DHL Supply Chain Enters Into a Strategic Lead Logistics Partner (LLP) Agreement With Sanyo Chemical Industries

DHL Supply Chain, the global leader in logistics, has entered into a five-year Lead Logistics Partner (LLP) agreement in Japan with Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd., the country’s major chemical manufacturer. DHL Supply Chain will take on the domestic logistics function for Sanyo Chemical Industries and its Group companies, which were previously handled by its logistics subsidiary, Sanyo Chemical Logistics, to achieve efficient and sustainable logistics operations.

Under this LLP agreement, DHL Supply Chain will provide inbound, storage, outbound, value-added services and transport management services at five in-plant logistics sites (Nagoya, Kinuura, Kashima, Kyoto and Kawasaki) of Sanyo Chemical Industries and its Group. This partnership will enable Sanyo Chemical Industries and its Group to achieve cost reduction through warehousing optimization, transport improvements, consolidation of domestic delivery network, standardization of operational processes and implementation of effective management methods.

DHL Supply Chain will also respond to labor shortage and transport capacity constraints facing the Japanese logistics industry to establish a foundation for sustainable logistics. Specifically, by utilizing its digital technologies such as DHL’s cargo tracking tool MySupplyChain, which provides near real-time visibility into warehouse management and transportation status, and Power BI, DHL Supply Chain will enhance operational visibility, standardization, and continuous improvement to accelerate operational efficiency and resource development. In addition, it will reinforce the logistics partnership from a long-term perspective by developing and utilizing shared logistics networks with DHL’s other customers and participating in the government-led Chemicals Working Group. This will contribute to providing stable logistics services and overcoming the driver shortage and transport efficiency challenges.

Additionally, DHL will provide visibility into quality and cost management using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and standardize operational processes to increase efficiency and flexibility across production, logistics and sales. This integrated approach will enable Sanyo Chemical Industries respond quickly and flexibly to demand changes.

Jérôme Gillet, President and Representative Director, CEO Japan and Korea, DHL Supply Chain said, “I am very pleased with the conclusion of the new LLP agreement with Sanyo Chemical Industries. Through our collaboration with them, we will develop a stable logistics structure and provide innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and quality. We are committed to realizing the vision of Sanyo Chemical Industries by utilizing our global resources and expertise. I look forward to seeing us grow and succeed together.”

With this agreement, about 30 employees from Sanyo Chemical Logistics will transfer to DHL in October 2025. As part of their transition to the DHL Supply Chain team, they will have the opportunity to share their logistics expertise to support the core business and further develop their careers as logistics professionals.

Akinori Higuchi, Representative Director, President, and CEO, Sanyo Chemical Industries said, “We have been proactively addressing the labor shortages and improving logistics efficiency to ensure stable and sustainable operations. With its extensive experience, global resources, and comprehensive LLP services that strategically manage end-to-end logistics, DHL Supply Chain is the best partner for us to drive logistics transformation. I am confident that by introducing DHL Supply Chain’s global logistics standards, we will be able to achieve more advanced operations. Sanyo Chemical Industries will work together with DHL Supply Chain as One Team to achieve our objectives.”

DHL Supply Chain will enable integrated management of the entire supply chain and contribute to building a foundation for sustainable logistics by implementing data management and innovative solutions and improving and optimizing logistics both physically and digitally.