Partnership at the highest level – Henkel and Raben

In the dynamic world of global supply chains, few business partnerships can stand the test of time. The market environment is changing, new technologies are emerging, and customer requirements are evolving. However, Henkel Polska and Raben Group are proving that trust and a shared vision can be the foundation for long-term success. 

Henkel products have been in millions of homes around the world for decades. From cosmetics and cleaning products to industrial adhesives and building materials, the company's wide range of products requires reliable, efficient and highly specialised logistics operations. In Poland, Raben Group has been involved in handling logistics processes for these products since the mid-1990s, initially offering customs services and gradually expanding comprehensive logistics services to include other items.

From customs to integrated logistics

The shared path of the two companies began in 1994, when Schwarzkopf partnered with Raben for the customs handling of hair cosmetics imported mainly from Germany. At that time Raben was already an active player on the Polish market, opening its first warehouses in Gądki near Poznań.

In 1996, Schwarzkopf was formally taken over by Henkel, paving the way for further cooperation. Expanding it with national and international distribution was a natural step, which was sealed in 2002 with the signing of the first contract for distribution in Poland. (It is interesting to note that the first contract comprised of only five pages, which made it an extremely simple document compared to today's contract standards) At that time, Henkel moved its stock to a modern warehouse in Poznań, which facilitated product management and improved operational efficiency.

Modern warehouses and international expansion

In 2014, Raben started in-house operations at the Żerniki warehouse, implementing a modern warehouse management system (WMS) and taking over part of the Henkel team. This was another step towards the integration of logistics processes. In 2018, Henkel outsourced its full warehousing and transport operations to Raben.

A key moment was the opening of the high storage warehouse in Robakowo. This facility, which meets the highest safety standards and the requirements of an Upper Tier Establishment, has become a strategic logistics centre for Henkel. This investment has enabled the scaling of operations and further flexible business development.

The years 2020-2024 saw further development of cooperation. In Poland, Raben has taken over transport services for three Henkel Adhesives factories. In addition, it began distribution in the Czech Republic from its warehouse in Dzierżoniów. 

The success of the logistics partnership in Poland paved the way in 2021 for the provision of services in Hungary, where adhesives are currently handled in two warehouses. 

Common objectives

When Raben started serving Henkel in Poland, its role was limited to customs services. However, as the industry grew and Henkel expanded, so did the logistics supplier's responsibilities. Over the years, Raben has expanded the partnership to include warehouse management, national and international transport and specialised services such as copacking, creating an integrated logistics model that has enabled Henkel to seamlessly scale its operations.

What started as a local partnership has evolved into an international logistics network, proving that a well-designed supply chain model can be successfully replicated in different markets.

Due to the wide range of products, the handling of Henkel Adhesives and Henkel Consumer Brands involves many requirements. From appropriate storage conditions (e.g. cold room, chamber for poisonous products, aerosol zone) to ensuring compliance with standards and specific procedures. Maintaining appropriate standards of safety, quality, product management and ensuring full traceability is key to guaranteeing its efficiency and safety at every stage of the supply chain.

Outsourcing as a strategic element of development

The dynamic growth of the outsourcing market is driven by the increasing need for cost optimisation and operational flexibility. For many companies, this is a key element of their long-term growth strategy, especially in the face of increasingly unpredictable market conditions. By gradually expanding its range of services - from transport to comprehensive logistics management - Raben has become not only a supplier but also an advisor on the best logistics solutions.

Today, outsourcing in logistics is much more than just storage and transport. It is a one-stop shop, including value-added services, supply chain integration, and process management on behalf of the customer. In Poland, the last three decades have seen not only an increase in the scale of outsourcing, but also the development of expertise and the implementation of solutions at the highest European level. This is particularly important for products requiring compliance with strict safety and environmental standards.

Outsourcing allows companies to focus resources on their core business, while reducing capital expenditure - in the case of logistics, for instance, the cost of warehouse infrastructure, equipment or advanced IT systems. By working with an experienced partner such as Raben, companies gain access to modern technologies and proven processes, which translates into greater efficiency and competitiveness.

The future: sustainable logistics and digitalisation

Henkel and Raben consistently invest in technological development and environmental initiatives. Both companies emphasise the role of technology and sustainable practices in building further partnerships. Both Raben Group and Henkel want to be leaders of green change in their respective industries. They are implementing advanced supply chain monitoring systems and developing strategies to reduce CO₂ emissions. 

Carbon neutrality measures are an important part of both companies' strategies. Henkel is aiming for climate neutrality by 2045 and Raben is actively supporting these goals through the use of alternative drives such as HVO100. Digitalisation, including the automatic transmission of delivery statuses or real-time data analysis, allows processes to be optimised and operational transparency increased.

Henkel and Raben's three-decade partnership demonstrates that a solid foundation of cooperation, based on trust and innovation, can successfully support business development on an international scale. A shared vision of the future, focused on ecology and digitalisation, allows us to look with optimism at the next years of this fruitful cooperation.