Automotive logistics provider Rhenus Logistics has reported revenue increases in excess of 100% for its UK-based operations during 2013. It said there had been an increase in the volume of consolidated stock, and a rise in the demand for added value supply chain services: such as decanting, and picking parts to order. Its express services have also expanded, serving a variety of tier one and two suppliers.
The Rhenus Automotive Competence Centre (ACC) in Cannock, UK, was set up in 2010 to provide logistics services for vehicle manufacturers, as well as tier one and tier two component suppliers.
The company currently operates a synchronised inbound components service for Volkswagen, involving scheduled collections from UK and Ireland-based suppliers. It also controls the inbound shipment of contracts from the Far East, providing a complete supplier consolidation service.
“As vehicle manufacturers are expanding their European facilities to keep up with demand, so the pressure on their space utilisation increases,” said Darren Cater, head of the Rhenus in the UK. “Unable to use prime assembly areas for stocking and storage of parts, more automotive parts suppliers are turning to us to provide secure and managed stockholding capability.”
Cater added that the company was seeing a significant rise in the number of manufacturers and OEMs looking for supply chain partners that could add value by offering flexible, bespoke service, as well as providing 24/7 service, groupage, just-in-time and even reverse logistics solutions.”
To cope with increased demand, Rhenus stated that it had adopted a two-shift working day for its 14 logistics professionals, who will provide a 24-hour picking and packing solution.
