Kuehne+Nagel celebrates a significant milestone in its presence in Ecuador with the opening of a state-of-the-art logistics centre in Tababela, Quito. The new facility includes 2,280 sqm of refrigerated warehouses, 6,445 sqm of manoeuvring yard, 25 docks and 795 sqm of office space.

Since its founding in Quito in 1995, with just five employees dedicated to air logistics, Kuehne+Nagel Ecuador has experienced continuous growth. The acquisition of Master Transport in 2013 and Panatlantic in 2018 further strengthened its leadership in the perishable sector. Today, thanks to its development and expanded service offerings, the company ranks as one of the most comprehensive and versatile organisations in the country for international trade and supply chain management.

Diether Bohn, Managing Director for Ecuador, Colombia, Peru and Venezuela, says: "With this step, we reaffirm our commitment to the economic development of Ecuadorian trade and industry as a whole, by relying on the most advanced logistics solutions. Furthermore, integrating all Quito teams into a single location will foster stronger synergies, increase process agility and deliver a superior experience for both customer and employees.”

Currently, the company's primary solutions in the country include general and perishables air logistics services, cross-docking, airport storage and delivery, full container and consolidated sea freight as well as customs management. Additionally, Kuehne+Nagel offers decarbonisation options for these services.

“Over the past 30 years, we have transported thousands of tons of Ecuadorian products worldwide, and today we take the next step. This new facility not only marks an upgrade in infrastructure but also brings our vision to life, to become the most trusted supply chain partner supporting a sustainable future,” says Mónica Jimenez, Country Manager, Ecuador.

Kuehne+Nagel, in partnership with Azul Linhas Aéreas, is transforming the reality of Amazonian riverside communities through an initiative that connects small producers and cooperatives to consumer markets in Brazil and abroad. This action is part of a joint commitment to sustainable development and environmental preservation, aligned with both companies' ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) agendas.

The collaboration is part of the ARA Movement – All Amazons Under the Same Blue Sky, an initiative by Azul that brings the company closer to local cooperatives and businesses to stimulate ventures contributing to the region's socio-bioeconomy. The company provides support so that these entrepreneurs can transport their products sustainably, offering discounts of up to 80% on freight. Through Azul Cargo Express, Azul's logistics business unit, the company connects these local producers to over 5,000 municipalities, enabling them to participate in events and sell their products in urban centres. Kuehne+Nagel, in turn, contributes its logistics expertise, assisting with access to both national and international markets.

“For us, joining forces with Azul in this project is an opportunity to connect our logistics expertise with a cause of profound social impact. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to the 'Living ESG' pillar, further strengthening our goal of being the most reliable supply chain partner and contributing to a more sustainable future,” says Adriana Martins, President of Kuehne+Nagel in Brazil.

The companies held a workshop for a group of entrepreneurs at UniAzul, located in Campinas. During the event, small producers received training on the procedures for domestic transportation of goods as well as on becoming exporters, with Kuehne+Nagel providing support at all stages, from licensing to identifying market opportunities. This training is essential for producers who create crafts, grow organic food, and produce other items derived from Amazonian biodiversity to expand their businesses while ensuring environmental preservation.

“Ensuring that Amazon products reach new markets with quality and sustainability is a significant step in strengthening these communities. This partnership expands the impact of the ARA Movement by adding knowledge and logistical support to the other solutions we already offer,” says Filipe Alvarez, Sustainability Manager at Azul.