In early Sept. Bombardier Aerospace officially opened its high-volume 238,000-sq.-ft. aircraft parts distribution warehouse in Chicago. The new facility will reportedly offer Bombardier business jet operators and regional airlines greater speed, accuracy and quality of service. Located at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, the newly built warehouse serves as the central distribution point for all Bombardier aircraft parts and will hold over 120,000 unique parts.
“Our Chicago parts distribution hub is the result of a significant investment in systems and infrastructure over the past 18 months designed to provide our customers with an industry-leading level of service,” said Desmond Bell, vice-president, parts logistics, Bombardier Aerospace. Once the new distribution center reaches full capacity this autumn, it will ship 800 to 1,000 orders per day.
The Chicago operation and a similar new facility in Frankfurt, Germany form the nucleus of Bombardier’s re-designed parts logistics network. Located near Frankfurt International Airport, Bombardier's second warehouse will serve customers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Both warehouses are managed under a long-term contract through Caterpillar Logistics Services Inc. “We’re working closely with Bombardier to roll out an integrated worldwide supply chain, utilizing our world-class people and processes, enabled by SAP systems,” said Mike Melie, vice-president of Caterpillar Logistics, Americas Division. “Our inventory management systems are providing clear monthly and weekly forecasts enabling us to anticipate and prepare for both scheduled and unscheduled customers' service requirements for every Bombardier business and regional aircraft model.”
