PACCAR Introduces its New Parts Distribution Center
PACCAR, a global technology leader in the designing and manufacturing of trucks in all ranges, held a ceremony for the laying of the foundation stone of its new Parts Distribution Center (PDC) located in Hungary. Gracing the said event was PACCAR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mark Pigott, U.S. Ambassador to Hungary April Foley, Dutch Ambassador Ronald Mollinger, the DAF Supervisory Board, and a select Hungarian state and local officials.
When asked for comment, CEO Mark Pigott reiterated the company’s primary plans regarding this new addition to production: “PACCAR is pleased to locate its new Parts Distribution Center in this strategic economic region near Budapest. This facility will support DAF’s ongoing growth in Central and Eastern Europe. It will provide excellent proximity to our dealers and customers and deliver outstanding service and parts availability. PACCAR and DAF Trucks are recognized as the quality and technology leaders in the industry. In the last decade, DAF commercial vehicles have earned the European Truck of the Year award three times – the most of any manufacturer in Europe. PACCAR’s legacy of technology and innovation has been recognized by the National Medal of Technology, awarded by President Bush.”
PACCAR Parts General Manager and Vice President Rick Gorman further provides the benefits that this new PDC to overall operations: “This Distribution Center will utilize world-class technology such as: advanced logistics systems, radio-frequency identification (smart tags), tablet PCs and computer-generated voice order fulfillment. PACCAR continues to demonstrate environmental leadership by using innovative technologies to reduce the carbon footprint of its facilities, including utilizing electric material handling vehicles, recycled containers for parts shipments and a digitally controlled, high-efficiency environmental management and lighting system.”
DAF President and PACCAR Vice President Aad Goudriaan further asserts: “The new Parts Distribution Center will play a crucial role in DAF’s success in Central and Eastern Europe. In the fast growing market of the twelve new EU member states, DAF’s presence is accelerating as it currently has a 16 percent market share in the 15+ tonne segment in this region, compared to 13 percent last year. It is estimated that the Central and Eastern Europe truck market will expand to 100,000 units in the next five years and DAF is well positioned due to investments such as the new PDC.”
The new 25,000-square-meter Budapest facility is due to be finalized in mid-2008. And upon completion of this PDC facility, PACCAR will be operating 13 parts distribution centers all over the world, each on its own strategic location to provide aftermarket parts support to the industry’s growing base of dealers, retailers, and consumers. Furthermore, this new PDC facility could only equate to the company’s successful streak, as PACCAR Parts was estimated to have tripled its revenues since 1996, almost reaching the $2 billion mark in 2006.