reliability as a prime ingredient for successProcurement | Warehousing | Distribution | Fulfi lment

Supply chain logistics:

The peak of logistics

At Kästle, each and every ski undergoes a series of strict

checks before leaving the production area: a typical meas-

ure for this international leader in terms of innovation and

quality. In order to be able to guarantee its customers the

very best quality, the ski manufacturer deploys the latest

technology in all its production processes. And further

down the line, top notch technologies in the domain of lo-

gistics must be utilised to assure timely, safe transporta-

tion. This is where Gebrüder Weiss comes in.

GW’s organisational experience has given us the ability to command a precise overview of our

supply chain, an absolute must where economic viability and sustainability are concerned. We

were able to reduce costs and delivery times; customer satisfaction increased accordingly.

What more could anyone ask? www.kaestle-ski.com

“ The intense focus on quality and performance is what makes our partnership special.”

Oliver Binder, R&D Director

The Challenge.

The Challenge

Kästle GmbHKästle is a highly specialised Austrian manufacturer of skis.

Since 1924, the company has helped shape the develop-

ment of the sport through continuous innovation. Prod-

uct ranges are defined by their quality and performance.

The company, which is headquartered in Wels, focuses in

particular on skis for freeride, freestyle, all-mountain and

ski touring disciplines. Kästle’s sales concept is designed

purely for the specialist shop. In contrast to other ski manu-

facturers, Kästle’s sales partners must be dedicated sports

equipment retailers.

Supply chain logistics for Kästle GmbHAfter its comeback in 2007, Kästle was looking for a lo-

gistics partner who could meet its framework requirements

internationally. The company’s exacting requirements begin

with the transport of the sensitive raw materials that go

into the production of skis and end with utmost safety, on

any mountain slope. Kästle’s quality standard is premised

on the exclusive use of elements that decisively enhance

performance. Remaining true to this ideal, Kästle’s choice

of Gebrüder Weiss for its transport needs is based on a sin-

gle partner for all transport and logistics processes. From

the word “go”, the logistics concept was geared to pro-

viding solutions. The provision of a central warehouse in

Wels, Austria, was complemented by an additional ware-

house in Chicago where Kästle sets specific criteria for

storage, packaging and forwarding of its products. A fur-

ther challenge of the project was the need for flexibility and

adaptability to accommodate a continually expanding and

changing product range, also taking into account seasonal

fluctuations in the ski equipment sector.

The Solution.

The Solution

Logistics as a complete solutionFrom reliable procurement through secure warehousing to

worldwide distribution of an annual average of 16,000 skis,

bindings and accessories – Gebrüder Weiss takes care of

Kästle’s transport and logistics needs. This arrangement en-

sures a combination of efficient transport means and timely,

safe provision of products to the remotest of ski regions.

High potential for applicationsAlongside state-of-the-art logistics centres, Gebrüder Weiss

offers Kästle superlative logistics technologies including

voucherless picking and Track and Trace. Further services

guarantee the end customer accurate and detailed informa-

tion on the contents of their consignment.

Safe transportIn cooperation with the client, Gebrüder Weiss developed

tailored shipment boxes to make distribution safer, more ef-

ficient and more cost-effective for the customer. Additional-

ly, components for skiers are assembled in logistics centres.

The Benefi ts.

The Benefi ts

Services by a single providerHaving Gebrüder Weiss as the sole partner for transport

and logistics processes means that Kästle can benefit from

accumulated skill sets and uninterrupted processes.

Effective strategiesThe second warehouse centre in Chicago is controlled and

directly supplied by the central warehouse in Wels. This

gives certain advantages for Kästle: the overseas base is

close to customers and delivery times in the US and Can-

ada can be significantly reduced. Distribution costs are

lower, thanks to bundled deliveries from Europe.

A fl exible partnerA typical aspect of sales in the ski sector are fluctuations;

Gebrüder Weiss caters for such eventualities, reacting

swiftly and ably to changes and additions to Kästle product

ranges.

Customer satisfactionA practised network, reliable delivery and smooth business

procedures: these are elements which do not go unnoticed

by Kästle and by the ski manufacturer’s clients, too.

The Process.

Planning and organising logistics is a big challenge for en-

terprises. It becomes a minefield if the enterprise chooses

to use several providers for various areas of the logistics

chain. This is why Kästle relies on one service provider.

Gebrüder Weiss is responsible for all transport and logis-

tics for the ski manufacturer, with Wels the base for distri-

bution to Europe and Australia. Wels also supplies the Chi-

cago warehouse which in turn serves the US and Canadian

markets.

The full range of logistics from one provider

www.gw-world.com