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NX Group is leveraging technology and strategic acquisitions to boost customer growth.
In recent years, pandemic-related port closures, the conflict in Ukraine and now the threat of new U.S. tariffs have resulted in significant challenges to global supply chains. But behind the scenes, logistics companies are ensuring that important shipments are getting to where they need to be on time. One of them is NX Group, which is leveraging leading-edge technology and strategic acquisitions to establish itself as one of the top five players in the international freight industry.
NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS President Satoshi Horikiri talks about the company’s growth in the global market.
NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS President Satoshi Horikiri aims to make NX Group one of the top five players in the international freight industry.
NX Group
A Foundation Built on Trust and Technological Advances
Established in 1937, Nippon Express, the core company of NX Group, has roots that go back to 1872, a time when Japan began a rapid program of modernization. The company was founded by merging rail and other transport companies, immediately giving it a multimodal advantage. After quickly expanding across Japan and internationally, mainly in B2B logistics, NX Group built a reputation as a precision-oriented, flexible partner trustworthy enough to ship masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo around the world.
As of 2023, NX Group has a significant 25% share of Japan’s air exports, and is currently ranked 8th in air freight, 6th in sea freight and 6th overall.
“Our strength lies in our leading presence in Asia, with Japan as the core of our operations,” says Horikiri. “Asia accounts for a significant portion of global cargo volume, with some 60–70% of global cargo originating from the region. Another source of strength is our combination of freight forwarding and logistics. Based on account management, we can provide the right solution for every customer.”
NX Group has introduced warehouse AI and cloud-connected autonomous mobile robots that transport inventory to loading bays.
NX Group
Supporting this position is NX Group’s deployment of leading-edge logistics technology. It has introduced warehouse AI and cloud-connected autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) that transport inventory to loading bays. NX Group has established systems that provide real-time cargo tracking and digital monitoring of temperature and impact on cargo, as well as forklifts with remote, autonomous and manual operating modes.
“We have started a pilot project called the NX Universal Harmonious Work Warehouse, a place where people of all abilities can work in a supportive environment that incorporates short-distance mobility solutions. This is the first phase of a workplace evolution to create a better environment for everyone,” says Horikiri. “I believe these innovations have boosted distribution efficiency and helped NX Group better serve its customers.”
NX Group has started a pilot project called the NX Universal Harmonious Work Warehouse, where people of all abilities can work while using short-distance mobility solutions.
NX Group
Leveraging M&As to Fuel Customer Growth
With a focus on key industries, including semiconductor, healthcare and automotive, NX Group now includes over 300 companies and more than 78,000 employees working in 57 countries and regions all over the world. Over the past decade, NX Group, which values a customer-oriented approach, has grown into a company that can create even greater value by attracting companies with the same philosophy to join the group.
“The goal of this strategy is not only to increase global scale but also to support customers as they enter new markets,” says Horikiri. “Mergers and acquisitions increase purchasing power for transportation, leading to expanded capabilities and more solutions for customer challenges.”
One example is expanding a network in Eastern Europe and a customer base outside Japan. In 2024, NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS acquired cargo-partner, an Austrian logistics company with a strong presence in Central and Eastern Europe. Established in 1983, cargo-partner specializes in air and ocean freight forwarding and offers services in rail and truck transportation, as well as contract logistics.
NX Group now includes over 300 companies and more than 78,000 employees working in 57 countries and regions all over the world.
NX Group
Commenting on the value of this acquisition Horikiri says, “It brings key synergies: a strong transportation network in Central and Eastern Europe, complementary customer bases for cross-selling and enhanced efficiency through combined cargo volumes, integrated operations and shared back-office functions.”
In another example aimed at increasing competitiveness and efficiency, NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS acquired the Simon Hegele Group, a German contract logistics provider, in 2025. Founded in 1920, Simon Hegele specializes in logistics services for the healthcare industry and has over 2,800 employees and operations across Europe, the U.S., South America, Asia and Australia.
“Simon Hegele has built a robust customer base by leveraging its specialized logistics platform,” says Horikiri. “It has strength in healthcare and transportation networks within the EU. By integrating with NX Group’s forwarding functions, it will create synergies and provide end-to-end services from transportation to delivery and installation.”
“Cargo-partner and Simon Hegele are very customer-oriented companies whose corporate culture resonates with our DNA,” Horikiri says. “We’re confident that the service and quality we have built in Japan, our home market, will be welcomed by Western companies. Recently, foreign companies that used our services in Japan really liked them and expressed a desire to use them globally.”
As NX Group brings its Japanese sensibility of attention to detail, precision logistics and innovative end-to-end solutions to serve a broader scale of businesses overseas, it will leverage both its technological expertise and its ability to deal with the unexpected.
“M&As increase purchasing power for transportation, leading to expanded capabilities and more solutions for customer challenges,” says Horikiri.
NX Group
Maintaining Focus on Customer-Oriented Solutions
Recently, due to geopolitical risks, flying over Russia and sailing through the Red Sea have become challenging. Even outside of conflict zones, there are cases where regulations in various countries are suddenly tightened, or domestic disasters cut off roads. Logistics is a global industry, and irregular situations occur constantly.
“NX Group’s motto, ‘We find the way,’ reflects the company’s commitment to overcoming logistics challenges and providing optimal solutions tailored to each individual customer,” says Horikiri. “It shows our commitment to finding the best transportation solutions, meeting our customers’ challenges and seeing them through. This customer-centric approach is what drives NX Group’s global business expansion and enables us to provide high-quality services that are closely aligned with our customers’ needs.”
To learn more about NX Group, click here.
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