In an industry where cost efficiency is a by-word, the ability to reduce handling costs in the supply chain offers an attractive proposition. Specialist manufacturer of returnable transit packaging (RTP), Schoeller Allibert produces a range of packaging solutions that are helping to strip waste and save money in the automotive supply chain worldwide.
Unlike traditional cardboard or wooden packaging, plastic RTP is a no-waste product. It is capable of performing over numerous delivery cycles and, at the end of its working life, is fully recyclable. Not only does it eliminate the cost of dealing with packaging waste, it helps speed up delivery of goods to line side and, with foldable or stackable units, avoids the waste of time and money associated with storing and moving ‘air’ on return journeys. For the automotive sector, Schoeller Allibert provides pallets, dollies, rigid and folding large containers, together with custom-made dunnage to protect components.
Pat Healy, European Automotive Key Account Manager for Schoeller Allibert says: “We have worked with some of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers including Ford, PSA Group, VW and Volvo, as well as Tier One and Tier Two suppliers, to develop a range of solutions that help car and component manufacturers optimise their supply chains, eliminate wastage and reduce fuel and transport costs. All manufacturers have their own specifications for materials handling and, in particular, the type of packaging needed at the assembly line side. We work with them to develop tailored solutions which range in size from the smallest bin used to store nuts weighing a few grams to large-scale containers carrying 1 tonne of painting powder.”
For optimising logistics efficiency, folding large containers (FLCs) offer a packaging model that reduces return transport costs by increasing the number of empty containers that can be returned to the supplier in a single trip. Schoeller Allibert’s latest generation of FLC, developed specifically for the automotive industry, is an advanced heavy-duty container with a 500kg load capacity. Designed to an industry-standard packaging footprint, the FLC folds down to less than a third of its size after use. It has a unique, strong but lightweight wall construction and a tough corrugated self-drain design.
For small part supply, Schoeller Allibert offers a range of options, including the KLT modular family of rigid stacking containers, the Galia range, approved for and by the automotive industry and designed for use in demanding environments, and the Euro stacking containers which have attached lids for added security.
In parts supply, one of the biggest risks is damage in transit, particularly as transport distances become more extended. All of the containers in the Schoeller Allibert automotive range can be fitted out to carry a wide variety of components and materials. Designed to minimise losses and optimise efficiency at lineside, customised dunnage means that components are fully protected in transit and, like the containers, the materials used are fully recyclable.
As well as supplying packaging products, Schoeller Allibert offers a range of added value services to the parts shipper. These range from the development of tailor-made solutions so that components can be packed to customer specification, to asset tracking technology, which enables the supplier to identify where packaging is located in the supply chain, to ensure JIT delivery to the production line. The company also offers hire and lease agreements maintenance and recycling services.
Schoeller Allibert
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