As supply chains become more global in scope, providers must expand their horizons to deliver specific customer services on an international level. Effectively managing the entire supply chain and bringing visibility to customers are two factors that have enabled Schneider to become one of today's leading supply chain management companies.
As a North America-based company, Schneider has successfully built up its business in Europe over the last 10 years and is now further committing itself to the important Chinese market. And with more than 70 years of experience in the transport industry, it has developed its expertise to develop customized logistical solutions.
Schneider has earned a reputation that Andrew Austin, the director of supply chain logistics in Europe, believes will enable the company to continue building its business in Europe.
"The Netherlands has long been considered the ideal location in which to base pan-European logistics operations due to its strategic location, market proximity and highly developed transport structure," says Austin. "We believe Schneider brings nimbleness and agility to the European logistics market and following our European expansion strategy, Schneider is now in a good position to build on the relationships we have developed with our European customers," Austin says.
"As organizations become more demanding and want further savings and services from their supply chain partners, our ability to get products to the right place at the right time is being recognized. We intend to further enhance our customers' supply chains and build on our areas of expertise within Europe," he adds.
By concentrating on the service and the management of transportation, Austin is driven to make a significant impact on the European market through focused strategy, determination, ambition and the support of the parent company, characteristics that are playing an equally important role for Schneider as the company takes further steps into the Chinese market.
The sheer size of China forces immense challenges on the country in terms of its infrastructure. Logistics and supply chain management consumes 20 per cent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) and to compete globally, China must further develop its logistics and supply chain management capabilities.
Jack Gross, vice-president and general manager of Schneider, is confident that Schneider can succeed in the challenging Chinese market through co-operation, communication and dedication.
"We have had an open office in China for over 18 months and while we went there to support our international client base, we discovered that the greater opportunity is in providing our services to the domestic market," Gross explains.
"In terms of our logistics and transportation services within China, today we have a strong partner who is tightly aligned with us and will announce our continued commitment to the Chinese market. We are hosting a three-day event for corporate leaders and central and local government officials. We will discuss what it takes to be successful in China and highlight Schneider's intentions of becoming a state-of-the-art logistics operator within the country," he says.
"Schneider has always been known in North America as a premier trucking, land-based asset organization and as a leader in the industry. We intend to continue this trend in the Chinese market. We are one of the largest port transloaders in North America and these same services will shortly be made available in China. It takes time for new customers to build faith in an organization and while we are never going to be the lowest cost alternative, we intend to be the highest value alternative," he adds.
As a financially stable, privately owned company, Schneider prides itself on providing top-quality service coupled with a high level of ethics on which clients can depend. As the company takes new strides into the Chinese market, Gross is convinced the company has a thorough understanding of what needs to be done to achieve success in China.
For detailed information, please visit www.schneider.com
(China Daily 10/21/2006 page15)
