Factory logistics with Rhenus – Smart and global

As a recognized partner for your factory logistics, we can handle the entire value chain of automotive production for you – worldwide. We support vehicle manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in surmounting all challenges.

Forklift operator moving components in a factory setting, surrounded by neatly stacked industrial racks

Logistics for production supply

We understand the demands of the automotive industry: to be successful, it is essential to have the right material at the right time and in the required quality. Specialized, customer-specific solutions in factory logistics, closely integrated with distribution logistics, ensure precisely this as our core competence.

To allow you to focus on your business, we operate your spare parts and shipping warehouses and take care of the proper packaging for the distribution of your goods. Efficient distribution logistics ensures that products reach their destinations in perfect condition and on time. Benefit from our experience and innovative solutions when it comes to error-free picking and the qualitative protection of parts resulting from optimal packaging and load securing.

Traceability in the automotive industry is a fundamental aspect of supply chain management. Thanks to our distribution logistics expertise, we always guarantee you get transparent information about the origin, processing steps, quality controls and logistical details of individual components throughout their entire supply chain.

Our services at a glance

Small parts storage racks with neatly organized components in an industrial setting

Spare parts and shipping warehouses

We operate spare parts warehouses for you and organize the coordinated and responsive supply of parts to the production site, which means that you don’t need to maintain large inventories at the plant. This also includes variant-forming distribution systems.

Worker packaging vehicle parts for secure transportation in a manufacturing facility

CKD, MKD and SKD concepts

The packaging of disassembled vehicle parts for transport to overseas production plants is becoming increasingly important in the context of globalization. With our experience and expertise, combined with intelligent IT solutions, you can confidently entrust this process to us.

Warehouse worker lifts a box

“Part by part” processes

We optimize transport flows and costs according to your orders. Upon request, we also deliver individual parts in the correct sequence for your production. Thanks to intelligent factory logistics, the components reach your production line just in time.

Factory logistics: Strategic planning for optimal operations

Minimal inventory levels at production lines combined with absolute supply reliability are critical for smooth operations and the success of your business in automotive manufacturing. Our factory logistics ensure seamless handovers of delivered goods and just-in-time provisioning of materials. This relies heavily on efficient distribution logistics, which supports the movement of materials to production sites while reducing costs and transit times. Our innovative tugger train concepts help you make your production safer and more efficient, with the aim of achieving a forklift-free factory.

Additionally, we manage all logistics related to empties: from their return to central collection points and reconditioning all the way to inventory management and coordinating their return to your suppliers.

Services for your factory logistics

Conveyor belt with tires

Line feeding

Whether in smaller quantities or entire containers, we deliver in economical volumes according to your specifications. We consolidate routes to reduce traffic within your facilities and prioritize the safety of all employees.

Warehouse worker inspects transport container

Empties management

An optimal material flow in automotive production also includes empties management. We use our proprietary systems for the rapid return, reconditioning and coordination of packaging.

Forklift transporting goods in a warehouse for just-in-time delivery logistics

JIT/JIS delivery

Just-in-time and just-in-sequence deliveries are fundamental, along with their traceability in the automotive industry. Using our pick-by-light or pick-by-voice solutions, we deliver your parts to the production site at the right time and in the correct sequence.

Small parts storage racks with neatly organized components in an industrial setting

Automated small parts warehouses (ASPWs)

Operating an ASPW requires significant investment. By combining this with additional logistics services, we enhance your return on investment. We operate your ASPW and maintain it preventively, ensuring that it is always ready for use – benefit from our extensive experience.

Warehouse employee organizing parts in an internal supermarket for efficient logistics

Operation of in-factory manufacturing supermarkets

We manage your bills of materials and respond flexibly to last-minute changes. Manufacturing supermarkets reduce inventory levels in vehicle production, and with vehicle-specific withdrawals using scanning functions, we ensure the correct materials are always retrieved.

Information logistics for smart production chains

For us, information logistics in the automotive industry means planning, managing and optimizing information flows across the entire value chain. These flows are intricately connected to distribution logistics, ensuring accurate data on product locations, transit times and delivery schedules. All this is made possible as a result of real-time data and our intelligent IT systems, as well as interconnected production and logistics solutions.

Using tools like LOBSTER, WMS and PTS, we provide a transparent overview of product status, location and potential delays. In addition, we understand the importance of maintaining traceable data in the automotive industry over decades – we guarantee this at all times. Our goal is to provide the right data, in the right quality, at the right time and in the right place, optimizing your production and delivery processes.

Our systems at a glance

Using our PTS, we record all process parameters, compare them with target values, and halt processes when values deviate. The recorded actual values are stored for a minimum of twelve years, ensuring seamless traceability.

LOBSTER is a software for electronic data interchange (EDI). It connects all systems necessary for the process (QM, HR, PTS, SAP and WMS). By exchanging information in real time and in a standardized format, we reduce errors, accelerate processes and cut costs.

Our WMS controls and monitors the entire material process, from goods receipt and the supply and disposal of production lines to their completion reports and JIT/JIS supply, including empties management.
 

Port logistics for the automotive industry

With our comprehensive solutions for terminal management and vehicle transport, we offer you seamless and reliable services for cars, commercial vehicles, oversized cargo and agricultural machinery. Our services include secure and monitored storage, as well as swift loading onto all common modes of transport with proper load securing. The result? Maximum safety and seamless logistics for your vehicles – whether new or used.

Our state-of-the-art Rhenus ports provide you with a clear competitive advantage thanks to spacious parking areas and extensive RoRo handling capabilities, regardless of the scale. With regular short sea connections, you benefit from reduced handling times and optimized supply chains, resulting in cost advantages and greater flexibility in your planning.

Does your supply chain include sea transports beyond the short sea range? We have the perfect solution for that, too. We handle both intra-European transport and overseas shipping to destinations like the USA and China.

In addition to sea transport, we specialize in moving vehicles via inland waterways. With our own fleet of inland vessels, we seamlessly integrate your supply chain from the hinterland to the coast.

Our additional services, such as wax preservation, tire pressure and battery checks, rust removal and automated vehicle washing, ensure your vehicles remain in pristine condition at all times. You can trust us to professionally handle not only the transportation but also the care and maintenance of your vehicles – for maximum customer satisfaction and less effort on your part.

Our services at a glance

Aerial view of a RoRo terminal showing ships and loading operations near the harbor

RoRo loading

The RoRo method ensures high handling speed and low costs by directly loading movable goods between the terminal and the ship. An additional benefit: sea transport reduces road congestion and is more environmentally friendly.

Employee performing handover inspections on vehicle parts in a factory setting

Pre-delivery inspections

We perform pre-delivery inspections and, if required, carry out minor services as part of smart repair and maintenance programs, such as tire pressure checks, battery tests, vehicle washing, rust removal and de-waxing.

Close-up of water droplets on a metallic surface, illustrating vehicle preservation techniques

Vehicle preservation

Wax preservation provides long-term protection against corrosion by sealing cavities in the body and chassis. For this, we operate a specialized workshop for corrosion and underbody protection.

Water droplets on a car’s surface after washing, showcasing a clean and polished vehicle finish

Automated vehicle washing

This process removes industrial contaminants, such as overhead wire abrasion from rail transport. It is a gentle cleaning method carried out in a fully automated car wash system.

Precise automotive logistics from a single source

  • In the dynamic automotive industry, flexibility is one of the most important success factors. Our approach to factory and distribution logistics is designed to adapt quickly to market changes, ensuring uninterrupted operations. We provide the agility you need to address last-minute requirements at any time.
     
  • In addition to flexibility, we focus on the highest quality standards that go beyond those of a traditional logistics provider. Our quality management is aligned with the requirements of a parts supplier or vehicle manufacturer. Using the “ppm” (parts per million) metric, we continuously measure performance, ensuring that every employee contributes daily to process improvements – for maximum reliability and quality.
  • Time is a critical factor. That’s why our planning is precisely synchronized with your production schedule. We deliver parts and components not only at the right time but also in the exact sequence required – with second-level precision and efficiency.
     
  • By choosing Rhenus, you gain a partner that expertly combines factory logistics with cutting-edge distribution logistics solutions, ensuring the success of your production and supply chains.
Friendly call center agent who is talking to a customer

Looking for comprehensive services in factory logistics?

Contact us today and benefit from flexible, precise, high-quality logistics solutions for your production supply!

Frequently asked questions

Factory logistics refers to the organization, management and execution of all logistical processes within an automotive factory. This includes material procurement, the storage and transportation of components, the supply of production lines and the distribution of finished vehicles. As your reliable partner in factory logistics, Rhenus aims to efficiently support your production, prevent bottlenecks and minimize costs.

Material availability is ensured by means of a combination of supplier management, precise demand planning and real-time monitoring. We meticulously plan your supply chains and use digital tools to control material flows and monitor inventory levels in real time.

The biggest challenges include ensuring a stable and flexible supply chain, maintaining high quality standards and managing unexpected supply bottlenecks as well as reducing inventory levels and lead times. Additionally, integrating new technologies like AI and automation poses challenges as this requires extensive training and possible restructuring. As a strong partner, Rhenus brings the expertise and flexibility needed to confidently tackle these challenges.

Suppliers are critical for the timely provision of components and materials. Collaboration is managed with close communication, long-term agreements and regular quality controls. At Rhenus, we use LOBSTER, an electronic data interchange (EDI) software, to facilitate seamless digital communication with suppliers.