Benders’ train-based logistics solution won the day and took home the 2010 DB Schenker Logistics Award.
It was something of a surprise that Benders’ won the 2010 DB Schenker Logistics Award. “We have indeed been working on the solution internally. It’s nice to also receive attention externally,” comments Christer Hofling, the head of Benders Cargo. He received the prize along with Mathias Olsson, Benders’ logistics manager.
Tomoku Hus and tretti.se had to be content with shared second place when, in connection with Logistik & Transport in Gothenburg, the winner was announced at Chalmers yesterday evening.
Kvänum-based Benders is Sweden’s largest producer 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.
“It is impressive that Benders dared to take this initiative and invest so heavily,” Johan Woxenius, logistics professor at the University of Gothenburg’s School of Business, Economics and Law and member of DB Schenker’s “science committee” (which declares the winner).
The jury’s verdict
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 and tretti.se share second
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.
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.
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.
Must work in practice
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
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1982: Sandvik |
1996: Tetra Laval |
Source: www.schenker.se
