L’Oréal India: Where Women Lead Logistics Innovation

Mahindra Logistics Limited and L'Oréal India have partnered to launch what they describe as India's first fully women-operated warehouse facility in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

The development could represent a notable change in workforce dynamics within the country's logistics sector, as women take responsibility for end-to-end warehouse operations in an industry where their representation has traditionally been limited.

The initiative positions women at the centre of operational functions that directly influence business performance, potentially expanding their presence in roles where they have historically faced barriers to entry.

The workforce has undergone training programmes covering self-defence, POSH guidelines, fire safety, first aid and capability-building designed to prepare them for leadership positions within the logistics ecosystem.

Regional distribution framework

The facility serves as a distribution hub for central India, supporting the movement of goods to markets including Jabalpur, Bhopal, Indore, Singrauli, Sagar, Ratlam, Bina, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Satna, Rewa, Shahdol, Betul, Harda, Damoh, Shivpuri, Neemuch and Khargone.

According to the companies, the warehouse could enable faster replenishment cycles and reduced transit times for L'Oréal's product portfolio across the region.

The facility handles a wide range of L'Oréal's product lines through a consolidated fulfilment framework, supported by Mahindra Logistics' in-house warehouse management system. The platform integrates with L'Oréal's distribution requirements to deliver real-time visibility, inventory control and workflow optimisation across operations.

"As India's supply chain expands and becomes more integrated, increasing women's participation in core operations broadens the talent pool essential to build stronger and more capable logistics networks," says Hemant Sikka, MD and CEO at Mahindra Logistics Limited.

"Mahindra Logistics and L'Oréal India have come together to challenge long-standing norms by creating an environment designed to expand opportunities for women.

"Our warehouse directly supports L'Oréal India's ambition of inclusion and diversity across its operations and reflects a shared belief that inclusive teams drive stronger performance and innovation."

Arun Saravanakumar, Director of Supply Chain at L'Oréal India, adds: "Launching the first-ever 100% women operated warehouse, in partnership with Mahindra Logistics, is a landmark moment for us at L'Oreal India.

"It is a reflection of our commitment to gender parity at the workplace, providing women with equal opportunities and creating shared value in our communities. Building truly inclusive and diverse teams across the value chain is imperative to our success, and this initiative is an important step towards achieving that vision."

Broader sustainability and inclusion commitments

The announcement forms part of wider diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives within L'Oréal's supply chain operations.

According to the company, its supply chain distributes more than six billion products annually, dispatching two orders every second across eight distinct distribution channels including hair and beauty salons, mass market retail, e-commerce and travel retail.

L'Oréal's sustainability commitments include reducing greenhouse gas emissions linked to product transport by 50% per finished product by 2030, compared to 2016 levels. The company has also pursued the elimination of single-use plastic in packaging materials across distribution centres, with facilities in Latin America, Europe, South Asia, Africa and the Middle East reaching this objective by the end of 2020.

The company continues to expand its Solidarity Sourcing programme, described as an inclusive purchasing initiative integrated across supply chain operations. These commitments could reflect broader industry trends towards aligning operational efficiency with environmental and social responsibility objectives across global logistics networks.

Join L'Oréal at Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE

L'Oréal will be joining us at the QEII Centre in London on 4–5 March 2026 for Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: The Net Zero Summit, where Gemma Bell, Procurement Director at L'Oréal UKI, will be taking part in a panel discussion on sustainable supply chains. 

With sustainability now inseparable from supply chain excellence, panellists will discuss integration of ESG into procurement, emissions reduction, circularity and how to build supply chains fit for a low-carbon economy.

Gemma spearheads the indirect procurement strategy within a dynamic and demanding retail environment, consistently delivering 3% year-over-year savings across a £500m indirect spend portfolio. 

As a member of the European Management Committee, she also contributes to the strategic vision and change management for approximately 150 FTEs, collaborating closely with C-suite executives and global procurement teams to execute synergistic sourcing strategies. 

Key accomplishments include modernising purchase-to-pay processes, notably a successful SAP Ariba implementation across 800+ users and implementation of third party payment provider for non-strategic spend now adopted globally. 

“Crucially," she adds on her LinkedIn, "I embedded sustainability and innovation into the team's DNA, aligning with L'Oréal's broader CSR agenda and reinforcing our commitment to responsible business practices."

About The Net Zero Summit

Join us at the QEII Centre in London on 4–5 March 2026 for Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: The Net Zero Summit, the essential meeting place for senior procurement and supply chain leaders shaping transformation across the UK and Europe.

Designed for a procurement and supply chain-focused audience, the summit will address sustainable sourcing, supplier collaboration on net zero and innovation in responsible supply chains.

Attendees will gain practical insight from industry experts, hear real-world case studies and connect with peers and key decision-makers who are turning sustainability commitments into measurable outcomes.

Once again, PSC LIVE: The Net Zero Summit will be co-located with Sustainability LIVE: The Net Zero Summit. 

Click here to guarantee your ticket for this unmissable event.