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Customized logistics in practice: 40 years of partnership with Smurfit Westrock
"At H. Daugaard we don't just meet flexibility - we meet people who understand our business"
The partnership between H. Daugaard and Smurfit Westrock stretches back almost four decades and is a core example of how tailored logistics solutions create real value. Over the years, the relationship has evolved far beyond the traditional customer/supplier relationship and is now a close collaboration where H. Daugaard is an integral part of Smurfit Westrock's daily operations.
A strong partner in a complex production chain
Smurfit Westrock, formerly known as Dansk Kraftemballage, has roots in Kolding dating back to the 1950s. Today, the company is a global player with more than 100,000 employees and specializes in innovative packaging solutions - from corrugated and consumer packaging to Bag-in-Box and sales displays for some of the largest companies in Denmark.
Production in Kolding requires day-to-day logistics with high precision and flexibility. As there is limited space for finished goods storage at the factory itself, we at H. Daugaard handle a large part of the receipt and control of raw materials and inventory management. We are ready with cars and drivers for final delivery to customers. Smurfit Westrock manages the disposition of all trailers itself and puts together the most optimal routes for all parties. This means we don't just deliver - we are an active part of the daily operations.
We are their warehouse - and more
At our Kolding Harbor location, we have a dedicated warehouse for Smurfit Westrock. When their raw materials arrive, our employees take care of unloading, scanning and physical checks before the rolls are placed with registered location.
Our trucks and scanners are connected directly to Smurfit Westrock's own ERP system - we work in their system and effectively act as their warehouse department. We receive a daily production call - a message about how many rolls need to be returned to the factory. Our employees handle picking, loading and transportation - all with same-day delivery.
Fixed routines, flexible solutions and full flow
We have been transporting finished goods since the early 2000s. This is done with loose trailers that we set up at Smurfit Westrock. Their employees load the trailers, after which our two terminal tractors ensure quick replacement and flow. From 6am to 4pm, between 20 and 30 loads roll out daily to Smurfit Westrock's customers - and in total, around 45-50 trailers are in constant circulation.
At the heart of the collaboration is our permanent team of dispatchers and drivers. They know both the job and the people behind it - and it shows.
Delivery reliability, flexibility and personal contact
"At H. Daugaard , we don't just meet flexibility - we meet people who understand our business. Production runs around the clock and things change quickly. When a machine breaks down or we get an urgent order late, they are ready - and make things happen. This requires a set-up with an overview, quick response and personal contact. And they have that. We talk to them many times a day - and we know that we always find a solution together."
- Mette Sowienski, Transportation Planner Smurfit Westrock
We have a dedicated dispatcher who is fully integrated into their daily operations and works closely with Smurfit Westrock's internal team. And we have a permanent team of drivers who not only know the job, they also know the customers, the products and the high demands that come with it.
Many of the drivers have been driving for Smurfit Westrock for years and are so integrated into the partnership that they unload the trucks themselves and know exactly how different customers want their goods delivered. It is precisely this human continuity and understanding that makes the difference. The drivers are a direct extension of the Smurfit Westrock business.
A partnership built on trust and alignment
The collaboration between H. Daugaard and Smurfit Westrock is a good example of how logistics is not just about moving goods - but about understanding the business behind it. Our role ranges from warehousing, handling raw materials and day-to-day deliveries of finished goods to the customer. But what really stands out is the strong collaboration and the people behind it.
With fixed contact persons, dedicated drivers and a flexible set-up, together we have created a solution that supports complex production without slowing down the flow - on the contrary. It's customized logistics in practice. And that's exactly the kind of long-term partnerships we at H. Daugaard take pride in.
