The Dutch specialist for integrated logistic process automation will take over the logistics unit from Siemens for EUR 300 million. It will catapult Vanderlande, a subsidiary of Toyota Industries Corporation, into a leading position of solution providers for automated warehousing, airport logistics, cargo handling, and parcel throughput. The transaction is expected to close in the course of 2025, provided regulators approve the deal.
With the planned sale of the logistics division, Siemens is parting with another niche business. The management’s strategic goal is to “sharpen the portfolio as a leading technology company by concentrating on industrial software,” reads a Siemens AG statement. In line with this objective, the Group acquired the U.S. software company Altair Engineering for around 10 billion dollars just last Wednesday (30OCT24). With the integration of Altair, Siemens is strengthening its AI-based capabilities for the design and simulation of production processes. Nuremberg-based Siemens Logistics, whose main customers include airlines and airports, recently generated annual sales and profits of 550 million euros. The change of ownership affects around 2,500 employees worldwide, all of whom Vanderlande intends to take over according to the agreement.
Offering value-add potential
“As a distinguished provider of solutions for airport logistics, Siemens Logistics enjoys first-class reputation in the baggage and air-cargo handling areas. Together with Vanderlande and our committed global teams, we look forward to bringing fresh impetus to the airport industry and to supporting our customers’ business with future oriented technologies,” said Michael Schneider, CEO of Siemens Logistics. “Our innovative portfolio of high-performance hardware and software along with extensive offerings for smart services will perfectly complement Vanderlande’s portfolio and continue to contribute to automating and digitalizing the industry. A future joint set-up will offer our customers as well as our teams significant development and value-add potential.”
Logistics landscape is changing rapidly
In a reaction, Andrew Manship, Vanderlande’s President & CEO said: “Siemens Logistics’ innovative approach and robust business model align perfectly with Vanderlande’s vision for the future. Its forward-thinking and innovative mindset also proves its ability to adapt to changing market dynamics. Our customers will benefit from a broader range of solutions and services, enabling them to address their challenges more effectively.”
Vanderlande points out that the global logistics landscape is undergoing significant change, with increasing demand for efficient, automated systems. Its market people forecast tremendous potential for sustained growth. With air travel and freight transport on the rise and airports investing heavily in modernization, the long-term market outlook for airport and cargo automation is highly positive, they conclude. Incepted in 1949, Vanderlande offers integrated logistics solution and technical support at 600+ airports and has equipped sorting centers run by DHL, UPS or FedEx with automated systems. In 2017, Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) acquired Vanderlande from the company’s former owner NPM Capital and other minority shareholders. Currently, offices in more than 150 countries belong to the Veghel, near Eindhoven-headquartered Dutch provider of technical systems for value chains optimization, employing around 9,000 people.
