Freudenberg opens new logistics center in Slovakia

Weinheim, September 26, 2013. The Freudenberg Business Group, Freudenberg Filtration Technologies, is opening the first of two new logistics centers for cabin air filters in Potvorice, Slovakia. Already at the end of August the Group held a topping out ceremony in Kaiserslautern where, in December, the second logistics center will become operational. The European market for cabin air filters is growing steadily which is why Freudenberg has increased production by 30 percent since 2008. With the construction of two modern multi-purpose halls, the Freudenberg Group is taking a significant next step in meeting this increase in demand. Freudenberg is investing around 3.5 million Euros in the production and logistics center in Potvorice, creating 15 additional new jobs. The center in Kaiserslautern is being built jointly with Skipiol Immobilien GmbH & Co. KG, who is making an investment of ten million Euros.

Freudenberg Filtration Technologies equips more than two thirds of all new cars with cabin air filters. The factories in Potvorice and Kaiserslautern, Germany, serve the European market. Although new car registrations are currently in decline, the demand for cabin air filters continues to grow. With its new logistics centers, the Freudenberg Group is optimizing its internal work processes to meet the increase in production volumes. The integration of all logistic work processes at the site will shorten lead times and allow the company to react more quickly to changes in the market.

In Potvorice, all work processes will in the future be handled in the 4,500 square meter multi-purpose hall opened today. The car cabin air filters will either be packaged, labeled and distributed, or stored in one of the 2,500 storage areas, to cover the short-term needs of the customers. Freudenberg is investing 3.5 million Euros in the new building and creating 15 new jobs. In total the site employs 240 associates. “It’s extremely important to locate logistics and production next to each other. The permanent availability of products plays an important role in staying ahead of the competition,” says Dr. Jörg Sievert, Member of the Board of Freudenberg Filtration Technologies. The more efficient workflow makes it possible to load and unload around 15 trucks per day.

Six height adjustable docking stations in the modern halls in Kaiserslautern load and unload 45 trucks each day. The new building has its own access to avoid the number of trucks becoming a problem on the factory premises. Freudenberg has even carefully thought about the number of truck drivers: A separate rest room with WC and shower has been installed for them. The 12,000 square meter hall has offices as well as a canopied space for returned goods. Freudenberg Filtration Technologies employs around 270 associates at the site in Kaiserslautern. The new logistics center is being built in cooperation with Skipiol Immobilien GmbH & Co. KG.