New Chicago Gateway Facility Triples SEKO Logistics Footprint in Chicago As It Forecasts Three Fold Growth in Business in 2019

SEKO Logistics has opened a global gateway in Chicago IL., marking the latest stage of its transition to a period of acquisition growth as it grows and differentiates its service offering in the international 3PL market.

Tripling the size of SEKO’s Chicago hub follows its acquisition in January of GoodShip International, the Chicago-headquartered customs broker and freight forwarder. This move, which also followed the purchase of a majority shareholding in SEKO partner Omni-Channel Logistics, is indicative of SEKO’s strategy to work with the right types of strategic partners and to undertake acquisitions which enhance its technology, network, and capabilities. The new SEKO Chicago facility will be a cross border ecommerce parcel processing hub for its growing international, domestic and returns parcel solutions.

Consolidating its Chicago operation into a major new facility is in anticipation of a three-fold growth in business in the region in 2019 and will future-proof SEKO’s operations in the Midwest. The 103,000 sq. ft. facility combines 17 dock and ramp doors and a five-high pallet racking storage system. CTPAT- and Indirect Air Carrier-certified, the warehouse is full secured with electronic entry and hi-res security monitoring cameras covering the exterior and interior of the property. All-electric equipment inside the building also ensures its optimum environmental efficiency. The facility will include both a clean room for medical devices and a temperature control section to enhance its White Glove services and Omni-Channel Logistics capabilities as well, respectively.   

The Chicago gateway houses all of SEKO’s contract logistics, air and ocean freight forwarding and cross-dock operations, white glove and value-added forwarding services alongside the customs brokerage and compliance capabilities expertise used by SEKO’s rapidly-growing client portfolio. In Chicago, this now spans leading global brands to technology-savvy start-ups working in industries including Aerospace & Aviation logistics, Automotive, Energy, Electronics, FMCG, High-Tech, Industrial, Medical, Retail and Tradeshow & Events.  

James Gagne, President and CEO, SEKO Logistics said: “This latest investment in another gateway hub and proximity to the airport is driven by the needs of customers who have chosen SEKO to deliver global solutions. Chicago joins other key cities across our international network where we are bringing all of our global capabilities together under one roof and follows SEKO’s expansion in other major cities such as Los Angeles, New York, London, Hong Kong and Amsterdam.  Our fast-growing Global Own Gateway Markets with a combination of people, process, infrastructure, network and technology investment will weaponize and bolster our local strategic partners to deliver for our clients combining our global presence with local expertise and excellence.”

Rick Lee, COO Americas for SEKO Logistics added, “The acquisition of GoodShip International in Chicago has accelerated SEKO’s own growth in the Midwest with additional depth in our value-added freight forwarding services. We are expanding faster in the market where we started than at any time in our 43-year history and are putting the infrastructure in place to stay ahead of this demand, particularly for our cross-border solutions, which are enabling US businesses to rapidly enter and grow in new international markets.  This is now our flagship facility in the United States and we look forward to continuing our expansion of Omni-Channel Logistics, White Glove and Value-Added Freight Forwarding facilities here and around the globe.”

About the author

Brian Bourke

Brian Bourke is the Vice President of Marketing of SEKO Logistics, a position he has held since his return in 2012. Speaking five languages, he brings a level of creativity and vitality which is well beyond his years. He is responsible for the internal and external communication of the unique features and benefits of SEKO’s Global logistics solutions. Mr. Bourke began his career with SEKO in 2005 after receiving his BA in Economics from the University of Wisconsin. He was head of Marketing Communications for Geodis Wilson prior to returning to SEKO.

SEKO Logistics provides a suite of logistics services which enable our customers to use their supply chain as a competitive differentiator. As a customer centric organization, we are powered by the expertise of our people and our in-house developed, best in class, customizable technology. It is this combination which gives SEKO its strength.

With over 120 offices in 40 countries worldwide, our unique shareholder management model enables customers to benefit from our specific industry sector expertise coupled with vital in-country knowledge and unparalleled service at the local level. This unique model provides our customers with:

- Hands-on service and support
- Personal relationships
- Creative, customized solutions
- Responsiveness and reliability
- Flexibility and consistency

We have a flat management structure, with just three layers between the customer and the CEO, making us 'fast on our feet' in delivering solutions that can meet each customer's exact requirements. This lean and nimble structure increases our decision-making speed and gives us an ability to implement customized solutions which far exceed those of our competitors.