Fast Retailing Co. Ltd., operator of the Uniqlo apparel chain, on Oct. 9 formed a strategic partnership with logistics company Daifuku Co. Ltd. aimed at getting products to customers faster.

Under the partnership agreement, the Japanese companies will develop, build and maintain fully automated warehouses for Fast Retailing in Japan as well as overseas. They will also work on planning and implementing new logistics systems that leverage the increased productivity of automated warehouses.

The two companies previously collaborated on automating Fast Retailing's Ariake warehouse in Tokyo.