Panasonic Energy Forges Partnership with Wagner Logistics

Contract with North Kansas City-based Wagner Logistics will create jobs and expand the supply chain management provider’s real estate footprint.

NORTH KANSAS CITY, Mo., Feb. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Wagner Logistics, a leading provider of supply chain solutions, announces that it has been awarded a significant warehousing contract to support Panasonic Energy’s manufacturing facility in De Soto, Kan., which is set to open in spring 2025 to produce lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles around the world. The plant will increase Panasonic Energy’s global capacity, and this collaboration with Wagner Logistics fortifies their warehouse and logistic operations, indicating even more employment opportunities for the Kansas City area and future expansion for Wagner Logistics.

“We are honored to be selected as the warehousing partner for Panasonic Energy. It’s a great opportunity for Wagner and a great thing for Kansas City,” says Brian Smith, chief executive officer, Wagner Logistics. “This contract represents a testament to our expertise in providing tailored supply chain solutions and our dedication to exceeding customer expectations. We look forward to leveraging our capabilities to support Panasonic Energy’s manufacturing operations and strengthen our collaborative partnership.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Wagner Logistics will provide comprehensive, tailored warehousing services, state of the market technology and automation, encompassing storage, inventory management and distribution. This strategic partnership will not only streamline Panasonic Energy’s supply chain operations but also create approximately 30 warehousing job opportunities in the local community, contributing to economic growth and development.

“The Panasonic Energy team is excited to work with Wagner. From day one, they rolled up their sleeves and came ready to work, and that’s what we need in a partner. Wagner is set up well to work with us in Kansas City and their national footprint gives us options to expand with them in the future,” explains Robert Winans, vice president of supply chain, Panasonic.

This collaboration underscores Wagner Logistics’ 78-year-long commitment to fostering local job creation and economic development both in Kansas City and its warehouses and distribution centers in strategic U.S. locations.

Smith states, “Through innovation, efficiency and our unrivaled customer-centric solutions, Wagner Logistics is poised to help drive sustained economic development in Kansas City and support Panasonic Energy’s success in the dynamic manufacturing landscape as they step toward a net-zero emissions future.”

About Wagner Logistics

Wagner Logistics is a leading supply chain management provider, offering comprehensive distribution center, fulfillment and transportation services across the U.S. since 1946. The Wagner team provides precise solutions to fit each customer’s needs at the required speed. Wagner is innovating warehousing and logistics by tackling complex supply chain challenges and providing exceptional performance while the industry continually adapts to customer buying habits. Wagner is experienced in servicing manufacturers across a wide range of products types including energy (batteries), food and beverage, automotive, consumer products (CPG), paper products, ammunition and hazardous materials. The company has been honored as a Top 100 3PL by Inbound Logistics 21 years in a row. For more information, visit wagnerlogistics.com or email marketing@wagnerlogistics.com to learn about improving supply chains.

About Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd.

Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd., established in April 2022 as part of the Panasonic Group’s switch to an operating company system, provides innovative battery technology-based products and solutions globally. Through its automotive lithium-ion batteries, storage battery systems and dry batteries, the company brings safe, reliable, and convenient power to a broad range of business areas, from mobility and social infrastructure to medical and consumer products. Panasonic Energy is committed to contributing to a society that realizes happiness and environmental sustainability, and through its business activities the company aims to address societal issues while taking the lead on environmental initiatives. For more details, please visit https://www.panasonic.com/global/energy/.

About the Panasonic Group

A global leader in developing innovative technologies and solutions for wide-ranging applications in the consumer electronics, housing, automotive, industry, communications, and energy sectors worldwide, the Panasonic Group switched to an operating company system on April 1, 2022, with Panasonic Holdings Corporation serving as a holding company and eight companies positioned under its umbrella. Founded in 1918, the Group is committed to enhancing the well-being of people and society and conducts its businesses based on founding principles applied to generate new value and offer sustainable solutions for today’s world. The Group reported consolidated net sales of 7,388.8 billion yen for the year ended March 31, 2022. Devoted to improving the well-being of people, the Panasonic Group is united in providing superior products and services to help you Live Your Best. To learn more about the Panasonic Group, please visit: https://holdings.panasonic/global/.