Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL), a global provider of outbound logistics solutions, has acquired a 60% stake in supply chain solutions firm Abnormal Load Services (ALS).

ALS will become an integrated part of the WWL product offering, adopting the name Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics Abnormal Load Services (WWL ALS). The creation of WWL ALS fills a need in the market by offering quality, consistent and competitive transport and distribution solutions for high and heavy wheeled and tracked equipment like agricultural and construction machinery.

Erik Noeklebye, WWL head of region Europe, says: "Today, OEMs are forced to look at the supply chain in a fragmented fashion due to a lack of integrated service providers. Ocean transport, land transport, technical services, plant handling, etc, are often contracted separately, forcing the OEM to involve a lot of resources to manage a fragmented supply chain, driving costs up and quality down."

Noeklebye says his company can offer "seamless finished vehicle logistics solutions with one customer interface and a global presence".

WWL, which offers global shipping and logistics solutions for manufacturers of cars, trucks, heavy equipment and specialised cargo, has about 4,500 employees worldwide.

Abnormal Load Services specialises in the niche market of global "out of gauge supply chain" solutions for the construction and agricultural markets.
The acquisition value is confidential.