The first train carrying material for its customer ESAB arrived on October 20 at DB Schenker's new logistics center in Pardubice in the Czech Republic. ESAB is one of the world's largest suppliers of welding equipment, consumables and accessories. From now on, up to 2,000 tons of material a week are scheduled to arrive at the new logistics center from plants in Sweden, Poland and Hungary, and from the Vamberk facility in the Czech Republic. Around EUR 1.2 million has been invested in the private siding.

The rail service is part of a complex logistics project for DB Schenker's customer ESAB. It includes the construction of three European distribution centers that will handle final deliveries to its customers. DB Schenker's logistics center in Pardubice is the first facility of this kind. The 12,000 square meter facility, which has space for 13,500 pallets, was opened in September.

'We looked at the performance of all the logistics service providers in terms of support for a modular transportation solution that will enable us to expand our transportation infrastructure,' says Ian Morris, Global Planning and Customer Fulfilment Director at ESAB. 'DB Schenker not only meets our requirements in the Czech Republic, but also throughout Europe. This is a really important moment in our supply chain, with the facility in Pardubice assuming a key role as the foundation stone. DB Schenker's international presence gives ESAB the confidence that it will be able to support our own plans for growth. We are pleased that the project is moving ahead on schedule.'

Including rail for shipping material from the Vamberk facility in the Czech Republic to Pardubice alone will eliminate the need for 15 trucks a day, which is equivalent to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of around 30%. The logistics center is equipped with a high-capacity inventory management system. Within two hours of the arrival of a train or truck, the customer has access to detailed information on the goods placed in the warehouse. In addition to transportation and warehousing services, DB Schenker provides a variety of additional services, including the labeling of goods in accordance with the customer's individual specifications, special packaging methods, the dispatch of samples and the delivery of quality certificates.