Suddath Facility Transfer Case Study

Challenge

A publicly traded manufacturer of components and semiconductors was moving a manufacturing facility from its current location in Arizona to a new site in Malaysia.  The highly technical 100,000 foot facility contained valuable heavy equipment that made for unique transportation difficulties.  Their goal was to have the facility still fully operating while being transplanted to the new location.

Action

Suddath Logistics Group / Centra Worldwide's  management team worked with the manufacturer to devise a plan that would allow portions of facility to be fully operating while sections were transported to Malaysia.  Our team managed the process of going in and tearing down sections of the facility and appropriately crating and securing the materials.  Although we handle transportation via all modes (ocean, air, truckload, rail, parcel), in this case all transportation was done by air freight to minimize transfer time and get the segments up and running again as soon as possible.

Once on location, the sections were then reconstructed so they could become fully operational.  A specially designed air filled pallet delivery system was used to move the heavy equipment into the facility without damaging the flooring or the machines themselves.  Each step of the process was made visible to the management team by way of an online tracking system.

Result

By partnering with Suddath Logistics Group / Centra Worldwide, the manufacturer gained a freight forwarding relationship and logistics management partner, which decreased transportation expenditures while establishing transparency in the implementation process. The online tracking system allowed their management to follow the daily progress and view their savings on the investment. When the project is complete, Suddath will have helped the manufacturer tear down, transport, and reconstruct a staggering half million kilos of equipment and material.  Daily meetings and system reviews continue to allow both management teams to work together to ensure a smooth transition.