Atlas Copco’s Compressor Technique business area officially opened its new state-of-the-art, custom-designed warehouse and workshop at the Jet Park HQ in Gauteng, on 24 November 2023. The all-under-one-roof facility sees the business area doubling its warehouse space, as well as increasing the workshop area, adding a complete undercover outside storage section and significantly expanding office size.
“Atlas Copco Compressor Techniques’ strategic intent is to double the business within the next five to seven years and having the correct warehouse logistics in place is critical in achieving our goal,” asserts Atlas Copco Compressor Technique General Manager, Pieter van Wyk. “Moreover, we need a warehouse that matches our renowned innovative, high-quality compressed air machines and advanced technology solutions.”
“The decision to invest in our own warehouse, which we previously outsourced, meets our narrative of adding value for both customers and employees. We are now in full control. Our objectives are to create a cost-effective and efficiently-run warehouse and workshop for accurate and on- time delivery, to optimise space, to foster a safe and pleasant working environment for employees, to improve distributor satisfaction and ultimately to enhance the customer experience.”
“With immense growth in the demand for spare parts, it’s about future-proofing the Compressor Technique business area and adding value to our supply chain by ensuring that we are ready to meet the challenges of our long-term growth and expansion plans for our operations both in South Africa and the sub-Saharan region,” adds Van Wyk.
The layout of the facility was a complex process and meticulous planning and diligence for requirements for the coming years was critical. The warehouse was designed and constructed on the basis of a detailed analysis by the Compressor Technique team in collaboration with national and international warehouse and logistics solutions experts to determine the strategic needs of the business, employees, customers as well as industry. A full-time team appointed in the last 18 months to navigate the project demonstrates Compressor Techniques’ undivided commitment to customers.
Ergonomically-designed workshop and warehouse streamline work processes with the additional benefit of creating a positive working environment conducive to health, safety, efficiency and improved employee morale and productivity. Racking is an essential component and careful deliberations took place to optimise the roof height and space. Every cubic meter was utilised to increase the efficiency of the material flow. The warehouse supervisor’s expertise in controlling the inventory and being strategically agile with future market growth demands is vital for the business’s sustainability and increase in market share.
Owing to the smart new layout, there is no disconnect between the warehouse, the workshop and the outside storage facilities which are all housed under one roof. The streamlined supply chain conveniently gives customers access the gates when delivering or collecting products, eliminating the need to travel on the premises which improves safety and saves on time and costs.
Efficiencies in the workshop, which is fitted with a customised wash bay, is expected to significantly improve from a previous several-hour turn around to just one hour. This will serve to empower technicians to complete the full-service process from start to finish more effectively and productively, boosting customer service.
Elaborating on the under-roof outside storage facility for industrial equipment, Van Wyk affirms that in addition to more storage capacity and easier access to equipment, downtime will also be reduced as work is possible even in adverse weather conditions.
It was also important to address space optimisation to facilitate employee growth. Having doubled the office space, each team now has their dedicated area and the workshop personnel have access to restrooms, lockers, a kitchenette and a downtime area. Attention was also given to ventilation, proper lighting and the overall comfort of the employees. Projections are that the travel of employees within the facility can be reduced by up to 70%, thereby addressing the demand for effective and efficient delivery of services and a favourable work environment.
“Our new streamlined facility has galvanised the Compressor Technique team and as proud custodians of our quality Atlas Copco brand, we are ready to meet the demands of a fast-growing market with customer service excellence our top agenda,” concludes Van Wyk.
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At Atlas Copco, we have been turning industrial ideas into business-critical benefits since 1873. By listening to our customers and knowing their needs, we deliver value and innovate with the future in mind.
Atlas Copco CT
Great ideas accelerate innovation. At Atlas Copco Compressor Technique we team up with our customers to turn industrial ideas into smart connected air and gas solutions and leading edge compressed air technology. Our passionate people, expertise and service bring sustainable value to industries everywhere.
