DB Schenker has opened a new logistics centre in Pardubice in the Czech Republic to handle rail and truck shipments for ESAB, a large supplier of welding equipment, consumables and accessories.
    From now on, up to 2,000 tons of material a week is scheduled to arrive at the logistics centre from plants in Sweden, Poland and Hungary, and from the Vamberk facility in the Czech Republic. Some EUR1.2 million (US$1.68 million) has been invested in the private rail siding, said a statement from DB Schenker.
    The rail service is part of a complex logistics project for ESAB. It includes the construction of three European distribution centres that will handle final deliveries to its customers. DB Schenker's logistics centre in Pardubice is the first facility of this kind. The 12,000-square metre facility, which has space for 13,500 pallets, was opened in September.
    "We looked at the performance of all the logistics service providers in terms of support for a modular transportation solution that will enable us to expand our transportation infrastructure," said Ian Morris, Global Planning and Customer Fulfilment director at ESAB.
    "DB Schenker not only meets our requirements in the Czech Republic, but also throughout Europe. This is a really important moment in our supply chain, with the facility in Pardubice assuming a key role as the foundation stone. DB Schenker's international presence gives ESAB the confidence that it will be able to support our own plans for growth."
    The logistics centre is equipped with a high-capacity inventory management system. Within two hours of the arrival of a train or truck, the customer has access to detailed information on the goods placed in the warehouse. 
    In addition to transport and warehousing, DB Schenker provides a variety of additional services, including the labelling of goods, special packaging methods, the dispatch of samples, and the delivery of quality certificates.

Source: Shipping Gazette