Azuma enlists partners for worldwide growth

Azuma Shipping Co, established in 1917, is one of Japan's top logistics and warehousing companies, and has been increasing efforts to expand its global business network, especially in China.

In 2006, Azuma had an IPO to raise capital for overseas expansion. Shortly after that, it set up Tandem Ltd in Hong Kong in partnership with the US's C.H. Powell and Spain's STF (now UGL), forming an international network of independent logistics operators to serve markets worldwide.

"Our overseas business is driving our growth, and the Tandem Global Logistics network, which has 400 offices in 70 countries, is instrumental for developing our business," said Azuma Shipping President Yutaka Hirotsu.