Bleckmann, a leading supply chain management partner for fashion and lifestyle brands, proudly announces the opening of its new distribution centre (DC) in Riudellots - Spain.

This strategic expansion strengthens Bleckmann’s presence in Southern Europe and enhances its ability to serve clients with faster, more efficient logistics solutions.

Strategic location for seamless connectivity

The new facility is located at Riudellots de la Selva (Girona). Positioned for optimal accessibility, the site offers direct connections to major motorways AP-7 & C-35 and national roads N-II & C-63). It is conveniently close to key transport hubs, being: Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO): 20 km, Port of Barcelona: 90 km, Port of Tarragona: 180 km and Girona Rail Freight Terminal: 30 km.

This prime location ensures smooth inbound and outbound flows across Spain and other international markets.

Facility highlights

Bleckmann Riudellots de la Selva has a total storage capacity of 9,904 m² and is a multi-user site with 10 loading docks. There is an advanced security systems including on-site personnel and CCTV.

The automation is covert with unloading conveyors, RFID tunnels and 20 pallet trucks (stackers – retractables - forklifts).

The Bleckmann site is fully compliant with PCI standards and equipped with an activity license.

Comprehensive services

The Spanish Girona DC offers a full suite of value-added services, including: customs handling, customer assessment, quality control, labelling, bagging, Bleckmann’s Renewal Workshop, 3PL activities (inbound, pick & pack, outbound, stock control) and returns management.

Commitment to Clients

“This new distribution centre reflects Bleckmann’s commitment to supporting our clients’ growth in Spain and Southern Europe,” said Quentin Godfirnon, Chief Operations Officer Spain. “Its strategic location and advanced capabilities will enable us to deliver faster, smarter, and more sustainable logistics solutions.”

About Bleckmann

Bleckmann is a market leader in supply chain management (SCM) services for fashion and lifestyle brands. Founded in 1862, Bleckmann evolved from a transportation company to a provider of complete supply chain solutions with specific expertise in e-fulfilment. From its strong base in Europe, the company expanded into the US and Asia, enabling Bleckmann to serve clients around the world.

Its investments and extensive experience in IT solutions ensure that Bleckmann offers a unified platform to its clients worldwide. Around 6500 team members are ready to support Bleckmann's clients and fulfil their promises every day. With sales of 641 million euros (revenue 2024), Bleckmann has the scale and flexibility to provide world-class solutions for its clients.

For more information, visit www.bleckmann.com

The post Bleckmann Expands EU Footprint With New Distribution Center In Spain appeared first on Cross-Border Magazine.

Bleckmann has announced a new partnership with Sepi Agari, a high-end handbags brand redefining modern luxury. Since July 2025, Sepi Agari has entrusted its logistics operations to Bleckmann’s Bscale fulfillment solution, operated from the company’s fully automated distribution center in Grobbendonk, Belgium.

A conscious approach to luxury fashion

Sepi Agari stands out in the luxury fashion industry for its focus on authenticity, craftsmanship, and sustainability. All handbags are designed and produced in Italy, using locally sourced materials and working exclusively with the world’s finest artisans.

“Our designs are more than fashion; they are a fusion of art, culture, and heritage. For us, meticulous finishing and refined presentation are essential. Bscale ensures that these values are reflected in our logistics as well,” says Sepi Agari.

Bscale: innovative logistics for fashion and lifestyle brands

Bleckmann’s Bscale solution allows brands to onboard seamlessly, without traditional barriers such as significant order thresholds or high upfront costs. At the Grobbendonk facility, Sepi Agari benefits from a radio-controlled robotic system that manages inventory in a compact cube storage setup. This approach requires only one-seventh of the space compared to traditional warehouses, leading to shorter lead times and more reliable order fulfillment.

According to Bleckmann, Bscale is designed to give emerging and luxury niche brands the tools to scale operations efficiently while maintaining premium service levels.

Enhancing the customer experience

For Sepi Agari, customer experience goes beyond timely delivery. Through Bscale, the brand leverages value-added services such as quality inspections and luxury packaging, ensuring every order reaches the customer in pristine condition.

“A luxurious presentation is just as important to us as the product itself. With Bscale, we have the confidence that the customer experience is flawless from start to finish,” adds Sepi Agari.

Bleckmann’s Sales Manager, Maxim Sion, highlights the broader impact: “Bleckmann’s Bscale is rewriting the rules of fashion logistics, giving emerging and luxury niche brands the ability to scale efficiently and sustainably. The partnership with Sepi Agari demonstrates how even smaller players can achieve international ambitions with the right logistics partner.”

About Bleckmann

Founded in 1862, Bleckmann has evolved into a global leader in supply chain management for fashion and lifestyle brands. With operations across Europe, the US, and Asia, and a workforce of more than 6,500 employees, the company generated €564 million in revenue in 2023. Its substantial investment in IT solutions and automated systems enables Bleckmann to deliver world-class e-fulfillment services that help brands grow internationally.

The post Sepi Agari Chooses Bleckmann’s Bscale Solution to Elevate Luxury Logistics appeared first on Cross-Border Magazine.

Bleckmann, a logistics expert specializing in supply chain management for fashion and lifestyle brands, is proud to announce that it's adding a new site, Crick, at the industrial estate Dirft, to strengthen its UK presence. We are significantly expanding our operational footprint in the UK, increasing its total capacity to over 3.2 million square feet (350,000 square meters).  

By Bleckmann - A key highlight of this growth is the Crick site, which adds 100,000 square meters of floorspace. What sets this facility apart is its impressive 21-meter height, providing enhanced storage and operational efficiencies. This expansion underscores our commitment to scaling our capabilities,  optimizing logistics, and delivering even greater value to our clients. 

Our new site offers advanced automation capabilities, including an ASRS shuttle system that enhances efficiency and storage optimization. Looking ahead, we are also preparing to implement  Autostore, further strengthening our ability to provide seamless and scalable logistics solutions. Once the site reaches full capacity, it will create additional job opportunities, providing work up to 1,500 people and supporting local employment. 

Reinardt van Oel, Chief Operations Officer for Belgium and the UK, stated, “The UK is an important growth market for Bleckmann. Over the last few years, we have grown from serving five clients in just one warehouse to managing the operations for 60+ brands across eight logistics centres. Expanding our operations is essential to meet the growing demands of both existing and new customers. With our  automated environment, we ensure efficiency, scalability, and seamless service, reinforcing our  commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction." 

Giles Weir, UK Head of Tenant Representation at JLL adds “We have been delighted to assist  Bleckmann with their continued growth in acquiring this high quality, statement building at Crick.  Bleckmann have been one of the most active 3PLs recently and this latest addition confirms their  commitment to the UK and their confidence in the market. The scale of this additional operational  floorspace will go a long way in helping them reach their impressive growth targets and we’ve been  very pleased to able to support them in achieving this.” 

About JLL 

JLL (NYSE: JLL) is a leading professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management. JLL shapes the future of real estate for a better world by using the most advanced technology to create rewarding opportunities, amazing spaces and sustainable real estate solutions for our clients, our people and our communities. JLL is a Fortune 500 company with annual revenue of $18.0 billion, operations in over 80 countries, and a global workforce of more than 94,000 as of  March 31, 2020. JLL is the brand name and a registered trademark of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated.

bleckmann.com  

About Bleckmann 

Bleckmann is a market leader in supply chain management (SCM) services for fashion and lifestyle brands. Founded in 1862, Bleckmann evolved from a transportation company to a provider of complete supply chain solutions with specific expertise in e-fulfilment. From its strong base in  Europe, the company expanded into the US and Asia, enabling Bleckmann to serve customers around the world. Its investments and extensive experience in IT solutions ensure that Bleckmann offers a unified platform to its customers worldwide. Around 6500 team members are ready to support Bleckmann's customers and fulfil their promises every day. With sales of 641 million euros  (revenue 2024), Bleckmann has the scale and flexibility to provide world-class solutions for its customers. For more information, visit www.bleckmann.com  

The post Bleckmann announces new distribution center in Crick, UK appeared first on Cross-Border Magazine.

Leading third-party logistics provider Bleckmann has accelerated the expansion of its Kardex AutoStore system at its Grobbendonk, Belgium, facility—completing a multi-year growth plan in just one year due to the system’s exceptional performance, scalability, and efficiency.

Originally intended to expand in phases over several years to reach nearly 100,000 bins and 71 robots, Bleckmann decided to bring forward the entire expansion to the end of 2024.

This rapid growth underscores the AutoStore empowered by Kardex solution’s ability to optimize warehouse operations, significantly reduce labor requirements, and maximize space utilization— offering seven times the efficiency of manual fulfillment methods. With the extension, Bleckmann enhances its services by offering a multiclient AutoStore solution to multiple customers, setting itself apart with this unique selling proposition.

A futureproof automation success story

The initial Kardex AutoStore system, which went live in late 2023, was fully operational in just five
months from order placement, seamlessly integrating with Bleckmann’s logistics network.

The expansion from 25,000 to 100,000 bins was completed without downtime or operational disruption,
demonstrating the system’s modular and scalable nature. Facing increasing order volumes and labor
shortages, Bleckmann needed a high-efficiency solution to enhance fulfillment speed and optimize
warehouse space.

The Kardex AutoStore system met these demands with minimal energy consumption (ten robots use the same amount of power as a single vacuum cleaner) aligning perfectly with Bleckmann’s sustainability goals at its 100% solar-powered facility.

Enhanced scalability, speed, and sustainability

The initial system comprised a 25,000-bin AutoStore grid, 24 robots, and five ergonomic ports. Since
implementation, order cycles have accelerated by 60%, throughput has increased, and picking errors
have decreased—resulting in greater customer satisfaction and retention.

The expanded system now features seven Carousel Ports, with five additional pick ports in development ahead of Black Friday 2025. Kardex’s innovations have further enhanced the AutoStore system. The dedicated Kardex Warehouse Control System (WCS) has streamlined operations, while an automatic Robot Cleaning Station ensures system reliability.

Additionally, a multiple conveyor port enables simultaneous replenishment across three bins, drastically improving inbound processing efficiency.

A Collaborative Success Story

Eric Ebbers, Senior Sales Manager at Kardex, stated: “We are thrilled to support Bleckmann in
pushing the boundaries of warehouse automation. The Kardex AutoStore solution is designed for
scalability, allowing Bleckmann to start small and expand seamlessly. This partnership is a testament
to the power of innovation and collaboration.”

Kevin Paindeville, Director of Innovations and Warehouse Solutions at Bleckmann, added: “The
flexibility and scalability of the Kardex AutoStore system have exceeded our expectations. We’ve
been able to ramp up to full capacity in just one year without disrupting operations, reinforcing our
commitment to efficiency and customer satisfaction.”

Jens Hooyberghs, Automation Project Manager at Bleckmann, emphasized: “The system
automatically prioritizes high-demand items for faster dispatch, making a significant difference
during peak sales periods. Kardex AutoStore is proving to be a key asset in making our operations
more efficient, sustainable, and future-ready.”

Watch the case study video here; listen to Bleckmann’s Beyond Threads podcast

The post Bleckmann quadruples their Kardex AutoStore appeared first on Cross-Border Magazine.

Transforming Fashion Logistics with Bscale

Wolk Antwerp, a Belgian high-end menswear brand founded in 2018, is redefining fashion logistics with Bleckmann’s Bscale solution. Specializing in premium merino wool garments, Wolk Antwerp merges performance and luxury with machine-washable, crease-resistant dress shirts and tees.

Founders Ellen Cattebeke and Joris Smeunix identified a growing demand for smart, comfortable menswear across Europe and the U.S. However, managing logistics independently soon became overwhelming. “We were running out of space and time,” recalls Joris. “Finding a 3PL willing to work with smaller order volumes was a real challenge until we discovered Bscale by Bleckmann.”

Bscale: A Game-Changer for Emerging Fashion Brands

With Bscale, Wolk Antwerp seamlessly onboarded without the typical volume thresholds and upfront costs. Their fulfillment operations now run from Bleckmann’s Grobbendonk distribution center in Belgium, benefiting from a fully automated logistics system.

Key Benefits of Bscale:

• Automated Inventory Management: Radio-controlled robots handle inventory efficiently in a compact cube storage system, using one-seventh the space of traditional setups.
• Faster Fulfillment: Lead times have been cut by 60%, ensuring year-round fulfillment with zero downtime.
• Quicker Deliveries: Reduced delivery times by one full day, enhancing customer satisfaction.

Enhancing Customer Experience Through Quality Logistics

Beyond speed, Wolk Antwerp benefits from Bscale’s value-added services, ensuring that every order meets high fashion standards. These services include:

• Ironing and quality inspections to maintain pristine garment condition.
• Silk paper wrapping for premium presentation, reinforcing the brand’s luxury appeal.

“A pristine presentation is non-negotiable in fashion,” notes Joris. “Bscale provides the same high-quality services used by global brands like COS and Karl Lagerfeld, which significantly elevates our customer experience.”

Scaling Sustainably with Global Growth Potential

With logistics seamlessly managed, Wolk Antwerp is now focusing on expanding its product range and entering new markets. “We’re working on new all-merino products, from socks to jackets,” says Ellen.

Additionally, Bleckmann’s Global Bridge partner solution is positioning Wolk Antwerp for U.S. market expansion, opening doors to new growth opportunities.

Bscale’s Scalability Advantages:

• Marketplace Integration: Streamlined e-commerce operations for seamless sales across platforms.
• Circular Services: Sustainability-focused solutions that align with modern consumer values.
• Unlimited Growth Potential: Scalable logistics that grow alongside emerging brands.

A New Era for Small Fashion Brands

Bleckmann’s Bscale solution is revolutionizing fashion logistics, empowering emerging brands with scalable, efficient, and cost-effective fulfillment solutions. As demonstrated by Wolk Antwerp’s success, the right logistics partner can help small brands achieve big ambitions.

About Wolk Antwerp

Founded in 2018, Wolk Antwerp is a Belgian high-end menswear brand specializing in 99% merino wool garments, including dress shirts, tees, and knitwear. With a focus on comfort, performance, and luxury, Wolk Antwerp is a rising name in sustainable fashion.

About Bleckmann

Bleckmann is a leading provider of supply chain management (SCM) services for fashion and lifestyle brands. Established in 1862, the company has evolved into a global leader in e-fulfillment solutions, with operations across Europe, the U.S., and Asia. With over 6,500 team members and €564 million revenue (2023), Bleckmann continues to support brands with cutting-edge logistics solutions. For more information, visit www.bleckmann.com.

The post How Wolk Antwerp is Scaling with Bleckmann’s Bscale: A Plug-and-Play Logistics Solution for Fashion Brands appeared first on Cross-Border Magazine.

Global fashion brand H&M has selected Bleckmann, a leading provider of end-to-end logistics solutions, to handle the online launch of its Pre-Loved Archive collection. This series of limited-edition re-releases celebrates twenty years of H&M designer collaborations, offering shoppers the opportunity to purchase iconic pre-loved items from the brand’s back catalogue – including collaborations with Karl Lagerfeld, Versace, Kenzo and many other well-known fashion houses.

Circular solutions, sparkling results

Following a global in-store launch, the Archive Pre-Loved collection was recently released online in Europe on HM.com. And Bleckman’s expertise in fashion logistics was vital to making this ambitious initiative a reality. Working closely with the operations and sustainability teams at H&M, Bleckmann’s circular fashion experts, created a bespoke renewal solution. This proprietary process enabled them to restore a wide selection of the Pre-Loved garments, ready for resale on H&M’s e-commerce site.

A streamlined renewal process

Once the garments arrived at its distribution centre in Almelo, the Netherlands, Bleckmann handled the entire renewal and distribution process. This included grading, cleaning, invisible mending, product photography and inventory management. “Working closely with H&M, we tailored the renewal process to meet the unique requirements of this exclusive collection,” said Hans Robben, Programme Manager for The Renewal Workshop at Bleckmann. “Our streamlined process enabled the team to get all the items ready for sale in just eight weeks.”

End-to-end logistics

The Renewal Workshop’s data-rich tracking capabilities simplified integration with H&M’s e-commerce platform. “We attach individual SKUs to each item to store key information such as the product’s style and size, and what repairs have been carried out,” said Taylor Hill, Senior Manager for Circular solutions at Bleckmann “This allows us to track the status of each garment internally and it helps H&M to populate its product description pages, providing its customers with full transparency.” In addition to cleaning and repairs, Bleckmann handled distribution to H&M’s customers across Europe through its extensive network of transportation partners.

“Bleckmann’s expertise in reverse logistics is a great fit for our Pre-loved Archive campaign,” said Linn Af Klint, Head of Circular Business Models for H&M. “Their reach across the EU, advanced capabilities in handling single SKU inventory and optimising the recovery process of pre-loved pieces to ensure that each item retains its highest value and finds a new owner. This collaboration strengthens our commitment to sustainability and innovation in the fashion industry, making it easier for customers to access and appreciate high-quality, second-hand garments.”

Embedding circular business models

The Pre-Loved Archive campaign is Bleckmann’s second collaboration with the H&M Group to promote circular fashion, following its partnership with H&M’s COS brand. COS Restore, the brand’s range of pre-loved clothing, is currently available in locations across Europe. To meet the growing demand for circular solutions in the fashion and lifestyle industry, Bleckmann is investing in the expansion of its Renewal Workshop offering. “The aim is to have a Renewal Workshop in every region where we’re active,” concluded Hans. “The recent acquisition of the Spanish fashion logistics experts B2Tex will also be a valuable addition to our renewal capabilities.” 

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Bleckmann, experts in supply chain management for fashion and lifestyle brands, announces the ‘go-live’ of a new automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) at its solar-powered fulfillment site in Grobbendonk, Belgium. 

The new integrated goods-to-person system is an integrated Kardex AutoStore solution with an automated packing line and provides a streamlined alternative to traditional rack storage. It dramatically reduces inventory footprint while speeding up picking and packing operations. The new system is the latest step in Bleckmann’s automation strategy, which aims to address labor scarcity and provide a smoother fulfillment process.

Bleckmann achieves less space and more speed

The new AutoStore uses up to seven times less space than traditional pallet racking to store the same amount of inventory. This increases storage capacity, allowing more SKUs (from multiple customers) to be stored simultaneously and greatly reducing the risk of stock shortages. Items are also retrieved by radio-controlled robots, saving time by eliminating the need for employees to pick products manually. 

The Kardex AutoStore is part of an integrated solution that requires minimal human intervention. This features an advanced conveyor system from carton erectors and an autonomous packing station with height reduction of the cartons, significantly streamlining the fulfillment process. 

“From the moment a product enters the AutoStore until it leaves the warehouse in a carton, it will have only been touched by a single pair of hands,” explained Stefan Schepers, Automation Specialist at Bleckmann. “This allows us to reduce the time between the receipt of an order and its departure from the warehouse by up to 60%.”

An integrated solution

Automating the labor-intensive picking and packing process will enable Bleckmann’s clients to offer their customers later cut-off times for next-day delivery, among other benefits. 

These include intelligent demand forecasting. “The AutoStore system automatically makes the most popular items more accessible so that they can be dispatched faster,” said Jens Hooyberghs, Automation Project Manager at Bleckmann. “It’s also possible to program the system ahead of peak sales periods so top-selling items are available even quicker – saving valuable time during those extra-busy moments.”

Lights-out logistics

According to Stefan, switching to the AutoStore solution has many other benefits: “The new system greatly reduces the likelihood of picking mistakes,” he continued. “It also offers exceptional flexibility and scalability. This means that we can start with a basic set-up and expand it when clients need extra capacity – during the Black Friday period, for example – without disrupting ongoing operations.” 

Another advantage of the AutoStore system is its low energy consumption. Ten robots at work use the same amount of energy as one vacuum cleaner. As the robots can work in the dark, energy can also be saved by switching off warehouse lights. 

Bleckmann is currently onboarding its first client onto the AutoStore system and will be closely monitoring the results of this pilot project over the coming months. “Based on the outcome of this pilot, we will evaluate the quality and efficiency gains that the solution enables,” concluded Jens. “We’re excited about the potential productivity benefits, and the scope for growth is huge – Kardex AutoStore looks set to become a key ally in making our operations safer, greener, and more efficient.”

About Bleckmann

Bleckmann is a market leader in Supply Chain Management (SCM) services for fashion and lifestyle brands. Founded in 1862, Bleckmann developed from a transport company to a full supply chain solutions provider with specific expertise in e-fulfillment. 

From its strong base in Europe, the company expanded into the US and Asia, enabling Bleckmann to serve customers worldwide. Its investments and extensive experience in IT solutions ensure that Bleckmann offers a uniform platform to its customers worldwide. Around five thousand employees are available daily to support Bleckmann's clients and keep their promises. With a turnover of EUR 564 million, Bleckmann has the size and flexibility to provide world-class solutions for its clients. For more information, visit www.bleckmann.com 

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