Delivering excellence for the automotive sector

As supply chains get more complex, business are increasingly looking at integrated logistics solutions as a viable option to reduce time, effort and reap the benefit of having one partner for their logistics needs.

Known for its express distribution prowess in India, Gati-KWE, part of the Allcargo Group that is known for offering end-to-end integrated logistics services, recently displayed its expertise in delivering an impeccable logistics asset for one of its leading customers, Schaeffler, the world-renowned German manufacturer of high precision components, systems, and bearing solutions for automotive technologies and the automotive aftermarket.

Gati-KWE developed a Grade A warehouse – the Hosur Consolidation and Distribution Centre – the first of its kind in the industrial town of Hosur, Tamil Nadu, in close proximity to Schaeffler’s manufacturing facility, offering locational advantages that enable a quick turnaround of vehicles from factory to the distribution center.

The strategic location of the facility helps Schaeffler serve its important automotive OEM’s in Hosur and Chennai region, which is one of the biggest automotive clusters in India. Schaeffler also benefits from leveraging Gati-KWE’s more than three decades of expertise, while operating this state-of-the-art warehouse.

Designing a world-class automotive warehouse

At 1,10,000 sq. feet, this is Schaeffler’s largest external warehouse in the Asia Pacific region and has a high rise rack of G+7 height that has a capacity of over 16000 pallet positions, with 10 docks and a host of other features custom-built for Schaeffler as per their requirements.

Equipped with modern infrastructure and technology, the facility is capable of running automated and digitized operations. Hand Held Terminals (HHT) help in faster receipt and putting away the material in the assigned area. It also helps in the swifter identification and retrieval of the material.

Various warehousing equipment including reach trucks, electric trucks, forklifts, and others help in the smooth functioning of the facility.

Further, the distribution centre is fully Wi-Fi-enabled to support wireless scanner utility and other digitized activities. Bar code scanning augments efficiency by enabling the maintenance of accurate physical inventory, and by reducing manual errors.

Safety and sustainability

Benchmarked as per international standards, safety and sustainability have been integrated into the design of the warehouse itself.

Safety features such as roof sprinklers, a fire hydrant system, and an automatic fire alarm in case of emergencies, are part of the warehouse infrastructure.

From the sustainability perspective, the warehouse is designed to allow natural light to illuminate the inside, saving precious resources for the environment, and costs for the company.

Going forward, the utilization of returnable packaging is likely to help reduce waste and material consumption, and the installation of solar panels is also in the works.

This warehouse forms part of Schaeffler’s plans to increase its warehousing footprint in the country, with four centres in the north, south, east and west of India, respectively.

Launch of a new start

The facility was launched on 2nd August 2022, and was inaugurated by the CEO of Schaeffler India, Mr. Harsha Kadam, along with Mr. Suresh Kumar R, CEO – India, Allcargo Logistics, in the presence of many senior members from both companies.

Powered by Allcargo’s expertise, especially in contract logistics, Gati-KWE has proved to be the partner of choice for Schaeffler, who are looking to expand their warehousing footprint in the country, making it a winning partnership all the way through.