Benders nominated for DB Schenker Logistics Award

2010-03-23

Last year, Alfa Laval beat off strong competition from Clas Ohlson and Envac to take the DB Schenker Logistics Award. This year, the contest is between Benders’ train-based logistics solution, Tomoku Hus, whose efficient transport makes it possible for the company to compete in Japan, and tretti.se, which has successfully established a web-based white goods retail operation offering same day delivery in Stockholm. The winner will be revealed at Logistik & Transport in Gothenburg on the 4th of May.

Benders is one of Sweden’s largest producers of roof tiles, paving stones and kerb stones. The company has invested in a transport solution in which factories and outward delivery warehouses are joined by rail. Thus, it is only the last little bit to the customer that requires road transport. Benders’ investment includes own rail wagons and a container system. Containers are used for transporting the company’s products to Norway. Here, gravel is loaded into the same containers and makes the return trip to Benders’ Bålsta production facility.

Nomination citation

Benders has created a rail-based logistics system that fully exploits the advantages offered by railways. The use of industrial sidings and special wagons to transport heavy goods over long distances results in an efficient flow of cargoes. These major initiatives and investments are in tune with the modern world and show great confidence in the system’s advantages.

Tomoku Hus

Tomoku Hus is one of Sweden’s largest manufacturers of prefabricated components for wood-frame buildings. Most of its production is exported to Japan. Efficient transport solutions make it possible to compete in such a remote market.

Tomoku Hus works closely with Bergqvists Såg AB, Ejendals and Clas Ohlson AB in Insjön. The old railway yard here has been transformed into a modern combined terminal. Loaded with containers of sawn timber and components for wood-frame buildings destined for Japan, one train a day makes the journey to the port of Gothenburg. For the return to Insjön, new containers with protective clothing for Ejendals and many of the products in Clas Ohlson’s ranges are loaded aboard the train.

Tomoku Hus citation: Tomoku Hus has a unique logistics system for delivering kits for the construction of complete buildings. The logistics are based on delivering the construction kits in standard containers. This facilitates and streamlines transport and handling. It has enabled houses to be sold to extremely remote markets.

The solution shows how, through good and innovative logistics, orders can be won and business ideas brought to fruition.

tretti.se

Primarily via the internet, tretti.se sells white goods and other household appliances. By selling products via a webshop, it is possible to avoid or reduce the costs of premises and personnel. In the form of lower prices, these savings can be passed on to the customer.

All orders are dispatched from central warehouses in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö. Stockholm customers can have their new white goods delivered the same evening that an order is placed. In Gothenburg and Malmö, delivery can be the next evening.

Despite increased volumes and wider ranges, the company has managed to streamline its logistics. Smoothly functioning logistics and efficient warehousing are important factors in the success.

tretti.se citation: tretti.se has created logistics solutions that satisfy customer wishes in respect of additional services. When many other e-shops are moving in the other direction and, to avoid the last link in the distribution chain, opening collection points, tretti.se is introducing services that are sought by many consumers. Same or next-day delivery, carrying indoors, fitting of new equipment and removal of old appliances are extra services that are natural in a consumer-oriented logistics system. However, such has not yet taken root with other suppliers of consumer goods.

In brief

The DB Schenker Logistics Award is the industry’s most prestigious. This is the 28th year of the award. Anybody can be nominated – being a customer of DB Schenker is not a requirement. The innovation/initiative must have a Swedish connection and the solution must be of immediate relevance and work in practice.

DB Schenker’s “science committee” chooses the three nominees for the award and also declares the winner.

Previous winners

1982: Sandvik
1983: Rolf Nilsson Skor
1984: Luna
1985: SKF Transport and Distribution
1986: Dag Ericsson, Chalmers
1987: Flygt
1988: Electrolux
1989: Stora
1990: Atlas Copco
1991: Linkoping University’s Institute of Technology
1993: Volvo Transport
1994: Whirlpool Sweden
1995: Ericsson Radio Systems

1996: Tetra Laval
1998: Telia
1999: Atlas Copco
2000: Stora Transport and Distribution
2001: Swedish Customs
2002: IKEA
2003: Transportdelegationen
2004: The Port of Gothenburg
2005: Svenska Retursystem
2006: ICA
2007: Metro, Scania and Stena Recycling
2008: The Port of Gothenburg
2009: Alfa Laval

Source: www.schenker.se