Leading contract logistics specialist DHL Supply Chain has signed a five-year contract with British American Tobacco Vending (BATV) in Switzerland. Starting in April this year, DHL will manage product sourcing, filling and maintenance of vending machines, cash collection and spare parts. DHL will also provide a vehicle fleet to perform the vending machine filling, maintenance and installation services. BATV will continue to determine its strategy in terms of product mix and the number and locations of its vending machines across Switzerland.

We are excited to have signed the contract with BATV Switzerland and to have the opportunity to bring in our logistics expertise to another area of their business. We're confident we will provide an added value through the services we offer and reduce costs combining our logistics network and supply chain knowledge, explains Ines Furler, Managing Director, DHL Supply Chain Switzerland.

DHL is a large logistics firm with the capacity to achieve additional synergies within their group. They have an excellent logistics network and will be able to provide operational services in a more sustainable way. Also, we're delighted that DHL will continue to employ all BATV staff in field force, workshop and back office, explains François-Emerick Loncle de Forville, Head of BAT Vending AG.

This latest development in the BAT / DHL partnership has allowed DHL to develop its first true end-to-end vending machine solution, which can be used as the platform for customers not only within tobacco, but other areas such as soft drinks and confectionery.

The two companies continue to jointly work on innovative, value driven solutions across all areas of the supply chain, such as manufacturing and repair operations (MRO), sustainability programs, collaborative procurement and e-commerce.