DHL Supply Chain France Supports Bayer Crop Science in Transforming Its Seed Logistics Operations

• Bayer Crop Science entrusts DHL Supply Chain with the management of its seed logistics flows in France under a 9-year contract.
• A single 23,300 sqm site in Alzonne (Languedoc, France), designed to meet the highest environmental standards.
• A redesigned operating model to simplify processes, enhance traceability and reduce carbon footprint.

DHL Supply Chain, the global leader in contract logistics, announces the signing of a strategic partnership with Bayer Crop Science for the management of its seed logistics activities in France. This 9-year contract is based on the implementation of a new 23,300 sqm logistics site located in Alzonne, near Carcassonne, in close proximity to Bayer’s Trèbes facility.

A structural transformation of logistics flows

Bayer Crop Science is fundamentally reshaping its operating model by consolidating its five existing warehouses into a single site. This decision reflects a clear ambition to simplify operations and gain end-to-end visibility across its logistics flows.

DHL Supply Chain manages the full scope of operations, from inbound receipt and storage through to order preparation and international shipping. Around 25,000 SKUs of maize and rapeseed seeds are handled to serve the French, European and global markets.

The proximity to the Trèbes site, one of Bayer’s main production facilities in Europe for this activity, improves synchronization between production and distribution.

Product requirements driving operational excellence

Agricultural seeds require precise storage conditions to preserve their quality and performance. The logistics setup has therefore been designed around these specific constraints.

Storage areas are maintained between 8 and 12°C, with controlled humidity levels. These parameters are continuously monitored to ensure product integrity throughout the logistics cycle.

This demanding operating environment aligns with standards typically found in sectors where strict environmental control is essential.

Aligning operational performance with environmental ambitions

Beyond operational gains, the project contributes to reducing carbon emissions. Consolidating flows helps limit intermediate transport and streamline goods movements.

The site has also been developed in line with high environmental standards. It is certified BREEAM Excellent and WELL Core Gold for office spaces. Compliant with EU taxonomy requirements, it features large-scale photovoltaic energy production and electric heat pumps, supporting carbon-neutral warehouse operations.

A long-term partnership with an international dimension

This partnership marks the first collaboration between Bayer Crop Science and DHL Supply Chain in France. It builds on previous successful projects between the two groups in other regions, including the United States, Mexico and Germany.

“Consolidating our logistics operations into a single site represents a key milestone for our organization. We selected DHL Supply Chain for its ability to design and operate tailored solutions aligned with our quality standards and sustainability commitments,” said Yves Picquet, President of Bayer Crop Science France.

“This partnership demonstrates our ability to support large-scale logistics transformations, combining operational excellence, flow management and environmental performance. We are proud to bring our expertise to Bayer Crop Science to build a more integrated, agile and sustainable supply chain,” said Nico Schütz, CEO of DHL Supply Chain France.