DHL Supply Chain has become the first business to receive the recently launched Jaguar and Land Rover (JLR) Quality Award for 'Best Business Process Quality Improvement Project'. This accolade was awarded for the Inbound Logistics Transition 2008-09 Project, which was undertaken by the global supply chain specialist's UK automotive team. The purpose of the Quality Awards is to recognize teams working in partnership with the JLR business that have made exceptional contribution to quality during 2008.

The project, which is believed by DHL to be the biggest change management program of its kind in the European automotive industry, involved the supply chain specialist taking over all material handling and in-plant logistics at JLR's two main facilities in the Midlands. The supply chain solution also involved a complete overhaul of the UK transport operation and the transition of an off-site cross dock facility to within the key manufacturing plant. This successful project delivered major financial and operational benefits to JLR and was a great example of DHL and JLR personnel working in partnership to deliver a major change project in a short timescale, without disrupting production.

Paul Dyer, Managing Director of DHL's UK Automotive business, is delighted with the award. He said: "While we began this project well before the impact of the global recession really began to bite, our work has helped to reduce supply chain costs and improve efficiencies at JLR's key plants. We continue to work closely with the team at JLR to drive out waste and ensure the logistics element of the manufacturing process is world leading."

The supply chain project, which was implemented over a three month period between June and August 2008, involved the establishment of a single cross dock facility at JLR's main manufacturing plant and the set up of a new trailer, pallet park and vehicle operating center at the same location.