All features articles – Page 59
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FeatureThe Kaluga Alternative
In theory, Kaluga should not work as an automotive cluster. It is under-developed, fairly remote and there is a limited labour base. But the attitude adopted by the local authorities and innovative logistics are winning carmakers overSupplying KalugaTransport linksSupply chain evolutionInfrastructureThe customs problemFundamental politicsRussia was, for a moment, Europe’s largest ...
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FeatureBlend the strengths at NYK
Japan’s NYK Group is in the process of merging its contract logistics division with its airfreight forwarding business to create a global entity called Yusen Logistics. Marcus Williams reports on the how it is aiming to provide a tailor-made service that will better serve the needs of its automotive customers.Phased ...
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FeatureKeeping it well covered
Damage superhighwayPrevention is better than cureInsurance and recovery processes in the finished vehicle supply chain are designed to ensure that the responsible party pays for any damage, but they can also help drive up quality, as Jonathan Ward reports. Additional reporting by Christopher Ludwig.The fact that a new car rolls ...
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FeatureCollaborating in the aftermarket
Marcia MacLeod discovers how logistics companies and manufacturers in the US are waking up to the benefits of shared services and more collaboration in the aftermarket supply chain.Dealing with damageCollaborating on deliveryCombing inbound with aftermarketThe sheer size of North America, with more than 3,000 miles between east and west coasts ...
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FeatureA rise ahead for European packaging
Large increases in new global vehicle programmes are expected to drive up demand for packaging across much of Europe, but manufacturers still want to see more recyclable and returnable packaging, particularly on an intercontinental basis.Demand, volume and sales forecastChallenges for the packaging industryThe standard argumentReturn to senderPlunging into container pooling?Although ...
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FeatureTier survivors
The recession has consolidated the tier supply chain, forcing those who have managed to survive to become stronger and more competitive. But that has to be reflected in their own supply chain efficiency as well.The new normalA lot of work left to be doneA 'no silo' approachEarning a profit as ...
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FeatureGlovis America: the next generation
Expansion plans for the US Assets to have and to have notThe Hyundai and Kia networkConsolidating ports will continueBetter planning for port processingGlovis America is not simply an offshoot of the Korean giant Hyundai; it is a lean logistics company ready to work across the automotive sector, from vehicle processing ...
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FeatureTMS takes hold
Considering how long TMS has been around for, there has been poor uptake in automotive. But that is changing, and now it is being applied to both in- and outbound movements with obvious successTMS uptake is rareCutthroat conditions nurture TMS uptakeThe business case for inboundThe real benefit of TMSQuality or ...
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FeatureBalancing act for high and heavy
Construction back on track?Are the LSPs ready?Coping with growthFreight rates climbProductions shifts to follow salesEnvironment legislation kicks inThe high and heavy industry is recovering, but the growth is now in emerging economies and the logistics sector needs to invest or shift capacity to service the demanding new markets, writes Andrew ...
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FeatureTurning the tide at Toyota
Doing it in-houseThe US distribution networkImproving ETA accuracyKeeping an eye on capacityFuture projectsTurning to growth againChristopher Ludwig meets Nancy Davies and discovers someobe unfazed by the challenges the last few years have thrown at Toyota’s finished vehicle distribution in the US, and who has big plans for streamlining the company’s ...
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Rising Subaru adjusts US network
Subaru of America is making important investments and additions to its US port and rail network following its recent growth. Subaru has been the most resilient carmaker throughout the downturn in the US, growing 15% in 2009 and 22% in 2010. The Japanese carmaker registered another 20% in growth year-on-year ...
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FeatureDivide and conquer
A process built around lead timesThe challenge of ‘singles’Alternative optionsBeyond Mack businessBarry Cross investigates how Mack Trucks distributes its vehicles and what advantages Volvo Logistics can offer over more asset-rich operations in North America.In August 2008, the distribution of Mack Trucks underwent a radical revamp following two years of process ...
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FeatureFrench providers look to intermodal
Current challengesA very French disease?Railing against the systemGovernment interventions ineffectivePrivatisation as catalyst for changeVehicle logistics providers have suffered from price pressure, rising costs and regulation, as well as large scale industrial action. But while more flexibility is sought on rail, there are signs that the country’s intermodal options are growing, ...
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FeatureThe export engine on the peninsula
As South Korean carmakers watch their sales rise across the globe their logistics providers have been adjusting strategy to keep pace. Marcus Williams reports on the diversification and investment being made to meet demand for faster shipping and greater capacity. Additional reporting by Christopher LudwigCapacity advantagesSpeed of deliveryTwo-basket approachTransit time ...
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FeatureThe central nervous system
The long road to RFIDTracking transportA Babylon of IT linksBLG depends on a highly advanced and organised IT system to link its distribution, port handling and technical services. Marcia MacLeod finds out what makes the vehicle logistics giant’s system tick.In 2009 BLG Automobile handled 4.6m finished vehicles at its 13 ...
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FeatureDealing with damage
US routinely classifies damageRules of destructionMishmash of guidelinesDamage-free dreamThe challenge grows at ToyotaThe line between when a car damaged in transport should be repaired or scrapped is often blurry, depending on region and OEM. Tony Danby discusses the approaches to dealing with and preventing such damage.Damage is impossible to avoid ...
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FeatureMaking the most out of Mexico
The lack of investment in Mexico’s supply base offers good opportunities for third party providers to bring in their expertise and improve their competitive standing. DHL Supply Chain is one such provider that is making inroadsConsolidation through 3PLsManagement of networksMexico on the upMexico has been producing cars for the best ...
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Vying for custom
Everything but the kitchen sinkMazda sells the benefitsThe GM approachBrand integrityMaking models accessibleCustomisation can be a simple addition of decals, or a full conversion for wheelchair access, and the degree to which manufacturers want to outsource this operation varies as much as the processes themselves, writes Malcolm Wheatley.At Daimler and ...
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FeatureA pivot to the automotive world?
Already integral to European vehicle production, Turkey is back on track to becoming a base for automotive output on a global scale, but OEMs operating there need to tackle the risks involved in their disparate and over-extended supply chainsEuropean connectionsStretching the chainMore consolidationFinished vehiclesA surprisingly open logistics marketTurkey’s automotive sector ...