All SCM articles – Page 20
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FeatureTesla to invest $5 billion in southern US electric battery plant
Electric carmaker Tesla Motors has announced plans to invest $5 billion in a car battery plant in an as-yet undecided location in a southern US state.“In cooperation with strategic battery manufacturing partners, we’re planning to build a large scale factory that will allow us to achieve economies of scale and ...
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FeatureRoadrunner announces acquisition of Rich Logistics
US freight forwarder Roadrunner Transportation Systems has announced its acquisition of Rich Logistics, which provides trucking and expedited services. Roadrunner, which declared revenues of around $113m in 2013, managed to acquire the total purchase for an estimated $48m, with money reportedly borrowed under the logistics provider’s credit facility. It operates ...
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FeatureAnji Automotive develops Shandong headquarters
Anji Automotive Logistics has signed an agreement with Yantai Economic and Technological Development Zone in Shandong province, China to build an intermodal logistics hub for finished vehicles.The company is investing RMB 300m ($49m) in the project, which will include port, rail and road links, with work set to begin in ...
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FeatureMinda's journey from desi to dominance
From humble beginnings to a sprawling automotive network, Indian tier one Minda had to learn supply chain quality along the way.Automotive manufacturers used to build much of their supplies and equipment under their own roof in India. The number of blue and white-collar workers at Premier Automobile, makers of Fiat ...
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FeatureGetting to the point of return
As China’s use of returnable packaging for automotive parts grows, the need for standardisation has become increasingly importantThe move towards wider use of returnable packaging is gaining momentum in China, although it still has a long way to go. Increasing the use of such equipment still depends largely on further ...
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FeatureHonda opens Celaya plant in Mexico
This article has been amended since publication on 26th February to include additional comment from Dennis Manns, Honda’s vice president of logistics and sales planning. Honda unveiled the latest development in its expansion projects for Mexico last Friday (February 21st) with the opening of its new $800m plant in Celaya. ...
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FeatureGetting launches off to a flying start
More frequent launches and longer supply chains are placing significant pressure on manufacturers and inbound and outbound providers. Having spent tens of millions of dollars promoting the autumn 2012 launch of its 2013 model year Lincoln MKZ, Ford had high hopes for the vehicle, which was the subject of a ...
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FeaturePhilippine tariffs on Japanese parts cut to zero
In a move that will affect logistics providers operating in the ASEAN region and beyond, it has been announced that Philippine tariffs on Japanese-made car parts have been cut to zero. The decision, which takes place with immediate affect, will see tariffs reduced for a variety of products, one of ...
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Redrawing the line side
Carmakers are looking carefully at ways to simplify inbound logistics to assembly lines, including kitting operations and, in some cases, insourcing.After a number of recent visits to automotive plants I have noticed changes to the ways that carmakers are thinking about final deliveries to the assembly line. Manufacturers as diverse ...
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FeatureUlbrich is new VW board member for production and logistics
The Volkswagen Group has announced its appointment of Thomas Ulbrich, a veteran logistics executive, as board member responsible for production and logistics at Volkswagen Passenger Cars. He succeeds Dr Hubert Waltl, who will take up a post as board member for production at Audi. These changes will both come into ...
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FeatureMunich-based BMW logistics centre sold to private firm
A BMW logistics centre near Munich has been sold to a private consortium for €44m ($60m). The centre had previously been owned by IM Properties, one of the UK’s largest privately owned property companies.The centre, located in Niederaichbach, is 98,500 square metres and used by BWM for parts distribution purposes. ...
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FeatureFisker sale to Wanxiang Corporation confirmed
After almost two years of bidding, Fisker Automotive has formally announced its acquisition by the Wanxiang American Coporation. The automotive parts manufacturer emerged as the highest bidder, investing $149.2m to secure the group, which declared bankruptcy in November of last year. The final decision was announced earlier this week, as ...
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FeatureDB Schenker extends Moroccan networks to Europe
German logistics provider DB Schenker has announced an upgrade in its North African operations, to better facilitate logistics networks between Europe and Morocco. The group has invested in improvements at its branches in Tangier and Casablanca, through the national company Schenker Maroc, which will oversee daily operations with the company’s ...
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FeatureKeeping the supply chain afloat
As extreme weather continues to disrupt production, Mark Morley (left) writes that manufacturers need to take a closer look at how they are protecting their supply chains both physically and digitally. The current flooding crisis gripping much of the UK highlights how vulnerable global supply chain and transport networks ...
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FeatureTNT announces improved Q4 results and reorganisation
TNT Express has reported improvements to its business in the fourth quarter of last year, swinging back into profit for the quarter despite lower revenues. The company saw its profits fall for the full year 2013, but plans to accelerate its cost-cutting initiatives and reorganise its domestic and international logistics ...
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FeatureJCB officially opens inbound logistics facility in UK
UK-based construction machinery maker JCB has officially opened its new logistics hub in North Staffordshire. The centre has been set up to receive inbound components for onward shipment to JCB's global manufacturing facilities, including those in Europe, the US, Brazil, China and India, as well as those local to the ...
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FeatureAston Martin recall raises questions about sourcing
Aston Martin has been keen to stress the close relationships it has with its top tier suppliers in the wake of the massive vehicle recall it was forced to issue earlier this month because of what it called counterfeit material from a Chinese sub-supplier. But tier one locations are no ...
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FeatureDrop in Turkish CV production and exports threatens carriers
Recent data from Turkey’s Automotive Manufacturers’ Association (OSD) indicates a dramatic 47% drop in commercial vehicle (CV) production in the country for the month of January, with a similarly sharp drop in CV exports, something that is already hurting vehicle carriers handling transport out of the country. The reason for ...
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FeatureHorizon International appoints Tony Leach as SCM manager
Horizon International Cargo, an independent freight forwarder and logistics provider, has announced the appointment of Tony Leach (left) as manager of supply chain development. Leach will work alongside clients in Horizon’s automotive and component manufacturing sectors. He joined Horizon in December 2012 and has since been delivering new logistics products ...
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FeatureFelixstowe expands container handling facility
In a move that could have repercussions for the UK’s automotive suppliers, hauliers, and manufacturers, the port of Felixstowe, the UK’s biggest container port, has received consent to extend its newest container hold facility.Berths 8 and 9 will be expanded by 190 metres to increase the port’s ability to manage ...