Dubai South Opens Ford Advanced Parts Distribution Centre With DB Schenker

Dubai South recently celebrated the opening of an advanced Parts Distribution Center (PDC) for Ford Motor Company, signifying a significant advancement in the region's logistics capabilities. This collaboration with DB Schenker, a leader in logistics and supply chain management, introduces a 42,000-square-meter facility poised to redefine operational efficiencies and technological advancements in the logistics sector.

Located strategically within Dubai South's Logistics District, this center is designed to support Ford's storage and distribution needs for the GCC and Sub-Saharan Africa markets, enhancing inventory management and service delivery across these regions. The facility not only represents a leap in logistical operations but also aligns with Dubai South's mission to bolster Dubai as a leading global logistics hub by offering comprehensive services and state-of-the-art infrastructure to both local and international firms.

The PDC is equipped with state-of-the-art Material Handling Equipment (MHE) and an innovative racking system designed to optimize storage space and enhance picking efficiency. With technologies such as Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) systems and Deep Selective Racking (DSR), the center ensures streamlined order processing and seamless operations.

Moreover, it features 20 container docks, equally divided for inbound and outbound operations, facilitating rapid delivery processes. This technological prowess is complemented by DB Schenker's implementation of SAP S/4HANA warehouse management software, enabling paperless, barcode-scanned picking for unparalleled accuracy and efficiency.

"We are pleased to welcome Ford to Dubai South with the launch of its new facility. With the expertise and capabilities of DB Schenker, we are confident that this collaboration will bolster Ford's expansion endeavors while delivering premium services to its customers across the region.

"At Dubai South, our mission is to support the government's economic diversification plans through the comprehensive services and solutions we offer to both local and international companies, underpinned by our state-of-the-art infrastructure. We remain steadfast in our commitment to positioning Dubai as one of the world's leading logistics hubs," Mohsen Ahmad, CEO of the Logistics District, Dubai South.

Ako Djaf, VP of Contract Logistics and SCM of DB Schenker in the Middle East and Africa, said, "At DB Schenker, we take immense pride in supporting Ford's ambitious vision for operational excellence in the Middle East. The new Parts Distribution Center is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation, designed to streamline supply chain processes, enhance customer satisfaction, and contribute to sustainability goals."

Sustainability and Efficiency: Pillars of the New Facility

The PDC's location within Dubai South's Logistics District offers seamless access to major transportation hubs, including Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport, further enhancing its logistical efficiency. This connectivity, combined with the facility's advanced operational capabilities, positions it as a key player in the region's logistics sector.

DB Schenker's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to the facility's design. A solar panel system, planned for installation by late 2025, will significantly reduce energy consumption and the carbon footprint, complementing the center's eco-friendly waste management practices.

"The new PDC will enable us to create a more streamlined and efficient process that enhances parts availability, optimizes inventory management, and elevates customer service," remarked Ravi Ravichandran, President of Ford Middle East.

"By unlocking these operational efficiencies, we are delivering on our commitment to improve service and delivery times in the region, and we are thrilled to see this latest Ford project in Dubai come to fruition."