Rhenus opens central distribution centre for IKEA in India

This 180,000 square feet facility, IKEA’s first fully outsourced CDC, features sustainable technologies and aims to provide efficient doorstep delivery to the Delhi NCR (North Capital Region) and, in the future, other northern markets.

The CDC, with a storage capacity of 129,166 square feet, is integrated with the Rhenus Warehouse Management System (WMS) for efficient transactions and last-mile logistics. It is equipped with advanced infrastructure, storage, and material handling systems, and prioritizes sustainability with features like paper pallets, rainwater harvesting, LED lighting with motion sensors, and 100% electric vehicle (EV) deliveries.

Located in Farrukh-Nagar, Gurugram, the CDC is strategically connected to rail, road, and air transport. It will employ approximately 150 people and includes facilities for employee well-being.

IKEA’s Country Customer Fulfilment Manager, Saiba Suri, expressed excitement about the launch, emphasizing the focus on speed, sustainability, and accessibility. Ronny Sassen, CEO of Rhenus Contract Logistics, highlighted the partnership’s four-decade history and the shared vision for innovation and sustainability.

Vivek Arya, CEO of Rhenus Logistics India & Global CEO of Rhenus Warehousing Solutions Intercontinental, emphasized the CDC’s role in IKEA’s strategic expansion in India. Rhenus and IKEA have a long-standing partnership, with an extensive European network developed since 1988.

Future plans include expanding the CDC’s capacity as the Indian market grows.