Plant expansion demands on-time delivery of machinery and equipment

About Grupo Bimbo, Colombia

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The Solution

A number of firms were being considered by Bimbo. Following the due diligence process, meetings with PSA BDP’s logistics and management team and based on PSA BDP’s experience and the strategy solution proposed for this project, Bimbo selected PSA BDP Colombia. The PSA BDP team included Ms. Diana Gonzalez – Bimbo Executive Account, Mr. Fredy Ramos – Bogota Manager and Mr. Enrico Benedetti – General Manager."

After reviewing resources, we selected PSA BDP because we wanted an experienced organization that could give us strong support,” said Eduardo Calderón, Logistica Internacional for Bimbo de Colombia.

What are the primary capabilities Mr. Calderón looks for in the selection of a transportation and logistics resource to meet his company’s needs?

Bimbo's goal

“I want to feel confident that my cargo is being transported by professionals, and that I have excellent service without paying more,” Mr. Calderón said. “A high level of service and attention to cost management are important to our company.”

PSA BDP provided Grupo Bimbo with a comprehensive range of transportation services—sea and land—to deliver cargo to the company’s four plants in Colombia. The cargo had to be in place within one month.

Two hundred and fifty containers of manufacturing machinery were shipped from three locations in the United States and Canada. These included mixers, toasters and other special equipment, such as flat racks.

The transportation went smoothly: ocean shipments in break bulk, flat rack, and FCL including pick-up in the shipper’s plant with flat beds. The more urgent pieces had to be moved by air.

Hurricane Sandy brings additional challenges

The only issue was a result of strong winds caused by Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. Two flat rack containers of mixers, which were being transported by motorboat from Jacksonville to the port of Cartagena, were lost in the turbulent seas.

BDP had to act quickly and make decisions. Replacement equipment was found in Venezuela. BDP worked with the insurer on behalf of the client and also ensured the port inspections of the replacement equipment went smoothly and the shipment made it safely and on time to the plant.

"Despite the initial loss of the flat rack containers, for Bimbo Colombia it was a positive experience,” Gonzalez said. “Today the plant expansion is a reality and is producing what the Colombian market demands. BDP is pleased to know that the success of the project was a result of well planned logistics and executed by a strong team of professionals.”

Mr. Calderón agreed. He pointed to particular efficiencies provided by BDP Colombia. “We benefitted from low costs and better lead times with BDP,” he said.

Hurricane Sandy damage in New Jersey, USA

A trusted partnership

“With BDP I have found a professional team who offer me the service I demand for all Bimbo de Colombia´s projects, however small they may be. I receive the best advice for transportation and schedules. As I mentioned, I always look for cost savings and BDP has helped me reduce costs for my company."

“Since our first operation with BDP International, we have received reliability, strong support and certainty. BDP is now our strategic partner,” Mr. Calderón said.