Nord-Lock Group, a provider of advanced bolting solutions for infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing sectors, has unveiled its new Regional Distribution Centre (RDC) at North Port, Selangor. The facility represents a strategic investment in Malaysia's logistics infrastructure and is expected to reduce delivery times for essential industrial components across Asia-Pacific markets by more than 50%.
The strategically positioned facility was officially opened by the Swedish Ambassador to Malaysia, H.E. Niklas Wiberg., alongside Northport CEO Fakhrul Azhar bin Tajudin and Graham Souter - Vice President, Head of BU Nord-Lock from Nord-Lock Group Headquarters in Sweden.
Despite its compact 539-square-metre footprint, the high-efficiency distribution centre incorporates advanced automation systems that increase the handling capacity of conventional warehouses significantly. The facility will process shipments of precision components for various industries including renewable energy, automotive manufacturing, and critical infrastructure projects across Asia-Pacific countries.
“This facility represents the future of specialised industrial logistics – where strategic location and technological sophistication matter more than sheer size,” said Graham Souter, Vice President, Head of BU Nord-Lock. “From this hub based in Northport, we can now deliver critical components to the Asia-Pacific region with unprecedented speed - enhancing our service capabilities, significantly reducing turnaround times, and empowering our customers with the efficiency they need to excel in today's fast-paced market.”
A key driver behind the new distribution centre is Nord-Lock Group's sustainability strategy. By establishing this regional hub, the company expects to reduce air freight shipments by 25 times monthly while enabling more efficient sea and ground transportation options.
“This distribution centre represents the cornerstone of our sustainability commitment across the Asia-Pacific region,” emphasised Graham. “By significantly reducing our dependence on air freight and optimising our logistics network, we're simultaneously decreasing our carbon footprint whilst enhancing delivery reliability and offering more competitive pricing to our valued customers.”
The investment comes as Malaysia's construction, transportation and manufacturing industries expands by 20.2%, 10.7% and 4.6% year-on-year, with growth in requiring specialised and reliable components such as advanced bolting systems.
“Nord-Lock Group, with its renowned engineering expertise, as a global leader in bolting solutions with operations in over 25 countries, brings valuable innovation and efficiency into the region’s supply chain,” said Fakhrul Azhar bin Tajudin, Chief Executive Officer of Northport. “The commencement of Nord-Lock Group's tenancy in January 2025 not only marks an exciting chapter for Nord-Lock in Asia but also represents a significant development for Northport as we continue to grow as a leading regional logistics hub. With our strategic location, excellent connectivity, and integrated port and logistics services, we are confident that Northport Distripark will serve as a strong foundation to support Nord-Lock Group’s ambitions across Asia-Pacific region.”
“Nord-Lock Group's decision to establish this new distribution centre in Malaysia is a testament to the country’s strategic importance in the region,” said H.E Niklas Wiberg, Ambassador of Sweden to Malaysia. “Given Malaysia’s strategic role as a regional hub in ASEAN, especially in its capacity as ASEAN Chair this year, this opening comes at a highly relevant time. The new distribution centre will create local jobs, economic opportunities, and facilitate knowledge transfer and upskilling, further enhancing Malaysia’s position in the region. It will also highlight Swedish companies, benefitting both our countries.”
The Nord-Lock Group facility is expected to support over 5,000 shipments/year capability through Malaysia, contributing to the country's position as a high-value logistics hub.
