How Kuehne+Nagel & Airbus are Transforming Spanish Logistics
Kuehne+Nagel has announced the renewal of its agreement with Airbus, focusing on the logistics of sites across Spain.
The partnership also expands into new territory, including helicopter maintenance.
As Kuehne+Nagel and Airbus solidify their network and expand their supply chains, they work together to ensure they meet demand.
A partnership through the ages
Kuehne+Nagel is one of the word's leading logistic providers, with more than 82,000 employees across almost 1,3000 sites in approximately 100 countries.
It is the logistics partner of choice for 400,000 customers around the world.
For more than 130 years, Kuehne+Nagel has been evolving from a traditional shipping company to the global logistics partner it is today.
Airbus is the largest aeronautics and space company in Europe, with history dating back 54 years.
The aerospace company provides products, services and solutions for commercial aircraft, helicopter, defence and space sectors.
This new agreement marks the next step in a more than 20 year old relationship.
In 2003, Kuehne+Nagel went into partnership with the aircraft manufacturer for the first time. The two companies repeatedly signed new agreements over the years, helping each other go from strength to strength.
Enhancing operational efficiency
In order to remain competitive in the industry, Kuehne+Nagel invested in technologies that enhance operational efficiency and traceability.
It began by introducing a proprietary warehouse management system and robots.
An element control system with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and IoT (Internet of Things) applications have also been introduced.
These new technologies mean operations are more automated, more efficient and faster.
As a result of robots and applications, there is less room for human error or human delay, meaning everything can be planed efficiently and run smoother.
With traceability at the forefront, the partnership can focus on sustainability in a more streamlined way, ensuring their suppliers are working with sustainable practices too.
The partnership has put initiatives in place to reduce cardboard and plastic usage across the supply chain, so by bringing in these new systems, that this can be overseen in an efficient manner.
“We are honoured to continue supporting Airbus with tailored logistics solutions that integrate digital innovation, operational efficiency and a commitment to sustainability,” states Álvaro Nebreda, National Contract Logistics Manager for Spain.
A new logistics strategy
The renewed agreement is all about streamlining logistics of production and storage sites across Spain, making operations much more efficient.
As well as this, the companies are expanding the agreement and their direction. For the first time, the partnership will include helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) activities.
The partnership will oversee a significant improvement of operations across the entire logistics sector.
They will cover in-plant logistics, inter-site transport services, warehouse-to-line deliveries, supply fulfilment centre operations and spare parts management.
End-to-end supply will be managed throughout the production and storage sites.
Currently, more than 900 Kuehne+Nagel employees are operating in 16 of Spain's sites. Kuehne+Nagel's operations span across Albacete, Cádiz, Madrid, Sevilla, Toledo and Zaragoza.
Álvaro continues: “This collaboration underscores our dedication to the aerospace sector and highlights our adaptability to meet the evolving demands of our customers.”
After working together for more than 20 years, it is clear that both Kuehne+Nagel and Airbus benefit greatly from this partnership and are eager to continue expanding their logistics and operations.
