Koehler Paper Invests One Million Euros to Increase Rail Transportation for Incoming Pulp Shipments
Since the start of the year, three to four weekly block trains have replaced pulp deliveries by truck, which amounted to as many as 15 per day.
June 24, 2020 - Koehler Paper announced that it has invested EUR 1 million to increase its use of rail transportation as part of sustainable logistics concepts and in order to increase supply chain reliability for the pulp it receives. "We have expanded the existing rail connection, which was too small, added manual underground switches to it, and also purchased a modern shunting robot," said Andreas Riedlinger, logistics team leader at Koehler. "This will enable employees to handle shunting work at the plant independently and flexibly and to process four times as much incoming tonnage." Since the start of the year, three to four weekly block trains have re-placed deliveries by truck, which amounted to as many as 15 per day. The trains are loaded in the Lower Saxony harbor of Brake, where ships from overseas arrive with their pulp cargo. The trains then head south on an overnight journey. The train known as the "Pulp Sprinter" (staff at the German railway company Deutsche Bahn also refer to it as the "Koehler Sprinter") now ensures optimal transit times, reduced idling times, and cargo bay stability. Klaus Krieg, Head of Supply Chain Management for the Koehler Paper Group, explained, "Because low-water periods on the Rhine have increased in recent years, it became necessary to modify transport logistics to protect the supply chain, even though water transportation and goods handling at the Kehl harbor of course continue to have priority in terms of volume. By making increased use of the railways, we are enhancing supply chain reliability, reducing local truck traffic, and at the same time improving our environmental footprint. A perfect combination." With headquarters in Oberkirch, Germany, Koehler Paper Group produces over 500,000 tons per year of specialty paper and board at its plants in Kehl, Greiz, and Weisenbach. The Group employs around 1,800 people. To learn more, please visit: www.koehlerpaper.com. SOURCE: Koehler Paper Group |