Investment of 180 million euros to build a state-of-the-art logistics facility

More than 900 jobs are created

Commissioning expected in the first quarter of 2020

With a solemn laying of the foundation stone, the Automotive Aftermarket division of Schaeffler heralded the construction phase of its new assembly and packaging center, called Aftermarket Kitting Operation (AKO), in Halle (Saale). The construction of the state-of-the-art logistics facility in the "Star Park" industrial park is one of 20 initiatives in the "Agenda 4 plus One" program of excellence, with which Schaeffler is driving the transformation of the company - in line with the "Mobility for Tomorrow" strategy. For this purpose, the Schaeffler AG Executive Board, with the approval of the Supervisory Board, has made an investment of 180 million euros.

In addition to representatives from Schaeffler, representatives from politics and partner companies laid the foundation stone for the new, central logistics hub with a floor area of over 40,000 square meters. From there, automotive spare parts - which Schaeffler sells as individual products as well as in the form of repair solutions - will be picked, packaged to kits and sent Europe-wide.

"Our new assembly and packaging center is the largest single investment ever made by the Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket division," emphasizes Michael Söding, Board Member Automotive Aftermarket, Schaeffler AG. "And it pays off: with this laying of the foundation stone, we are entering a new era for our logistics, towards more flexibility, speed and on-time delivery to our customers. In Halle (Saale), we find excellent economic conditions for this - including an excellent infrastructure and a strategically optimal location for us. "

Dr. Bernd Wiegand, Lord Mayor of Halle (Saale), adds: "The city of Halle (Saale) is proud of the location of such a significant company in the industrial park 'Star Park' - the decision of the Schaeffler Group is further proof of its great attractiveness Location in the heart of the European metropolitan region of Central Germany. The city of Halle (Saale) offers excellent framework conditions for Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket GmbH & Co. KG and will continue to support them with a single point of contact. I am sure that Schaeffler and the expected approximately 900 new employees will feel at ease with us. "

The construction of the new logistics facility - consisting of building and plant engineering - will extend over the next one and a half years. The logistics service provider Neovia Logistics is responsible for this. Commissioning is scheduled for the first quarter of 2020. When the planned utilization is reached, up to 900 employees work in the assembly and packaging center. These are also hired by Neovia Logistics. The partner company is already accepting applications for specialist functions - with a focus on logistics, lean management, 6-sigma and SAP. The recruitment phase for operations - which includes picking, packaging and shipping - will not start until 2019 at the earliest. In due course, corresponding job advertisements will be published in relevant media and job portals by Neovia Logistics.