SDV's regional distribution strategy fuels intra-Asia growth

Geographical reach illustrates strength in logistics, but what defines greatness is imagination. SDV has melded logistics and imagination to gain a broad scope of expertise, including the flexibility to respond to customers' special requirements through fit-for-purpose distribution hubs. 

Tracing its history back to 1885, the French logistics and freight forwarding giant has amassed unparalleled experience in intercontinental transport and supply-chain management. Maintaining its position in France and Africa, SDV has made inroads into more than 100 countries, cultivating a powerful global network with 612 agencies and more than 21,000 professionals. 

Established more than 30 years ago to support European clients expanding into Asia, SDV's Singapore arm alone comprises eight sites with specialised warehouses and more than 1,200 employees. It is focused on industry verticals such as oil and gas and aerospace, and boasts expertise in fine chemicals, health care, industrial projects, cosmetics and luxury retail. It champions an environmentally friendly supply chain through its "Green Hub", a four-storey, 42,000-square-metre facility awarded LEED's gold certification. 

"We've been developing Singapore as part of our regional distribution strategy for the past 15 years, combining freight forwarding and value-added logistics," says Jerome Petit, regional CEO for Asia-Pacific. 

Headquartered in Singapore, SDV Asia-Pacific includes branches in 24 countries leveraging SDV's global scope to bring complete solutions to regional customers. "More than 35 per cent of our business is now intra-Asia," Petit says. "With Singapore as regional hub, we also build on our extensive presence in Hong Kong, China, India and Southeast Asia." 

Reflecting global trade evolution, SDV is now supporting its Asian customers' expansion globally. "With our Singaporean, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Indian customers, our global coverage is growing very quickly," Petit says.