Stellantis opens new parts distribution centre

Stellantis Australia has moved its spare parts warehousing from Port Melbourne to a new 14,000-square-metre, five-star green energy-rated distribution centre (DC) in Mickleham, Victoria.

To manage this move, which involved more than 40,000 stock-keeping units (SKU) whilst continuing to service dealers and customers, Stellantis chose logistics specialist DB Schenker to oversee the project and committed to a 12-month partnership extension.

Stellantis – which represents 16 automotive brands, including Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Jeep, Maserati, and Peugeot – has an existing relationship with DB Schenker and chose it to manage the move for continuity and minimal impact to service.

“DB Schenker has provided end-to-end inbound and outbound management of spare parts for Australia to stock almost 200 dealers. We were chosen to manage the move because our expertise and resources enabled us to continue providing service to dealers during the move,” DB Schenker Australia and New Zealand chief commercial officer Filipa Rusec says.

“We’ve worked collaboratively with Stellantis for more than five years now, and we’ve been growing as the customer grows and continuing to support them as their needs evolve,” she says.

Ready for growth

Stellantis’ new 14,000-square-metre facility includes a 2,200-square-meter mezzanine deck. The Mickleham DC will be a bustling site with a two-shift operation in Melbourne’s Northern Corridor. It will receive 100,000 lines and pick a quarter of a million lines yearly.

DB Schenker key account manager Michael Canning says planning for the future is essential for a forward-thinking company like Stellantis.

“DB Schenker can stay agile and flexible for future expansion, so if Stellantis has expanding requirements, we are ready to assist promptly, and with the high level of service Stellantis has come to expect,” he says.

In addition to spare parts management, DB Schenker provides material handling equipment, IT, and labour to Stellantis and will continue this relationship in the new facility.

“This modern facility is a step into the future for Stellantis, and DB Schenker is ready to support this valued customer on their growth journey,” Canning says.