CINRAM GmbH: Change as an opportunity

CINRAM GmbH in Alsdorf is transforming itself from a service provider to a full-service logistics company

For 40 years, the name CINRAM has been internationally recognised for quality, punctuality and precision. The company started out as a producer and distributor for well-known music and film studios. In the meantime, the locations have been transformed into logistics centres that use their proven expertise to act as full-service logistics providers across all industries. Michael Schweinsberg, Director Sales Distribution Logistics, is convinced that CINRAM GmbH in Alsdorf has the best prerequisites for this: "What CINRAM offers in the field of logistics cannot even be found in this breadth and depth with the well-known names in the logistics industry!"

Central location

Thanks to its central location in the German-Dutch-Belgian border triangle, it is possible to reach almost 80 per cent of consumers in Europe within 24 or 48 hours from the Alsdorf site. CINRAM GmbH has more than 70,000 m2 of warehouse space and over 115,000 picking compartments for small parts. The company also has the necessary expertise in order processing, such as pick-by-light, two-stage picking or man-to-goods. Item management according to FiFo, LiFo and other picking methods is just as obligatory as the systemic support of batch and serial number management. A comprehensive range of services, such as software refuelling and functional testing, is also available. As of today, CINRAM has over 450,000 different items in stock. Up to 50,000 delivery note items are processed daily with a picking accuracy of 99.97%.

In-house print shop

This portfolio is complemented by the in-house printing plant. Here, services in the areas of artwork, packaging engineering, creation of print components and materials for the POS can be utilised.

"Excellent" service

CINRAM's experienced logistics and customer service round off the offering. Together with its customers, CINRAM has been awarded the "Golden Palette" by Amazon three years in a row. This logistics prize is awarded by the online department stores' for outstanding operational performance.

"The conditions for successfully establishing CINRAM as a full-service logistics provider are very good," summarises Managing Director Dieter Lubberich. "Our portfolio of logistics services goes far beyond pure warehouse logistics. Planning of replenishment and automatic orders, spare parts management and technical function tests are areas that are covered by CINRAM. We also offer assembling and packaging as well as 'extended workbench' services."

All processes along the supply chain

The Alsdorf site is ideal as a European Distribution Centre and Region Distribution Centre. CINRAM has everything its customers need: all processes along the supply chain are professionally managed. The centre has always worked quickly, reliably and with high security standards, because distribution for the media industry has to meet high standards. The only new aspect is that companies from various sectors are now utilising the services. And find everything they need.

Service portfolio

Sometimes even more. In the area of inbound logistics, this includes not only the import of goods and customs clearance for free circulation, but also the inspection of goods on arrival at the warehouse. Here, the Alsdorf team not only randomly tests the functions, but also carries out software updates for devices. The goods are tracked and stored using lot, batch and serial number recording. An order of magnitude: the system registers up to 120,000 delivery note items every day.

For products and consignments that still need to be supplemented with components or assembled into sets, the company's own semi-automated manual packaging system is used. It is adept at realising specific customer requirements.

Real added value

Even on the way to the POS or end customer, the goods are in the best hands at CINRAM thanks to state-of-the-art freight management. With the Control Tower system, the CINRAM logistics experts navigate the consignments efficiently and reliably.

Producers of high-tech products or fast-moving consumer goods can make use of the Alsdorf-based company's expertise, as can retailers or e-commerce providers. "We want to strengthen our presence, especially for customers who generate their sales via the internet," emphasises Michael Schweinsberg.

Companies that want to handle their spare parts logistics are also in good hands in Alsdorf: With warehouse opening hours around the clock, a high-availability warehouse is available for urgent spare parts and replacement components. CINRAM Managing Director Dieter Lubberich summarises: "We can intervene horizontally and vertically in the value-added chain and thus offer our customers real added value!"