Wärtsilä, a global leader in complete lifecycle power solutions for the marine and energy markets, inaugurates its new spare parts distribution centre in Kampen, the Netherlands, on Monday 7 November 2011. The Central Distribution Centre is to be inaugurated by Wärtsilä’s president and CEO Björn Rosengren together with Bort Koelewijn, the Mayor of Kampen.
The Central Distribution Centre is the core of Wärtsilä Global Logistics Services, and integrates eight previously localized spare parts warehouses into one global supply chain operation. It covers the entire material flow from order confirmation until the point of delivery at the customer’s doorstep. The new centre will shorten transportation distances, reduce spare parts traffic between warehouses, and improve management of the entire supply chain. Wärtsilä’s global service network continues to serve the customers with a full range of services and repairs.
"The new centre will deliver spare parts to customers and Wärtsilä’s 160 service locations around the globe. By using one global logistics centre, and through the creation of a highly efficient logistics flow, Wärtsilä is better positioned to serve its customers and suppliers. Consolidating logistics and warehousing will result in faster and more efficient spare parts deliveries, 24 hours a day, seven days a week," says Christoph Vitzthum, group vice president, Wärtsilä Services.
The new distribution centre began operations in December 2010 and will be fully operational before the end of this year. The facilities cover an area of 37,000m2. Wärtsilä’s total investment in the new distribution centre has been approximately €70m. When in full operation there will be approximately 140 people working there.
The Central Distribution Centre has been designed and implemented by Swisslog, a logistics solutions provider. CEVA Logistics, a supply chain management company, is responsible for the shipments and operational warehouse handling.