Founded in Japan in 1915, Makita is one of the world’s leading power tool manufacturers, delivering professional equipment to industrial, commercial, and consumer markets. Its Finnish subsidiary, Makita Oy, operates as part of a larger group with multiple European affiliates, each previously using different systems to manage shipments.
This fragmented setup made it difficult to share data, compare carrier performance, or ensure consistent quality across regions. The company needed a single, integrated shipping solution that would bring structure, scalability, and cost control to its European operations.
Challenge
Operating in several European countries, Makita was using different, non-standardized shipping systems. This created unnecessary complexity, additional costs, and inconsistent service.
The company wanted to simplify the delivery management process, reduce manual handling, and provide a unified, reliable experience for both staff and customers.
Having it all in one system is of great benefit to us – and I think our customers are receiving a better quality of service because of it.
Andrew Baxter
CIO, Makita Oy
Solution
By implementing nShift Ship as a standardized solution, Makita Oy was able to automate delivery management, label printing, and tracking across all its European branches.
When we had vendor-specific solutions, we had to dip into different systems all the time. Having it all in one system is of great benefit to us – and I think our customers are receiving a better quality of service because of it.
Andrew Baxter
CIO, Makita Oy
The platform’s tracking capabilities have also improved communication and reduced workload for Makita’s warehouse and customer service teams.
Now that reference numbers are sent to registered emails, customers don’t have to call us asking about the shipment of parcels. They can now monitor it themselves. This has reduced incoming phone calls significantly and saved a lot of time.
Joni Ruokokoski
Warehouse Manager, Makita Oy
Andrew also highlights the importance of the partnership itself, adding that the collaboration has gone beyond technology:
We have had good account management support from the nShift team, which is very important.
A lot of the success is also due not just to the technology but also to the quality of account management and daily relations. We have always had the support we’ve needed. That’s been good, which is very important. Often you buy a solution, the salespersons get their commission, and then you are left alone. That has definitely not been the case with nShift.
Andrew Baxter
CIO, Makita Oy
Results
Makita Oy now benefits from a unified, efficient shipping process across all its European branches. Manual administration has dropped sharply, tracking is automated, and customers can self-serve shipment information, improving both operational speed and satisfaction.
