Under the agreement, capacity across three Puma U. S. distribution centers will be available to other Maersk customers.
Maersk has expanded well beyond ocean shipping into end-to-end logistics capabilities, including warehouse, distribution and fulfillment.
Beyond managing Puma’s operations, Maersk will be able to use available network capacity for other customers, per the release.
“Many companies are looking for ways to get more value from the logistics infrastructure they’ve already invested in,” Dave Hune, North America head of Maersk contract logistics, said in the release.
The facility in Torrance, California, will include the carrier’s first deployment of AutoStore technology to support multiple client operations, per the release. Starting in 2027, the Torrance facility will have capacity for other brands that need automated order fulfillment near air and ocean gateways. The facility will be equipped to handle about 20 million units of throughput each year.
AutoStore is an automated storage and retrieval system that uses software to enhance fulfillment management.
“Inventory is stored within a compact Grid and automatically retrieved by Robots, bringing goods directly to employees at workstations for picking and packing,” per the release.
The partnership with Puma enables Maersk to connect physical assets, transportation networks and technology, according to the press release.
“As supply chains become increasingly complex, fulfillment plays a growing role in helping businesses position inventory closer to demand, respond more quickly to market changes and serve consumers across channel,” per the release.
Maersk already handles fulfillment and distribution for other major retailers like Levi Strauss & Co. In 2024, the carrier opened a fulfillment center to service the retailer, with an aim to increase its omnichannel capabilities. More recently, Maersk opened a $100 million facility in Hopedale, Massachusetts, to service an undisclosed, large scale e-commerce customer.