DPD Austria renews site logistics contract with Würth

Austrian screw and plug manufacturer Würth has extended a deal with parcel carrier DPD through until 2016. The two companies have been working together since 2005, during which time DPD has transported about 680,000 packages a year for the company.

DPD said it won the renewed three-year deal because of the reliability of its logistics services.

Along with the craft and DIY market, Würth supplies parts and components to the construction trade.

Würth chief executive Alfred Wurmbrand said for the construction industry, getting delivery right was key to success for his company, but could prove difficult when shipment recipients often move around a building site.

“Construction sites can sometimes seem very confusing, especially if several companies are operating on a site simultaneously. It is therefore particularly important that supplies not only arrive at the right time, but also get to exactly the right person.”

DPD’s site logistics service now contacts a package recipient by phone 15 minutes before its delivery. The item is specially marked and handled by specially-trained drivers to track down the person specifically designated as the recipient.

DPD chief executive Rainer Schwarz said: “In a long-term partnership like the one between Würth and DPD, the potential developments can establish a specialized product that becomes the ideal for the entire market. Würth was not only the first customer for DPD’s site logistics services, but also a pioneer.”

Wurmbrand said that the high quality standards and strong internal procedures at DPD mean there is a “very low” failure rate along with quick delivery..

“From the receipt of an order at the Würth headquarters until the arrival of goods with the client, it usually takes less than 24 hours,” he said.

DPD Austria now delivers around 39m packages a year with its workforce of 1,500 people and fleet of 900 vehicles.