LONG BEACH, Calif., Feb. 10, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UTi Worldwide Inc. (Nasdaq:UTIW), a global supply chain services and solutions provider, and Changjiu Logistics Co., Ltd., the largest independent automotive logistics company in China, officially launched their strategic partnership at a recent joint event in Beijing.
The event was a symbolic grand opening and an introduction for the press and key clients. The partnership between UTi and Changjiu Logistics will serve the logistics requirements of global automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and suppliers in the booming automotive market in China.
"We are very excited about this partnership," said Ed Feitzinger, UTi Chief Executive Officer. "Our clients are very interested in what UTi and Changjiu Logistics can do together and we are committed to make this a successful partnership." He also noted that UTi and Changjiu Logistics possess complementary strengths and many cultural similarities, especially a focus on client service, that will enable their joint success.
Mr. Bo Shijiu, Board Chairman, Changjiu Logistics, said, "The partnership with UTi will give Changjiu the strength to develop international business with multiple-modal transport service as well as to enrich client bases and company comprehensive capability."
Ditlev Blicher, UTi President, Freight Forwarding, said, "Our strategy is to develop an inland transportation system for both component milk-run and finished-goods deliveries utilizing UTi's solutions and best practices and Changjiu Logistics' strong trucking and warehousing capability in key automotive manufacturing and industrial centers in China. These areas offer a critical mass of Auto clients for OEM/Tier 1 and Tier 2 and are key clusters for UTi and Changjiu Logistics to focus on together."
Blicher added that three areas of joint development are planned: railway solutions between Europe and China, VMI/production logistics for automotive OEMs and Tier 1s, and aftermarket parts and accessories distribution.
According to Mr. Bo, developments are already underway on the China-to-Europe rail service. Changjiu Logistics has already had success operating such a service for global OEMs and UTi is now running Europe-to-China shipments using the Changjiu Logistics network.
Feitzinger said UTi and Changjiu Logistics initially will seek clients in the automotive sector but feel that aerospace and other manufacturing sectors also will benefit from the solutions offered by the partnership.
About Changjiu Logistics
Changjiu Logistics is the largest independent automotive logistics company in China. Relying on completed RDC and hub service networks in China, Changjiu Logistics can provide multi-modal transportation, warehousing, consolidation, packaging, logistics planning, used cars logistics and other value-added services for finished vehicles and spare parts.
About UTi Worldwide
UTi Worldwide Inc. (www.go2uti.com) is an international, non-asset-based supply chain services and solutions company providing air and ocean freight forwarding, contract logistics, customs brokerage, distribution, inbound logistics, truckload brokerage, and other supply chain management services. The company serves a large and diverse base of global and local companies, including clients operating in industries with unique supply chain requirements such as the retail, apparel, chemical, automotive, pharmaceutical, and technology industries. The company seeks to use its global network, proprietary information technology systems, and relationships with transportation providers, and expertise in outsourced logistics services to deliver competitive advantage to each of its clients' supply chains.