both, our French and international customers
benefit from the extended network and service portfolio."