DHL Supply Chain expands its offering for small and medium-sized enterprises

In a strategic move to strengthen its e-commerce capabilities and expand its service offering to small and medium-sized businesses, DHL Supply Chain has acquired U.S.-based e-commerce fulfillment and retail logistics provider IDS Fulfillment.

With the acquisition, DHL expands its network by over 120,000 sqm (1.3 million sq. ft.) Warehouse and distribution space strategically located across the U.S. – including multi-customer locations in Indianapolis (Indiana), Salt Lake City (Utah), Atlanta (Georgia) and at the company’s headquarters in Plainfield (Indiana). To ensure a smooth transition for customers and employees, all IDS locations will continue to operate under the existing local management.

“E-commerce has been a strong growth driver for DHL in recent years and is a central part of our Strategy 2030,” said Patrick Kelleher, CEO of DHL Supply Chain North America. “The acquisition of IDS Fulfillment not only expands our operational footprint, but also ensures that small and medium-sized businesses have access to our modern, tailor-made logistics solutions.”

Mark DeFabis, CEO of IDS Fulfillment, added: “We are convinced that DHL, with its focus on innovation and service quality, is the ideal partner to further develop our processes and provide first-class services to our customers and employees.”

The IDS Fulfillment acquisition is DHL Supply Chain’s second e-commerce acquisition in the U.S. this year, following the acquisition of returns specialist Inmar in January. At that time, DHL had already risen to become the largest provider of returns processing in North America.

“With global e-commerce expected to grow at an annual rate of 8% by 2029, DHL is making targeted investments to expand its capabilities to meet this market segment and make our solutions even more accessible to businesses of all sizes. IDS Fulfillment ideally complements our existing DHL fulfillment network and strengthens our ability to offer global e-commerce solutions with local expertise and reach – especially in these times when many multinational companies are looking to establish fulfillment structures in North America,” said Oscar de Bok, Global CEO of DHL Supply Chain.

As the world’s leading provider of contract logistics, DHL Supply Chain focuses on scalable e-commerce solutions. The acquisition of IDS not only brings additional locations to the network, but also a broad customer portfolio and even deeper fulfillment expertise. “These acquisitions underscore our commitment to further growth in e-commerce and strengthen DHL‘s position as the logistics partner of choice for companies of all sizes,” said Kelleher.