Schaeffler AG will be investing around € 200 million in the expansion of its European distribution network during the next few years, which will include the construction of a new European distribution center ("EDC Mitte") in Kitzingen. The decision was made by the Executive Board and Supervisory Board of Schaeffler AG in their meetings on December 12, 2014. Construction of the EDC Mitte, to which an investment of around € 150 million has been allocated, is set to begin in the first quarter of 2016. The start of operation is planned for the autumn of 2017, and the EDC Mitte will have up to 250 employees.
In addition to the Kitzingen location, the European distribution network will also include a location for Northern Europe in Sweden and a location for Southern Europe in Italy, while a further location in Western Europe is also planned. The construction of the European distribution center is one of the 20 initiatives that make up the "ONE Schaeffler" program. The aim of this investment project is to modernize the Schaeffler Group's logistics activities - particularly with regard to industrial business - and to optimize existing processes and significantly increase delivery speed.
"The European logistics network that we have planned will allow us to supply our customers even better and more efficiently. Our objective is to improve our competitive position even further", explains Robert Schullan, Member of the Executive Board and President Industrial at Schaeffler AG.
In the run-up, the union, Works Council, and Schaeffler AG had agreed that the new Schaeffler Logistics Center will operate independently based on the collective agreement of the Bavarian metalworking and electronics industry. All future employees of the EDC will remain employees of Schaeffler. Furthermore, a supplementary collective agreement and further key points were agreed upon, which regulate the employment and transition conditions.
Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler AG, said: "The expansion and modernization of our European distribution network is of strategic importance for the Schaeffler Group. By approving this decision today, we are reaching a further milestone in the implementation of our "ONE Schaeffler" program. The excellent and constructive cooperation with our employee committees is a significant factor for success here."
In addition to the Kitzingen location, the European distribution network will also include a location for Northern Europe in Sweden and a location for Southern Europe in Italy, while a further location in Western Europe is also planned. The construction of the European distribution center is one of the 20 initiatives that make up the "ONE Schaeffler" program. The aim of this investment project is to modernize the Schaeffler Group's logistics activities - particularly with regard to industrial business - and to optimize existing processes and significantly increase delivery speed.
"The European logistics network that we have planned will allow us to supply our customers even better and more efficiently. Our objective is to improve our competitive position even further", explains Robert Schullan, Member of the Executive Board and President Industrial at Schaeffler AG.
In the run-up, the union, Works Council, and Schaeffler AG had agreed that the new Schaeffler Logistics Center will operate independently based on the collective agreement of the Bavarian metalworking and electronics industry. All future employees of the EDC will remain employees of Schaeffler. Furthermore, a supplementary collective agreement and further key points were agreed upon, which regulate the employment and transition conditions.
Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler AG, said: "The expansion and modernization of our European distribution network is of strategic importance for the Schaeffler Group. By approving this decision today, we are reaching a further milestone in the implementation of our "ONE Schaeffler" program. The excellent and constructive cooperation with our employee committees is a significant factor for success here."
