KAMAG outsources spare parts logistics

Fast, manoeuvrable, agile – the Wiesel logistics transporter from KAMAG Transporttechnik GmbH und Co. KG lives up to its name. The same must apply to spare parts logistics, as the vehicle is in use around the clock at many logistics companies. The manufacturer of heavy-duty and special vehicles has been relying on Röthlein Logistik GmbH to supply its customers with spare parts since June 2019. By outsourcing spare parts logistics for the Wiesel, KAMAG is setting the course for further growth.

Many logistics centres would be unthinkable without the Wiesel as a pallet truck for the fast handling and transport of swap bodies. At KAMAG, a company of the Transporter Industry International Group, which belongs to the Heilbronn-based entrepreneurial family Otto Rettenmaier, its success is reflected in increased sales figures. Several thousand vehicles are currently in use, and the trend is rising throughout Europe. In autumn 2019, KAMAG launched the new generation of the Wiesel with an even better driver’s cab.

KAMAG: Spare parts orders via online shop and wider range of spare parts thanks to new Wiesel

The Wiesel is often in use around the clock. This is precisely why the rapid availability of parts in the event of damage is so important. By outsourcing its spare parts logistics, KAMAG is responding to growth-related challenges in the supply of spare parts: The Wiesel’s increased sales figures have led to an increase in requests for spare parts. In addition, the new Wiesel generation has expanded the spare parts portfolio for the yard logistics division. In addition, KAMAG has been offering its customers the option of ordering spare parts around the clock via an online shop since December 2019. “In view of our continued growth, we have therefore handed over our spare parts logistics to the specialists at Röthlein Logistik in order to continue to offer our customers an optimal supply of spare parts in the future,” says Andreas Müller, Head of Logistics at KAMAG. “It also allows KAMAG to concentrate on its core expertise, which is the design, construction and servicing of high-quality vehicles for logistics,” explains Müller.

With Röthlein Logistik, the vehicle manufacturer has gained a logistics partner with experience in both spare parts logistics and e-commerce. The joint venture between BayWa AG and the logistics company Schäflein has been supplying BayWa Technik’s workshops with spare parts since 2016. Röthlein Logistik also receives online orders via an interface to the agricultural retailer’s online shop. The multi-user solution offers various advantages: “KAMAG can connect to the existing structures consisting of personnel, warehouse technology and IT systems. This is particularly beneficial for companies that outsource parts of their logistics to specialists. Synergies also result from access to standard technical parts that are in stock at the same logistics centre,” says Achim Schäflein, Managing Director of Röthlein Logistik.

10,000 square metres of expansion area

Since June 2019, all workshops in KAMAG Transporttechnik’s nationwide service network have been supplied with spare parts from Röthlein in Lower Franconia. Located in the centre of Germany, the site offers the best conditions for spare parts logistics with short distances. Further capacities are available in the current 11,000 square metre logistics centre of Röthlein Logistik, so that KAMAG’s growth plans can also be taken into account: The site allows for an extension of a further 10,000 square metres.

Röthlein Logistik GmbH also scores with its experience. The collaboration began with a visit to a logistics site of the joint venture partner Schäflein, which serves the production supply of a mechanical engineering company. “We were impressed by the type of technology used in the warehouse and the professionalism and expertise of the employees on site,” says Logistics Manager Andreas Müller.

Every part has its place

Röthlein Logistik’s warehouse is also state of the art. An automated small parts warehouse with space for 18,000 containers and three storage and retrieval machines is available for the smaller spare parts. According to the goods-to-man principle, the containers are transported via conveyor lines to six picking stations with pick-by-light systems. A multishuttle with space for 4,500 containers serves as a buffer for orders, which are temporarily stored there until dispatch and, if necessary, supplemented with further items during the course of the day. A shelving racking system, a pallet high-bay racking system, a honeycomb racking system, a disc racking system, a cantilever racking system, a cable drum racking system and a cut-to-length racking system complete the product-specific warehouse structure. The range of items extends from the nine-gram cylinder screw to the 233-kilo hydraulic tank. Each Wiesel spare part is accommodated in the appropriate storage mould and is picked to order.

KAMAG benefits in particular from Röthlein Logistik’s experience in the professional storage and packaging of discs. The supplier delivers the windscreens for the new Wiesel cab to the logistics centre in wooden racks of five pieces each. The logistics company developed suitable individual packaging especially for the safe dispatch of the 63 kilogramme, 2.4 by 1.35 metre cabin section.

Ordered today – delivered tomorrow

Twelve combined workstations for incoming and outgoing goods, nine mobile workstations and staggered working hours with two or more blocks as required ensure the necessary flexibility. Thanks to an emergency service, the logistics centre is available around the clock – 365 days a year. “The spare parts market demands short order throughput times. We fulfil this requirement with Röthlein Logistics,” says Michael Zeller, Team Leader Spare Parts Sales at KAMAG. Even in standard dispatch, every spare part ordered by 4 p.m. is with the customer by 7 a.m. the following day. But it can be even quicker. The logistics company promises that every order will be ready for dispatch within 60 minutes at the latest – and overnight express delivery is available on request. “We benefit from the very fast access times of Röthlein Logistik. This can also be measured by the increase in customer satisfaction. Our new logistics partner has so far been able to cope with every order peak in phases that require an increased dispatch rate. We feel that we are in very good hands and look forward to continuing to grow together,” says Zeller.

Performance is constantly monitored and optimised in the warehouse control centre, the heart of the logistics centre