Kawasaki Expands UPS Logistics Program

The Engine Division of Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., a manufacturer of gasoline engines for landscape, industrial, and consumer markets, has announced an expansion of its arrangement with logistics specialist UPS to include a new full service warehouse in Dallas, effective this month.

Utilizing UPS warehouses in Hebron, Ken., and Mira Loma, Calif., Kawasaki said it has shortened the time between dealer order and actual delivery and placed dealers in a better position to provide service to their customers. Kawasaki moved to UPS logistics services several years ago and it has been a significant benefit, the company said.

“One of our major tasks is to constantly be aware of what tools we can use to strengthen our dealers’ bonds with their professional lawn care customers,” said Rodger Howe, vice president at Kawasaki. “The numbers from UPS tell a compelling story over the past several years.  Adding a Dallas facility will heighten that level of service even further.”

Howe said the addition of the Dallas location should reduce delivery to Gulf Coast and central Midwest states by one or two days. “That’s a major consideration when any equipment down-time is a significant expense factor for professional landscapers,” Howe said.

Howe added that the existing infrastructure available through the UPS Supply Chain Solutions option was key to the success of the program, adding that the system is finely honed to offer quick response to business needs. 

“That responsiveness is a two-way street,” Howe said. “It works for Kawasaki and it helps our dealers maintain the greatest possible level of satisfaction with their collective customer base.”

The new Dallas facility will encompass more than 25,000 sq. ft. and will stock in excess of 5000 SKUs. The site will serve dealers in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming.