Hellmann and Rudolph Logistik Group open UAE logistics centre for AUDI Volkswagen Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, the global logistics provider has opened a new large-scale distribution centre in Dubai, as part of a joint venture with Rudolph Logistik Group. The centre has been established by the two firms on behalf of Audi Volkswagen Middle East FZE , and will be operated by Rudolph & Hellmann Automotive FZCO (RHA). Situated in the Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone, the centre is 10,000 sq m and will distribute genuine spare parts in the Middle East region that are replenished from the VW Genuine Parts Centre in Baunatal, Germany.
The Hellmann and Rudolph joint venture business, RHA, won the contract for the new complex logistics project for AUDI Volkswagen in April 2006, with preparations beginning immediately to establish the centre in Dubai. 25,000 VW Genuine Parts are already continually in stock, and the centre became operational on February 21.
Bernd Oevermann, director at RHA commented:
"Since last April, planning and preparation in Dubai has been progressing at full speed. Especially in this organisational phase, we have been working very closely with Audi Volkswagen Middle East and VW Genuine Parts Centre in Baunatal, so that we will be able to start the project on schedule at the beginning of March."
Storage, picking and distribution in the new Genuine Parts Depot is organised using a state-of-the-art scanning system. Order and storage process management is coordinated by VW's own IT systems. The eclectic product range kept at the distribution centre includes car body parts, motors, and screws. However, in contrast to the usual practice in Germany, dealers in the Middle East receive their supplies through importers. Eight importers now source their parts directly from Dubai, allowing them to forward the items much more quickly to all of the Audi and VW dealers throughout the entire Arabian Peninsula.
Sabine Winckler, VW Project Manager of Distribution Genuine Parts commented:
"Shorter distances and quicker delivery times mean that our dealers can offer higher service levels – meaning that our customers will reap the benefits."
While a majority of the parts reach the importers via truck, RHA delivers urgent express shipments within 24 hours via airfreight. The new depot is located in the Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone at the gates of Dubai city, with a direct connection to Port Rashid and close proximity to Dubai Airport. RHA has already hired 25 employees to operate the new premises.
"If the facility reaches full capacity, we will hire more personnel", says Werner Rudolph, Managing Director at Rudolph Logistik Group.
RHA is already well prepared for the fast growth in the Middle East forecasted by experts, as the facility has the potential to expand to 10,000 square metres if necessary.
Martin Meyer, managing director of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics UK commented:
"Dubai is amongst the most dynamic business locations in the world, and in a few years it will be the biggest multimodal logistics hub. With the RHA distribution depot, we are laying the foundation for future development in the region, which can only benefit our customers both in the UK and across the globe."