PACCAR Parts opens new Brisbane Distribution Centre

PACCAR Parts has officially opened a second parts distribution centre (PDC) in the Brisbane logistics hub of Berrinba, south-west of Brisbane, in a move to reduce delivery times to dealers and boost parts availability to customers in its retail network.

The purpose-built facility features over 6000 square metres of warehouse space. The centre, which shipped its first orders in December, services locations throughout Queensland and northern New South Wales. By year’s end it will supply locations in the Northern Territory and regional NSW.

The Brisbane PDC will enable PACCAR Parts to offer next-day delivery to 74 per cent of its dealers, which represents an increase of next day deliveries by 68 per cent.

“PACCAR Parts’ mission is uptime – moving customers and businesses forward. Ensuring the availability of parts and service to customers is the number one thing we need to do in the parts business,” PACCAR Parts general manager Chris Scheel said.

“For primary dealers we’re now delivering next day versus 3-4 days previously. For VOR’s (vehicle off road) the dealer drops in an order, we pick the part, and it’s received within hours,” he says, adding that dealers will also benefit from reduced freight cost in these emergency situations.

Delivery speed – and accuracy – will be enhanced by the latest technology installed in the PDC.

The Berrinba warehouse is the first PACCAR PDC to use 100 per cent voice pick technology.

Staff are fitted with headsets that tell them where to go and what to pick – and also in what order to determine the most efficient pick pattern.

“Voice-pick technology allows our distribution associates to have two hands free and keep their eyes where they are picking. This enhances quality, efficiency and safety,” Scheel says.

Berrinba is also the first PACCAR PDC globally to feature ‘wire guidance’, an electromechanical system that controls vehicle steering by tracking an energised guidewire secured in the floor. This system frees operators from steering responsibilities in very narrow aisles, such as those that stock Paccar’s smaller stock items.

“Fast-moving parts are stored at the front of the building to really speed up velocity,” Scheel added.

New Kenworth models
Speaking at the PDC opening, PACCAR Australia managing director Andrew Hadjikakou said the company would invest heavily in new product over the next two years, including two new Kenworth models under development (T410 and T360); and the move to locally manufacturing of DAF, starting with the best-selling CF mid-year.

Significant further investment is also slated for PACCAR’s 80-strong retail network, with five new locations added in 2017 and another four to come on line in 2018. At the same time, PACCAR is in the midst of expanding the TRP store network, with new outlets scheduled to open in Ballarat and Pakenham through March and April.

“To support this, this facility has become absolutely necessary,” Hadjikakou concluded.