26.7.2002
Opel optimizes logistics between plants

The unique Otello-Express enables timely delivery of parts by train between Opel plants, travelling regularly between the plants in Zaragoza, Spain and Eisenach, Germany.

Several European train operators have adopted Opel's concept for transportation between various plants. Since May of this year, the Otello-Express travels the approximately 1,650 kilometer-long route between the Opel plants in Zaragoza, Spain and Eisenach, Germany. The name of the 700-meter long train stands for Opel Trans European Lean Logistics.

Five times a week, the train makes "just-in-time" deliveries of around 800 tons of components from Spain for the Corsa production in Eisenach. With the Otello-Express, conventional delivery vehicles and transport containers can be used more efficiently. This enables a much higher allocation of capacity.

In the past, press parts from the plants had to be transported in separate containers for technical reasons and could not be delivered in the same train. The structure of the new trains will allow these parts to be transported in the same train, making the delivery process much more efficient and flexible.

The new train is a part of Opel's overall logistics system: Deliveries start off in Mainz-Bischofsheim before travelling to the Szentgotthard plant in Hungary, the Aspern plant in Austria, and the Antwerpen plant in Belgium or returning from there to the Zaragoza plant in Spain.

Ninety-five percent of delivery traffic between Opel plants is completed by rail transport. In this way, Opel helps to contribute to reducing the environmental impact of its operations. The development of the new train concept is yet another step in this direction. Opel and DB Cargo, Germany's rail network, are evaluating additional ways of utilizing the already established rail network.