Bathroom manufacturer Lixil has opened a distribution centre for its Grohe brand in Porta Westfalica, Germany to improve efficiency and flexibility of supply.

Left to right: Leader global supply chain Lixil Nik Bafana, leader supply chain Lixil EMENA Jean-Sebastian Weber, leader Lxil EMENA Jonas Brennwald, Mayor Porta Westfalica Anke Grotjohann, leader distribution supply chain lixil EMENA Jens Lindenau, leader warehouse supply chain Porta Westfalica Martin Weitz and leader plant Porta Westfalica Jörg Vogeley

It measures 29,500sqm and is four times larger than the neighbouring existing logistics centre built in 1994.

Commenting on the opening, Leader Lixil EMENA Jonas Brennwald commented: “We are delighted about the addition of the new distribution centre to our Porta Westfalica site. Complementing production with top-notch logistics operations we are now optimally equipped for the future.”

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The modern distribution centre spans three hall sections and there are further expansion plans already planned for the new distribution centre.

Equipped with has new racking systems and conveyor technology, including a fully automated pallet transportation system and “state-of-the-art” software, it has been designed to enhance efficiency.

Leader supply chain Lixil EMENA Jean-Sebastian Weber said: “Thanks to the new warehouse technology we can respond to customer needs even more flexibly, for example by making smaller batch sizes and short-notice shipments possible.”

The former distribution centre will now be used as additional production space in the future.

Plant manager at the Lixil Competence Centre for Grohe Porta Westfalica Jörg Vogeley commented: “One of the main advantages of the new distribution centre is its proximity to the production plant. Our extremely high throughput volume meant that we have to use several external warehouses in the region.

“Now the new building is finished, the transfer between sites is no longer necessary. At the same time, we can convert the old building into an additional production area.”

Grohe manages all its logistics operations in-house, with the new facility creating around 40 full-time jobs.

Read When we will break free from supply chain issues? featuring leader marketing of Grohe Raj Mistry.