Supply chain and logistics specialist Ryder System is buying omnichannel fulfilment firm Whiplash for approximately $480 million in cash. Whiplash provides e-commerce and omnichannel fulfilment solutions to more than 250 brands. The company has 19 dedicated and multi-client warehouses which total nearly seven million square feet and provide access to key port operations and gateway markets.

Ryder expects to integrate Whiplash’s facilities, operations, technology, and warehouse automation and robotics into its e-commerce fulfilment solution within the supply chain solutions business unit. Additionally, Ryder plans to retain Whiplash’s executive team and workforce, with their proven operational expertise, to execute the growth and customer solutions in this segment.

The acquisition will add to Ryder’s current e-commerce fulfilment network with new facilities in Chino, Calif; City of Industry, Calif.; Long Beach, Calif.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Savannah, Ga.; Newark, N.J.; Secaucus, N.J.; Clifton, N.J.; Columbus, Ohio; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Sumner, Wash. Additionally, the acquisition strengthens Ryder’s presence in key port operations, providing four-corner coverage of all major US inbound gateways via Seattle/Tacoma, New York/New Jersey, Savannah, and Long Beach.

“The acquisition of Whiplash is consistent with our strategy to accelerate growth in our higher-return supply chain business. It also expands our e-commerce and omnichannel fulfilment network and reflects our continued focus on technology and innovation,” said Robert Sanchez, chairman and chief executive officer for Ryder. “Whiplash’s best-in-class e-commerce platform and key geographic strongholds—coupled with Ryder’s industry-leading transportation logistics solutions, including our robust Ryder Last Mile delivery network for big-and-bulky goods—positions us to deliver incredible value for our customers who are looking for more advanced e-fulfilment solutions in today’s ever-changing landscape.”

“With e-commerce sales continuing to hit record levels and omnichannel retailing becoming mainstream, we’re seeing a significant uptick in brands looking for more dynamic fulfilment services,” said Steve Sensing, president of global supply chain solutions for Ryder. “Whiplash has built a proven model that meets today’s consumers where, when, and how they choose to engage with brands—whether that’s on-line from a mobile device or laptop, in-store, or a combination. We expect that our combined customers will benefit from that additional flexibility as well as Ryder’s vast nationwide network, extensive technology suite, best-in-class warehouse management practices, and end-to-end transportation logistics solutions.”

“This announcement signals a new accelerated phase of growth for Whiplash that will benefit our current customers and dramatically enhance our ability to scale and deliver innovation for digitally-native brands and omnichannel retailers,” said Jeff Wolpov, chief executive officer of Whiplash. “Ryder’s supply chain expertise, facility network, and last-mile transportation solutions are a perfect complement to the Whiplash e-commerce platform, and we’re excited to be part of the Ryder team.”