TNT opens European distribution centre for Fiat Auto Spare Parts
23 May 2001 - 16:41 CET
TNT Logistics, a global market leader in automotive logistics, has today opened its new European spare parts distribution centre near Vatry, France for the distribution of Fiat Auto spare parts in France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark and the Benelux. It is the largest custom-built distribution centre in France this year with 62,000 square metres located within 12 hours of 50 major European towns and cities.
The facility, which employs 300 people and boasts direct motorway and rail links and a neighbouring air cargo port, replaces two existing TNT warehouses for Fiat Auto spare parts in Germany and France. The strategic location of the new distribution centre enables TNT to meet both urgent and stock item orders more efficiently.
Dr. Fausto Forti, Managing Director, TNT Logistics, Southern Europe and South America, says, "Fiat Auto has given us an ideal opportunity to demonstrate our ability to design, implement and operate a highly efficient centralised distribution network for pan-European customers."
TNT's new site for Fiat Auto reflects the growing need to streamline logistics processes, providing lower inventories and shorter delivery times to multi-markets. Forti adds, "Like many of our customers, Fiat Auto is continually looking for new ways to reduce costs while at the same time maintaining quality and performance standards. In response, we were able to propose and develop a centralised European distribution centre that will provide excellent service whilst delivering substantial savings to our customer."
TNT has signed a 9-year lease for the new site with ProLogis, which has developed the custom built site.
