Nippon Express Spain Launches NX-YAZAKI Palencia Warehouse with Grand Opening Ceremony
Nippon Express de España, S.A. (NX Spain), a subsidiary of NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC., and YAZAKI Europe Limited (YAZAKI Europe), recently celebrated a significant milestone with the inauguration of the NX-YAZAKI Palencia Warehouse in Palencia, Spain. The opening ceremony, held on Thursday, November 28, marked the commencement of operations for this cutting-edge logistics facility, emphasizing its pivotal role in bolstering the European automotive supply chain.
Spain stands as one of the global leaders in automobile manufacturing, hosting numerous production facilities of European, American, and Asian automakers, including key Japanese brands. Recognizing the strategic importance of Spain within the automotive ecosystem, Nippon Express Spain and YAZAKI Europe joined forces to establish the NX-YAZAKI Palencia Warehouse, a facility designed to enhance the mobility industry’s supply chain efficiency across Europe and beyond.
A Strategic Hub for Europe-Africa Supply Chain Integration
Officially launched in January 2024, the NX-YAZAKI Palencia Warehouse serves as a crucial logistical node bridging Europe and Africa. The facility’s operations are tailored to support the seamless supply of automotive parts to manufacturers and mobility-focused companies across Europe. Its expansive network caters to a wide array of countries, including Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Romania, and Turkey, ensuring timely and reliable delivery of essential components.
This collaborative venture underscores the commitment of Nippon Express Spain and YAZAKI Europe to address the evolving needs of the automotive sector. By leveraging their collective expertise, the companies aim to streamline operations, reduce lead times, and optimize cost structures for their partners in the mobility industry.
Facility Features and Sustainability Focus
The newly constructed warehouse boasts a single-story design with a total floor area of 12,000 square meters. Equipped with six truck docks and side loading doors—with plans to add six additional docks by 2025—the facility is designed for high efficiency and scalability. To align with sustainability goals, the warehouse is fitted with solar panels, ensuring a reduction in carbon footprint while supporting Spain’s renewable energy initiatives.
Security and operational excellence are prioritized through the installation of a comprehensive CCTV system, safeguarding assets and ensuring smooth logistics operations. Additionally, the warehouse has earned a “Very Good” rating under the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), a globally recognized certification for sustainable building practices. This achievement highlights the facility’s adherence to environmentally responsible and resource-efficient standards.
Beyond its infrastructural and environmental contributions, the warehouse has had a positive social impact by generating local employment opportunities. Roles created include positions for warehouse operators, logistics technicians, and engineers, directly contributing to the economic revitalization of the Palencia region.
A Momentous Opening Ceremony
The inauguration ceremony drew notable attendees from Japan, Spain, and across Europe, reflecting the significance of the occasion. Among the distinguished guests were Japanese Ambassador to Spain Takahiro Nakamae, YAZAKI EMEA Chairman Munenori Yamada, COO Andreas Di Vece, and NX Europe President Shinichi Kakiyama. Local authorities and representatives from major European automobile manufacturers also joined the event, underscoring the warehouse’s importance within the automotive sector.
During the ceremony, COO Andreas Di Vece emphasized the warehouse’s role in addressing the diversifying demands of the automotive market. “We will meet the needs of the diversifying automotive market and optimize operating costs through traceability and automation using state-of-the-art technology,” he stated. Chairman Munenori Yamada echoed this sentiment, highlighting the strategic vision behind the collaboration. “This warehouse represents our expectations for the future and is a strong statement of intent by the YAZAKI Group and the NX Group to strongly promote regional development in Spain,” he remarked.
Alignment with Nippon Express Group’s Strategic Vision
The launch of the NX-YAZAKI Palencia Warehouse aligns seamlessly with the strategic priorities outlined in the “NX Group Business Plan 2028: Dynamic Growth 2.0 – Accelerating Sustainable Growth.” The plan identifies the mobility industry as a core focus area, emphasizing the importance of logistics innovations to support this dynamic sector. By investing in advanced facilities like the Palencia warehouse, the Nippon Express Group is reinforcing its commitment to the automotive industry while expanding its global logistics network.