Finnish logistics company K.Hartwall has acquired its long-time partner, Melbourne-based supply chain equipment supplier Retailquip.

K.Hartwall says the acquisition will strengthen its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

“For over 20 years, both companies have been cooperating to serve Australian customers with best-fit solutions to improve the efficiency of their operations,” says Jerker Hartwall, chief executive officer of K.Hartwall.

“It all started in 2005 when the first Compactainers were supplied to Coles-Myer to replace their pallet operations. Already back then we saw the synergies between both companies.”

Hartwall says Retailquip will become his company’s “stronghold” for automation in Australia.

Retailquip’s current management will remain after the takeover.

“It is a very exciting time to be a part of the supply chain movement in Australia, and we have a great opportunity here to bring more of that Nordic innovation to our shores,” says Retailquip managing director Clare Hart-Davies.