Ford New Zealand is preparing to open a brand new purpose-built national parts distribution centre at East Tamaki’s Highbrook Business Park. In selecting the Highbrook location, the Ford team considered a number of potential alternative locations, but Highbrook was settled on because the area enjoys the benefits of superior motorway and arterial road access, with a close proximity to a number of major freight and courier depots.
The 10,000 sq. m facility replaces the now 50-year-old depot that is located next to what was the VANZ vehicle assembly plant in Manukau. With an 11metre stud, the design of the new distribution centre utilises Ford’s global warehousing template, with some minor tweaks to comply with local regulations.
The design incorporates the latest of available warehousing technologies. In the loading docks, high-speed roller door and moving floors are installed which will expedite the loading and unloading for both the warehouse staff and the logistics contractors.
The building design makes the best use of the available natural light, which is supplemented with a high efficiency lighting system. The various pieces of materials handling equipment have been fitted with an operator recognition system which will allow the machine to operate only with those staff who have been fully trained to use it.
“The new national parts distribution centre is a significant investment for the company, and is designed to increase efficiencies across our parts distribution and supply process,” said Craig Sterritt, manager, Ford Customer Service Division.
“We have the latest in efficient warehouse racking, materials handling equipment as well as new offices and facilities for our warehouse employees; it’s a very welcome enhancement for the Ford New Zealand supply chain.”
To facilitate the relocation of stock from the Manukau facility to the new Highbrook location, Ford New Zealand will be closing the current warehouse on July 17 and re-opening with the new facility two weeks later on Monday August 3.
To minimise the potential client impact of the shutdown, Ford has devised and will be implementing a parts management plan, with all Ford dealers carrying extra parts stock, and the continuation of the ordering of genuine “Vehicle Off Road” parts so the disruption to the normal supply of parts is expected to be minimal.
Ford does recommend that wherever possible you plan ahead to minimise any Ford parts purchases that may be required during this close down period.
There may still be some delay in receiving some parts during the warehouse transfer time – Ford New Zealand appreciates your support and patience during this time and apologises for any inconvenience to either your selves or your customers.
