Progress through logistics: Audi counts on Gefco Austria
In the first half of 2018, the premium car manufacturer Audi based in Ingolstadt commissioned Gefco Austria with the support of five lanes for the inbound supply of its German plants. The logistics provider is responsible for loading various components from Austrian suppliers at different locations and delivery in agreed time windows in the German automotive plants Neckarsulm and Ingolstadt. In the sense of a sustainable supply chain, reusable containers will be used as far as possible for the transport of automobile components and the empty containers will be returned to the parts suppliers at regular intervals.
“Efficient and individual solutions for our customers are in our focus. That’s why we set up the extremely complex and detailed logistics process together with the Audi experts and tailored it optimally to the needs of all those involved,” explains Peter Vanek, Managing Director of Gefco Austria and Switzerland.
In automotive logistics, setting up and starting the incoming goods flows requires meticulous preparation. In addition to considering the required delivery and pick-up times at the OEM plants (original equipment manufacturer), agreements with regard to loading and unloading times must be made with the suppliers. The required loading and unloading conditions as well as the legal framework conditions (eg. driving and rest periods) are just as important components of planning.
The creation of specific tour concepts is therefore essential for the smooth running of such highly sensitive logistics processes in factory supply, emphasises Gefco Austria in a press release. The company now supports three brands of the Volkswagen Group on numerous inbound lines from Austrian suppliers to the respective production sites.