Wulf Gaertner Autoparts AG geared up for further growth

Hamburg, 25.03.2014. Gearing up for future growth, Wulf Gaertner Autoparts AG has strengthened the logistic capabilities at its Hamburg central warehouse. When it goes into operation, the new extension building will have nearly doubled previous storage capacities. With this decision the company has made a major investment in improving parts availability and ensuring swifter deliveries to customers worldwide.

Under its MEYLE and MEYLE-HD brands Hamburg-based Wulf Gaertner Autoparts AG engineers and manufactures OE-equivalent automotive spare parts. With the number of pallet spaces now totalling 56,000 slots, storage capacities at the family company's head offices have more than doubled. "With the extension building we have laid the foundations for continued growth. Our range is constantly evolving to meet the ever increasing demand for our products", says Board member Marita Schwartze. The company's MEYLE Asia Line launched last year exclusively for Asian applications is an excellent example of this. But the range of technically optimised MEYLE-HD parts also continues to grow. Devised by the company's in-house engineers these steering and suspension parts are designed to outshine OEM products in terms of durability and reliability. Thanks to these flagship products the company benefits from a unique standing on the independent aftermarket backed by an

exceptional four-year warranty the company gives on the entire range of quality-enhanced HD parts.

"With our current range of 17,500 MEYLE parts we cover virtually all major vehicle applications, and thanks to the new logistics we are now geared up for further growth", says Schwartze. The new premises offer additional space to accommodate an ever growing product range, but also ensure maximum process efficiency thanks to state-of-the-art hoisting and conveyor technologies and more space in the incoming goods and shipping areas. "Even today product turnaround is impressive. Until the end of 2013 we handled 1.5 million picks moving over 16 million individual parts with a total weight of 14,000 tons", explains Schwartze.

Overall investments in improving customer service total 40 million euros. This also includes a training centre with lifting platform and alignment stand, new offices on over 2000sqm and a modern staff restaurant. "At our new corporate headquarters employees and visitors from all over the world will find a highly motivating working environment in the heart of the Hamburg metropolitan area", says Schwartze. At present, 350 employees work at the company's Hamburg headquarters, and the trend is rapidly growing. Together with its partner companies Wulf Gaertner Autoparts AG employs 1,200 people.