A major turning point for innovation in a collaboration spanning more than 20 years 

XPO Logistics, a leading provider of innovative and sustainable end-to-end logistics solutions across Europe, and SKF, a pioneer in bearings and sealing solutions, announce the strengthening of their strategic partnership, with the integration of an electric tractor truck for transportation of SKF products by XPO Logistics. 
 
In France, XPO Logistics manages an essential part of SKF's logistics, with a dedicated 6,000 m² storage area in a 24,000 m² warehouse located in Parçay-Meslay (37). Every day, five shuttles are operated to transport bearing components (rings, cages, seals, plastic cups) between this warehouse and the SKF plant in Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire (37). Until now, these shuttles were carried out by a combustion engine truck. As part of its commitment to more sustainable growth, SKF recently adopted an electric tractor truck, a solution proposed by XPO Logistics to reduce the environmental impact of its operations. 
 
In early 2024, XPO Logistics ordered 105 electric tractor trucks, in addition to 125 electric rigids also scheduled for gradual integration into its fleet by the end of 2026. The electric trucks, which operate without direct CO2 emissions, also help to improve the environment by limiting noise and odour pollution. Equipped with a 360° camera, they enhance safety by eliminating blind spots 
 
This initiative is one of the concrete actions that XPO Logistics is carrying out in France as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility approach, which focuses on reducing the environmental impact of its activities, being an employer of choice and acting as a trusted partner. To promote decarbonization, XPO Logistics has positioned itself as a supplier of multi-energy and multimodal solutions. In addition to its electric vehicles, XPO Logistics offers its customers vehicles that run on biofuel or gas, as well as cyclo-logistics and transport modal shift to river, sea or rail. 
 
SKF is also actively engaged in CSR to promote sustainable development and reduce its environmental impact. The company aims to decarbonize its operations by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality across its entire supply chain by 2050.  
 
In France, SKF has implemented concrete initiatives at its Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire site, such as the installation of a biomass heating system, renovation of the heating network, optimized energy management, LED lighting and a high energy performance logistics building (LEED certified). These achievements have already saved 4,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent at SKF's main site in France. The site, which already boasts 12,600 m² of solar panels on the employee parking lot, will also be upgraded with further solar panels and insulation work to reduce its environmental impact. 
 
Bruno Kloeckner, managing director, XPO Logistics - France, commented: "Supporting a player like SKF, with its strong ambitions in terms of sustainability, reflects our shared commitment to innovate and invest in more responsible logistics. This partnership is based on shared values and a willingness to take concrete action to build together a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly growth." 
 
Franck Debrailly, SKF Logistics Director for France and Italy, added: "The longevity of our collaboration with XPO Logistics is the result of a partnership based on trust. Together, we have succeeded in implementing logistics solutions that not only meet our needs, but also aim to reduce the environmental impact of our operations. Integrating this electric tractor truck is a further step in this direction, and a source of pride for our teams." 

About SKF
SKF is a global provider of innovative solutions that help industries become more competitive and sustainable. By offering lighter, more efficient, durable and repairable products, SKF enables its customers to improve the performance of their rotating equipment while reducing their environmental impact. SKF products and services associated with the rotating shaft include bearings, seals, lubrication management, condition monitoring and services. Founded in 1907, SKF is represented in around 129 countries and has some 17,000 distributors worldwide. Annual sales for the year 2023 are SEK 103,881 million, and the number of employees is 40,396.