BENTELER Automotive expands logistics center in Kleinenberg

Paderborn/Kleinenberg, April 27, 2018. Construction works for a new dispatch and empties hall have begun at BENTELER Automotive in Kleinenberg. The expansion reflects the positive development of the local BENTELER plant. The new lightweight building will cover an area of 1400 m². Renovations should already be completed in July.

Support customers quickly and agilely

"We want to react even faster and more flexibly to customer requests. With the new logistics concept, we are adapting to the increased demand and requirements of our customers”, emphasizes Sebastian Thöle, Plant Manager Kleinenberg.

The present shipping hall went into operation in 2003. The plant also expects the positive development to continue in the coming years. Amongst others, the number of deliveries to automotive customers will double by 2020 in the logistic sector compared to 2017. More than 1.7 million movements per year are expected for 2020. Overall, the increased order volume urgently requires a significantly higher storage and movement capacity in logistics area.

Change from component manufacturer to system supplier

The extension is also possible, because the plant extends its range: “We are changing from a component manufacturer to a system supplier,” Sebastian Thöle points out. “Where water pipes for motor cooling used to be produced, complex coolers for exhaust gas recirculation and complete fuel injection systems are formed today.”

Automotive manufacturers shift more and more systems to their suppliers. As a worldwide supplier BENTELER Automotive accepts this challenge without hesitation and supports its customers with quick and agile logistics.

Material flow is optimized for production

In addition to expanding the logistics area, a so-called tugger train will also be installed in 2018. This load carrier commutes on a fixed route between the logistics and production area and supports the production with timed delivery. This guarantees smooth operation. "For Kleinenberg, this is a decisive milestone in ensuring the supply of production and making the material flow significantly more transparent", emphasizes Frank Engelbracht, Head of Logistics in Kleinenberg.