Annual report - Sequana

High-performancesupply chainAntalis’ strength combines a high-performance supplychain with major storage capacity. In most major cities,it can deliver to customers within 24 hours or even offersame-day service.Streamlining its distribution and delivery networks hasbecome a strategic priority, especially in the wake of theacquisition of Map.In 2009, several new distribution centres were opened and anumber of warehouses were closed in the Netherlands, CzechRepublic, Poland and Romania.Streamlining the supply chain helps Antalis provide a betterquality service to customers by unlocking synergies at regionallevel. It also constitutes a major vector for boosting theGroup’s profitability.Antalis draws on its efficiency and expertise to offer customersa comprehensive, end-to-end service using just-in-timemanagement to optimise their supply chain, storing customers’goods and delivering direct to their customers.An environmentally-friendlydistribution centreThe new distribution centre that was inaugurated inthe Netherlands in September is used by Antalis’ paperand Visual Communication businesses and by DekkerPackaging. Built in just six months, the facility hasa surface area of 27,000m² and is the first Antalis warehouseto be powered solely by green energy from a wind farm.Aside from its green credentials, it allows Antalis tooptimise inventory management and goods output andoffer its customers superior service quality and a broaderarray of products. Further, bringing together all of ourteams under one roof is a major source of efficiency.Strong local presenceIn spite of its international profile with a firm foothold in Europe,Asia Pacific, South America and South Africa, Antalis remainsa group with a strong local presence. This is essential in meetingcustomer needs and developing strong business ties.Antalis’ sales organisation benefits from an on-the-groundapproach aimed at adapting to each customer’s specificitiesand profile, bringing tailored solutions and efficient customerrelationship management.Call centre staff use cutting-edge software such as AutomaticCall Distributors (ACD) and Computer Telephony Integration(CTI) to handle incoming calls and keep customer waitingtimes to a minimum.CTI identifies customers by displaying their key informationon the computer screen, thus offering a more pro-active service.The same top-quality service approach is employed for thefield sales force, which deploys automation software to quicklyreact to customer requests and ensure effective follow-up.A dedicated team has been set up to work with major internationalaccounts that wish to centralise purchases at Europeanand international level. The team helps design solutions thatprovide the customer with a consistent and coherent offeringof paper and packaging materials and services throughout Europe.Antalis’ newdistribution centrein Almere(Netherlands).