(Akron/Tire Review) Following up on its announcement at the recent OTR Conference, TIA will host a Tire Privatization Industry Day on 9 March at the Defense Supply Center in Columbus, Ohio. The meeting is in accordance with the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure statute, and the meeting will “discuss establishing a performance-based logistics approach for the supply chain management of tyres for the Department of Defense,” said TIA.
Nokian has announced a number of changes at senior management level. Vice President, Purchases and Logistics, Mr. Kari-Pekka Laaksonen is appointed Vice President, Sales and Logistics as of 1 February 2006. Vice President, Nokian Car and Van Tyres, Mr. Antero Juopperi is appointed Senior Vice President, Strategy as of 1 March 2006. He is responsible for all Russian business activities, R&D and Corporate Development of the Nokian Tyres Group. Vice President, Finance and Control, Mr. Rami Helminen is appointed Vice President, Car and Van Tyres as of 1 March 2006.
NetDespatch web services have revolutionised customer service at Bike Tyrestore, the leading motorbike tyre wholesaler has reported. NetDespatch has supplied its Velocity web-based shipping, tracking and systems integration services to provide a live system connecting Bike Tyrestore’s call centre, warehouse despatch operation and 3000 plus customers nationwide, with their express delivery parcel carrier APC Overnight.
Only 10 months after breaking ground in April 2005, the Automotive Systems Division of Continental AG has dedicated a new production plant for brake callipers in Zvolen, Slovak Republic. In the future, the plant will produce high-performance brake callipers, some of which will be supplied to automotive plants in the fast growing Automotive Region Eastern Europe (AREE). Continental Automotive Systems plans to invest more than 60 million euros in the Hydraulic Brake Systems Business Unit, which plays a significant role in securing its international competitiveness.
Pirelli Tyres Australia (PTA) has recently awarded their domestic logistics activity to TNT Logistics for a minimum 3 year period. Under the terms of the Agreement, TNT Logistics will service Pirelli’s customer base from a central warehouse in Sydney with cross dock facilities established in Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane and Pirelli will be part of TNT’s new 25,000 m² logistics centre completed in August 2005 which is located in Erskine Park. TNT Logistics will also procure and manage on behalf of PTA a pool of purpose built stillages designed specifically for tyre storage to PTA’s specifications. “Pirelli is an important customer to TNT Logistics and we are delighted to further develop this relationship with Pirelli tyres in Australia,” emphasises Chris Demetriou, Director Business Development for TNT Logistics in Australia.
2005 turned out to be a very successful year for Vellco Tyre Control and concluded with the accolade of being honoured as a finalist in the York Evening Press Business Awards.
Having applied for nomination at a late stage in proceedings, Vellco recently found themselves as one of three finalists in the ‘Best Environmental Company of the Year’ category. Vellco was represented at the event by directors, Bob Fell and Sue Fell plus John Campbell – business development director, Erlinda del Mar, accounts and administration manager and Dave Hollis – transport and logistics manager.
Michelin has worked with transport and logistics charity Transaid to design a set of four exclusive charity pin badges featuring the Michelin Man character. The badges are available from ATS Euromaster service centres across the UK for a suggested donation of just £1 each. Those who donate to Transaid direct will also receive a badge as a thank you.
Global logistics service provider, Kuehne + Nagel, has recently been awarded a contract by Cooper-Avon Tyres Ltd to manage the movement of 12,200 tonnes of tyres and raw material over the next year to and from its Melksham facility. A official statement explained that Cooper-Avon will be able to streamline its supply chain, managing the movement of cargo on all trade lanes more efficiently through carrier flexibility, competitive pricing and the re-loading of import containers for export.
Michelin has criticised the FIA’s new Formula 1 rules, hitting out against the association’s “hidden motives.” In an official statement the French tyre manufacturer said it is “perplexed by the step backwards of the FIA’s F1 regulation for 2006” which it says are “incoherent with the FIA’s proclaimed policy to reduce costs.”
Just look at how Ryanair and Easyjet caught the traditional airlines off-guard – that’s just what could happen to your business if you fail to spot an opportunity before one of your competitors does.
Of course, in my line of business, I’m interested in how companies can create opportunities for themselves through their logistics management. It’s easy to look at how supermarkets control their supply chain right back to the farmer in the field, and assume that the same will happen in the automotive sector as well. Certainly, the dominant trend in logistics has been the transfer of control from manufacturer to customer.
Cooper Tire will have to slow production by approximately 30,000 tyres per day due to raw material supply disruptions associated with Hurricane Rita, analysts have reported.
(Akron/Tire Review) Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. is set to open a new 400,000-square-foot distribution center in Grand Prairie, Texas. The new facility, said Cooper, will improve its service to customers in the Southwest, South and Midwest regions of the US.
The Unipart Group of Companies, one of Europe’s leading privately–owned distribution and logistics businesses, has reported sales for 2004 of £1.064bn (2003: £525.8m) and a net operating profit of £25.4m (- £1.3m). After tax, interest and other charges, the Group reported a profit of £26.3m (£0.9m).
Following a $6 million investment Alcoa’s Subassembly and Logistics business will open a new manufacturing plant in North Carolina.
The company, a part of Alcoa Wheel and Forged Products, provides wheel and tyre assemblies to the Freightliner Group, the largest heavy-duty truck manufacturer in North America and a leading manufacturer of medium-duty and specialised commercial vehicles.
The new facility is scheduled to begin production in mid-April. It will add to Alcoa’s presence in North Carolina, where it already has four other operating locations.
National tyre wholesaler, Stapletons has made strategic supply chain appointments. Ian Kirkpatrick will move from his role as national logistics manager becoming head of supply chain as part of the company’s ambitions to work even closer with UK and worldwide tyre manufacturers.
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