Schmitz Cargobull operations network recognised as a pioneer in Global Production Benchmarking

Schmitz Cargobull operations network recognised as a pioneer in Global Production Benchmarking

65 internationally active companies from German-speaking countries took part in Global Production Benchmarking, a study conducted by RWTH Aachen University on behalf of four leading German businesses.
Ten companies from this group made it to the final selection. Five of which - Georg Fischer Piping Systems, Hilti AG, Kostal Kontakt Systeme, Weidmüller Interface and Schmitz Cargobull - made it to the final. They will be honoured for their best practice solutions at a conference in Aachen at the beginning of May.
 
On 13.03.2024, 18 production experts from the group visited the Schmitz Cargobull plant for curtainsiders, in Altenberge, to get a personal impression of the setup and further development of the Schmitz Cargobull operations network. The international Schmitz Cargobull production network currently comprises ten plants in Germany, Lithuania, Spain, England, Turkey, Slovakia and Australia.
 

Production experts were impressed by the flexible operations network

Dr. Günter Schweitzer, COO Schmitz Cargobull, opened the ceremony with a presentation on the development of the operations strategy and the realignment of site roles in the network. "This award is an impressive and independent confirmation of our approach to the internationalisation of our production footprint," said Günter Schweitzer. "Our decentralised, near-to-market approach to value creation is unique in the trailer industry. We want to be globally close to our customers, i.e. produce locally, procure locally, be a local employer and local partner, but operate globally. This increases our resilience, reduces our carbon footprint and strengthens customer satisfaction."
 
The Product Line Manager for General Cargo, Ralph Kleideiter, presented the Schmitz Cargobull operations network for curtainsiders. Using the example of curtainsider trailers, he explained the control processes for the five production sites with which Schmitz Cargobull ensures customer-oriented supply to the European markets.
 
At the Altenberge plant, the participants were able to get an idea of the central Schmitz Cargobull axle production and the production for long beams and outer frames, from which the production network for curtainsiders is supplied. In addition to the automation aspects of production, the control aspects of network logistics were discussed in depth. During the subsequent product presentation, the experts from product management explained the technical modular system of curtainsider trailers. Thanks to its unique modular design and its end-coated individual parts, it enables flexible and reliable final assembly worldwide.
 
In the afternoon session, Schmitz Cargobull experts discussed with the participants in a "World Café" session about cross-location procedures for the planning of new factories, standardised networked processes for international order fulfilment and current structural measures for increasing supply security in an increasingly volatile business environment.
 
In the final feedback, the participants of the benchmark visit were enthusiastic about the flexible Schmitz Cargobull network. The exemplary interaction of the strategy process with consistent process-oriented implementation based on a strong network culture and employee motivation was emphasised. The valuable tips for improvement from the discussions with the experts will be incorporated into the further network design at Schmitz Cargobull.

 

About Schmitz Cargobull 

Schmitz Cargobull is the leading manufacturer of semi-trailers for temperature-controlled freight, general cargo and bulk goods in Europe and a pioneer in digital solutions for trailer services and improved connectivity. The company also manufactures transport refrigeration machines for refrigerated semi-trailers for temperature-controlled freight transport. With a comprehensive range of services from financing, spare parts supply, service contracts and telematics solutions to used vehicle trading, Schmitz Cargobull supports its customers in optimising their total cost of ownership (TCO) and digital transformation. Schmitz Cargobull was founded in 1892 in Münsterland, Germany. The family-run company produces around 60,000 vehicles per year with over 6,000 employees and generated a turnover of around 2.4 billion euros in the 2023/24 financial year. The international production network currently comprises ten plants in Germany, Lithuania, Spain, England, Turkey, Slovakia and Australia.


The Schmitz Cargobull press team:

Anna Stuhlmeier:  +49 2558 81-1340 I anna.stuhlmeier@cargobull.com 
Andrea Beckonert:  +49 2558 81-1321 I andrea.beckonert@cargobull.com
Silke Hesener:  +49 2558 81-1501 I silke.hesener@cargobull.com