Key Amazon.com executives in Seattle and Europe - including founder Jeff Bezos - talk about how the company's supply-chain strategies and fledgling European operations are shaping its prospects.
As Kodak's European business changed in response to economic union and various internal factors, the company needed a logistics solution that would provide greater flexibility and lower overhead costs at key facilities. It opted for outsourcing with a shared-use approach, a concept that was given an unusual and innovative twist in the U.K. with partner MSAS Global Logistics.
With economic unification and the debut of the euro, the continent has a whole new look. Shippers are turning to third parties to cope with the changes.
Netherlands-based Philips Medical Systems revamped its spare-parts logistics network to better serve owners of its diagnostic imaging machines. These changes were in line with a larger trend in Europe, where roadblocks to centralized distribution of medical equipment slowly are coming down - giving U.S. companies new opportunities for carving out market share.
Europe's widely differing regulations of the consumer health product industry pose significant obstacles to centralized distribution. For companies trying to build efficiencies into their supply chains, such as health care giant Novartis, it's a real Maalox moment.
The Japanese car maker, which once held almost eight months' worth of aftermarket parts at its Belgian logistics center, is well on its way to keeping only a little more than two months' of spares on hand. In doing so, it has relied on surprisingly little in the way of information technology.
A thriving logistics partnership between Dutch frieght forwarder Frans Maas and a Portuguese auto plant is giving new meaning to the term "just in time."
A potent mix of changing consumer tastes and legislation that forced it to sell much of its pub business caused Bass Brewers to radically tighten up its supply chain. It called in Numetrix to provide the needed technology.
Denmark-based LEGO Group keeps its brightly-colored blocks flowing to consumers in 150 countries by incorporating logistics as an important adjunct to both manufacturing and sales.
The Shannon Free Zone's irresistible tax benefits and other advantages helped it win the business of Gymboree and of many other companies looking for a European launch pad.
The latest supply chain news, analysis, trends and best practices for companies operating in Europe. Learn how businesses are optimizing supply chain and logistics performance across Europe’s 50 sovereign states and four dependencies - addressing a range of challenges such as varying regulations, developing customs and tax laws and government controlled exchange rates.
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