Hyundai Glovis Expands Smart Logistics Portfolio Through Altiall Acquisition

Hyundai Glovis, the logistics subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group, plans to enhance its smart logistics solution business by acquiring Altiall, an IT firm specializing in logistics automation software. Hyundai Glovis had been actively seeking an acquisition partner for a year. 

Hyundai Glovis announced on the 19th that it has entered into a stock purchase agreement (SPA) with Altiall, a company specializing in logistics automation solutions.

Acquiring Altiall is a crucial step in strengthening Hyundai Glovis’ smart logistics solution business, which has actively developed and implemented innovative technologies at customer logistics centers since last year. This business focuses on maximizing efficiency by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and robotics into various aspects of the logistics process, including transportation and management.

Altiall, established in 2017, has positioned itself as a key player in logistics automation software. The company has focused on designing, developing, and constructing control systems, which form the core of smart logistics solutions. 

Altiall has developed technology that eliminates the need to halt logistics center operations when implementing automation software—an obstacle commonly faced by the industry. 

This capability, a first in Korea, allows for the seamless integration of automation software without disrupting ongoing logistics activities. According to the company, the application of this software has resulted in significant improvements in logistics productivity, boasting an increase of up to 30%.

“Through the synergies of the acquisition with Altiall, we aim to become a top player in the domestic logistics automation market as early as 2025,” Hyundai Globis said in its statement. “We plan to expand orders by targeting distribution logistics such as food, beverage, clothing, and bio, and manufacturing logistics such as secondary batteries and automobiles as key target industries.”

To further strengthen its presence in the logistics automation sector, Hyundai Globis has secured exclusive distribution rights for automation equipment from Swisslog, a renowned logistics equipment manufacturer. This agreement grants Hyundai Globis the sole authority to sell Swisslog’s automated warehouse equipment domestically. This advanced equipment employs an unmanned transfer system to store and retrieve goods autonomously, offering seamless warehouse operations.

With its domestic operations poised for stability, Hyundai Globis has set its sights on expanding its smart logistics solution business globally. Leveraging its extensive network of 45 domestic and 95 global logistics bases built over the past two decades, the company aims to showcase the competitive edge of its smart logistics solutions in key international markets such as Southeast Asia and the Americas.

Focusing specifically on the Southeast Asian market, Hyundai Globis has forged a partnership with CP Group, Thailand’s leading conglomerate. The collaboration aims to establish a compact logistics center in a prime city location as part of Hyundai Globis’ targeted efforts to tap into the thriving ASEAN logistics market. 

To drive further diversification in its business endeavors, Hyundai Globis has expanded and reorganized its Smart Innovation Division. As part of this restructuring, the company has established the Smart Logistics Solution Team, comprising logistics experts and engineers, to spearhead innovative initiatives.