Ford has held a ground-breaking ceremony with its logistics provider DB Schenker on a parts distribution centre (PDC) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Senior leaders from property developer Atlantic Warehousing DWC were also in attendance.

The 42,000 sq.m facility, which is expected to open in January 2025, will be located in the logistics district of Dubai World Central (DWC) economic zone.

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According to the companies, the new facility will consolidate storage and distribution “ensuring better availability of parts, optimising inventory management and enhancing customer service”. 

“Through unlocking efficiencies and streamlining operations, the new PDC won’t just ensure Ford Middle East can serve our customers better and more efficiently – it also sets us up to continue doing so following our recent and future growth, while demonstrating Ford’s commitment to the UAE and wider region,” said Ravi Ravichandran, president of Ford Middle East.

The Middle East as a whole is primarily an import-driven automotive market and as car ownership increases in the region, customer service demands are rising too, including fast and reliable vehicle delivery and aftermarket services.

Ford Middle East has launched a number of new models in the region recently, including the Ford Territory, Raptor and Expedition. It also plans to add a range of electric vehicles in 2024.

Ako Djaf, vice-president of contract logistics and supply chain management at DB Schenker Middle East and Africa, added: “By enabling faster and more reliable distribution of automotive spare parts, the new PDC will drive improved customer service and satisfaction while helping us strengthen the always-on relationship we strive to maintain with every Ford distributor and owner anywhere they are.”