Northampton-based Yusen Logistics has expanded its global footprint with the launch of Yusen Africa in Kenya, strengthening freight and logistics links between the UK and East Africa.
The new joint venture, formed by Yusen Logistics Global Management and Africa Global Logistics (AGL), was officially unveiled at a ceremony in Nairobi on 2 February. More than 100 representatives from government, diplomatic and business communities attended the event.
Yusen Logistics (UK) Ltd has its registered office at Grange Park, Northampton, and is developing a 1.2 million sq ft facility at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton — set to become its largest global site. The latest international expansion further reinforces the town’s position within the company’s worldwide supply chain network.
Operating under the Yusen Africa brand, the business will deliver international freight forwarding and end-to-end logistics services across East Africa. Kenya will act as a strategic gateway for major trade corridors including the Northern Corridor, the Central Corridor and the Ethiopia–Djibouti Corridor.
Hiroyuki Okamoto, president and COO of Yusen Logistics Global Management, said: “The launch of Yusen Africa demonstrates our long-term commitment to Africa. By bringing together global expertise and technology with deep local capabilities, we are well positioned to support our customers as they grow across Eastern Africa.”
Eric Melet, CEO International Logistics & Railways at AGL, added: “We are honoured to inaugurate here in Nairobi the joint venture that will allow us to combine AGL’s expertise in the East Africa Region with the strength of Yusen Logistics for the benefit of our customers. This partnership will enable us to provide more integrated, efficient and high-value logistics solutions, while supporting the region’s economic development.”
Yusen Africa will provide services including freight forwarding, multimodal transport, contract logistics, customs brokerage, cold chain, e-commerce fulfilment and project logistics. As a result, the venture is designed to support sectors such as automotive, healthcare, FMCG, infrastructure and industrial projects.
For Northamptonshire businesses trading internationally, strengthened logistics capability in East Africa could support faster, more integrated supply chain routes into emerging markets. Furthermore, the expansion underlines the global reach of firms operating from the county’s established logistics base.
With significant investment continuing at its Northampton operations, Yusen Logistics is positioning itself for long-term growth both in the UK and internationally.
