Siemens switches to DB Schenker for logistics support

Global logistics company DB Schenker has launched a new venture in partnership with electrical manufacturing giant Siemens, to provide production logistics support for its oldest UK manufacturing site, in Congleton.

Schenker will support the Siemens factory, which produces variable speed drives. More than a million units are assembled each year, for a wide range of industrial applications.

Schenker’s purpose-built 124,000sqft depot in nearby Middlewich handles inbound deliveries of components for the Siemens factory, storing them securely and ensuring the required items are always available when needed. Items are then transported on the 12-mile trip to Congleton as many as eight times per day.

The partnership builds on existing relationships between the two companies around the world, but marks the first time Schenker has been chosen to operate warehouse facilities for a Siemens site in the UK.

Steve Cuddeford, director contract logistics for DB Schenker UK and Ireland, said: “We are delighted to be expanding our global relationship with Siemens into the UK, further continuing our growth within contract logistics.

“From the moment we started to work with Siemens on this project we’ve employed a collaborative approach – this has helped to ensure a successful implementation against a very strict timeline, but also laid the foundations of an excellent relationship between our two local teams. We very much look forward to delivering excellence to Siemens over the 10-year contract term.”

The building itself is designated as an eco-warehouse, with A-rated energy efficiency courtesy of features including LED lighting controlled by proximity sensors, and high-performance wall insulation. It is powered by 100% green electricity from solar, hydro and wind-generated sources, by supplier SSE.

The warehouse features 16 loading bays and three level access doors. It offers 9,000sqft of office and welfare accommodation over three storeys, as well as a secure yard, parking and electric vehicle charging points. There is ample capacity for continued growth.

Rob Matthews, head of supply chain at Siemens Congleton, said: “We are very happy to have completed the migration of our third party logistics relationship to DB Schenker. Our success is built on great people, continuous improvement and digitalisation, and in DB Schenker we are confident that we have found a partner that shares these values.”