GMSA opens ‘one stop’ distribution centre

General Motors in Port Elizabeth has broken new ground with what it says is the first “one stop shop” vehicle conversion, storage and distribution centre (VCDC) of its kind in the world. “We hope that the Eastern Cape-based VCDC will be used as a benchmark for all future GM facilities,” says Tony Pienaar who heads up the new centre. With storage space for 8 500 vehicles on site, the centre includes two high-tech workshops and a new railway siding linking directly to the Transnet line to Johannesburg. Construction was completed in March 2007, and GM took occupation of the facility on April 25 this year. “The VCDC was designed to save time and money throughout the supply chain,” says Pienaar. Previously, operations such as vehicle repairs, re-fitting and servicing were outsourced. The VCDC, however provides these facilities on-site. Vehicles shipped in from overseas manufacturers are brought straight to the centre to be washed, checked and distributed to the dealers. Each aspect of the new facility is controlled by a high-tech IT system which manages vehicle placements and movements. According to Pienaar, the IT system has helped improve imported vehicle processing from an average of 18 days in November to four days. “Our target for next year is to reach three days,” he says. “Our stock take process has also vastly improved from an average of 1.5 days to just over three hours,” says Pienaar.