As part of Sappi Europe’s (Brussels, Belgium) newly developed "go to market" strategy, the green light has been given for the building of a state of the art multi-purpose paper storage logistics facility of approximately 20,000 cubic meters close to Wesel, Germany. The rail-linked facility will hold more stock keeping units for German and Benelux customers in particular. The logistics services linked to this additional warehouse space will also be made available to other customers thanks to the operational support provided by long-standing partners.

 

This EUR 12.6 million investment supports Sappi Europe’s strategic focus on optimizing logistics networks and reducing costs. The facility will be fully operation by the end of 2016. 

 

Sappi has implemented a full train concept with a dedicated train between its Gratkorn Mill and the Wesel hub. Six trains per week carry paper and pulp between the sites. The strategic location of the hub facilitates the flow of goods across Europe, connecting overseas ports and Sappi’s railway distribution centers in Zeebrugge (Belgium) and close to Graz (Austria).

 

Hans-Juergen Peichler, manager logistics, Sappi Logistics Wesel GmbH, has been closely involved in the initiative.  "We have put a lot of emphasis on analyzing both outbound and inbound logistics, working with our procurement and logistics teams to find synergies and to better utilize existing networks. The logistics services that we offer have been fine-tuned and are as multi-modal as possible. The Wesel facility supports this drive."