SKL Expands Its Logistics Network with New Temperature-Controlled Facility in Tsurugashima, Saitama

On July 1, 2026, SKL, a subsidiary of Shibataya Holdings headquartered in Tokyo's Nakano Ward, proudly opened the "SKL Tsurugashima Center" in Tsurugashima City, Saitama Prefecture. This new center significantly strengthens SKL's already robust logistics network, which includes facilities in Nerima, Heiwajima, Sayama, and Nishitokyo, thereby establishing five major operational hubs in the Kanto region.

A Comprehensive Logistics Solution

SKL's Tsurugashima Center is the largest refrigerated facility within the company, spanning approximately 300 tsubo (around 991 square meters) and equipped with a maximum of 50 tsubo (around 165 square meters) of refrigeration space. This center is developed to cater to the logistics needs of various industries, leveraging SKL's expertise in temperature management acquired through years of experience in the alcoholic beverage logistics sector.

The facility not only addresses temperature-sensitive products like food and beverages but also accommodates consumables that may require refrigerated handling, such as solder paste. Moreover, SKL offers a complete logistics solution that covers storage, transportation, container de-vanning, inventory management, and expiration date monitoring.

Meeting the Logistics Challenges

The logistics industry is facing various challenges like increased cargo volume, effective temperature management, and establishing reliable delivery systems. SKL has traditionally supported temperature-controlled logistics, particularly for Shibataya's beverages, from its existing four locations. The company decided to open the Tsurugashima Center, strategically located for optimal transport connectivity, in response to the growing demands from Kanto and Kansai regions.

Features of the Tsurugashima Center

1. Temperature-Controlled Environment
The entire facility is temperature-controlled, ensuring high-quality preservation for sensitive products like beverages and perishable foods, tailored to their specific storage requirements.
2. Expanded Refrigerated Facilities
With its spacious refrigerated setup, the Tsurugashima Center can cater efficiently to the needs of businesses requiring ample cold storage capacity.
3. End-to-End Logistics Services
In addition to storage, SKL offers temperature-controlled transportation via its fleet of 60 dedicated vehicles, capable of non-stop deliveries to various destinations, including Shizuoka and Aichi prefectures.
4. Comprehensive Item Handling
The company has established a strong track record of handling container de-vanning since over a decade ago, using advanced Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) for inventory and expiration monitoring to ensure accuracy and security in operations.

Dedicated Logistics Services Available

The Tsurugashima Center provides a variety of services suited to logistic needs, including:

- Temperature-Controlled Storage: Utilizing the facility’s capacity for alcoholic and perishable items needing strict temperature oversight.
- Pickup and Delivery: Leveraging a network of established hubs for flexible collection and distribution, particularly in Eastern Japan.
- Container De-Vanning and Inventory Management: Offering comprehensive oversight from de-vanning to inventory entries, reinforced by WMS implementation.
- Inclusion of Non-Refrigerated Goods: Accepting a broader range of commodities like office supplies and certain metal products, including solder.

SKL is committed to addressing logistics challenges faced by businesses seeking efficient storage and transportation solutions. As logistics demands evolve, the company is prepared to collaborate with businesses aiming to streamline their logistics processes.

A Forward-Looking Approach

With the Tsurugashima Center now in operation, SKL is poised to enhance its existing four-site network, creating an intensified logistical infrastructure throughout the Kanto region. The company’s strategy draws on the deep-rooted expertise gained from alcoholic beverage distribution, broadening its scope to include diverse products, ensuring consistent quality and supply.

Shibataya Group is dedicated to ongoing investments in logistics infrastructure, committing to sustainably develop the supply chain in the future.