Its focus on providing first-rate service levels combined with an operational knowledge of the automotive manufacturing industry has resulted in Acumen Distribution receiving Approved Supplier Status for all of Johnson Controls Automotive (JCA) UK plants and a new contract to manage JCA’s complete inbound supply chain. This will include planning the collection schedules and collecting parts from a wide range of disparate locations throughout Europe and the UK.
Acumen Distribution’s association with Johnson Controls Automotive began with the company’s Burton facility when it decided to rationalise its supplier base and streamline inbound parts deliveries to their UK plants. Needing a company that could operate in a synchronised, just-in-time environment to build and supply automotive seats for Toyota, Steve Brown the Material Planning & Logistics Manager at JCA looked for a company that could provide competitiveness and industry knowledge.
“Initially we chose Acumen Distribution for its competitiveness within the market but, after three years of our partnership, we decided to implement Acumen’s services at our other UK facilities”, said Steve Brown. “This was based on the service levels provided and their operational knowledge of automotive manufacturing which has proved invaluable during the time we have worked together”.
Acumen Distribution now operates a fleet of five dedicated vehicles collecting 24/5 from UK suppliers and delivering parts to the Burton plant. In addition it manages the EU supplies inbound freight, using haulage partners in a Lead Logistics partnership, and also undertakes same day and express freight for urgent consignments.
The company’s dedicated team, ranging from warehouse staff to senior management, all play a key role in ensuring the timely arrival and handling of all components for Johnson Controls Automotives just-in-time manufacturing facilities. Acumen Distribution has also been instrumental in achieving significant cost savings for Johnson Controls Automotive due to its efficient management system.
“We hold a very strong relationship with Acumen”, continued Steve Brown. “It is one that has been built from the early stages of sourcing and has grown. We have had many hurdles to overcome including the growing trend of an Eastern European supply base and of late the current market climate but have always managed to identify solutions to overcome them which are both cost effective and operationally viable”, he concluded.
Acumen Distribution Ltd
Tel: 01604 748888
E: j.stocker@acumen-dist.co.uk
www.acumenlogistics.com
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