DHL Supply Chain has acquired reverse logistics solution provider Inmar Supply Chain Solutions, a division of Inmar Intelligence, and has become the largest provider of reverse logistics solutions in North America.
The acquisition will add 14 return centers and around 800 associates to DHL Supply Chain’s business, and 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 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,” said Oscar de Bok, global CEO of DHL Supply Chain. “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.”
Spencer Baird, CEO of Inmar Intelligence, added, “Inmar Intelligence and DHL share a deep commitment to customer-focused innovation. Because of that, we are confident that DHL will build even greater things on top of the Inmar Supply Chain Solutions foundation that we developed over time.
“As well, we are thrilled that Inmar associates will have an even broader set of supply chain experiences available, from which they can continue to learn and develop over time at DHL. For Inmar Intelligence, this deal sets the stage for us to apply an even deeper level of focus and investment into our core businesses that are expanding rapidly.”
Enhancing commitment to sustainability
The acquisition of Inmar Supply Chain Solutions will also contribute to DHL’s strategic goal of decarbonizing its business by 2050. At the core of returns management is the need to drive sustainability, and 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 diverted 99% of consumer returns from reaching a landfill, an approach that aligns with DHL’s commitment to making customers’ supply chains more sustainable.
Patrick Kelleher, CEO of DHL Supply Chain North America, concluded, “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.”