Kerry Logistics Network Limited has been awarded a four-year contract extension with Continental.

Under the agreement, Kerry Logistics Germany will handle the international ocean freight export of Continental’s tyres and provide logistics services for the company’s procurement of raw materials, mainly from Asia to production sites all over the globe. A global key account management team in Bremen will offer Continental customized solutions to enhance overall efficiency of the supply chain.

“As one of the world’s largest tyre manufacturers, Continental is a company that invests in being an innovator and driver of change in its industry,” said Ronnie Kempf, managing director of Germany and Switzerland at Kerry Logistics. “For many years, we have been offering tailored and flexible solutions, catering to Continental’s specific logistics requirements. We are dedicated to constantly devising new options and competitive solutions to meet the ever-changing needs of Continental’s business.”

The tyre production process relies on a number of different raw materials such as natural and synthetic rubber, carbon black, steel cord and various chemicals. These raw materials are sourced from countries such as China, Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia and India.

Kerry’s operational team has been working with Continental for over 25 years and has recently grown to include 40 logistics experts. The team will facilitate the transportation of raw materials from Asia to Western Europe and will be in charge of some of Continental’s key logistics routes.

“We are delighted to continue our cooperation with Kerry Logistics,” said Jorge Almeida, senior vice president of rubber division purchasing and corporate indirect materials at Continental. “Kerry Logistics’ global network supports us in our growth strategy and expansion of our international business. The team in Bremen provides tailored solutions that meet our supply chain demands, leveraging our sourcing and export activities in multiple countries.”

Kerry Logistics currently organizes logistics solutions for Continental sites in 13 countries, managing transportation services and partly acting as customs broker. The logistics company also provides warehousing and distribution solutions in China and the United Arab Emirates.