Logistics / packaging-VW-bratislava

When Packaging and Expertise Make the Difference

Packaging logistics planning in Mladá Boleslav has expanded its competencies and is now also handling projects for the VW Group's Bratislava plant.

The PLL/1 – Development, Planning Containers department is expanding its competencies and will now also handle the planning of special packaging, from design through testing to deployment in production, for new projects at the VW plant in Bratislava.

Packaging for a car part is not just a protective case for transport. It must take the shape of the component into account, ensure it is safely stored, and also function under the conditions of modern production. Sometimes it is handled manually, other times by a robot. Behind every such solution lies technical planning, development, testing and cooperation with suppliers. And it is precisely in this area that Škoda Auto is now taking on greater responsibility within the VW Group.

The aim is to get parts into universal packaging, but when requirements do not allow this, PLL/1 and their development of new packaging comes into play.

This is now handled by the PLL/1 department, and it is one of the concrete results of changes linked to the Future Production Governance (FPG) initiative, which is gradually strengthening regional cooperation and the sharing of competencies across the production network.

Planning a 3D packaging design in a virtual environment.

From Idea to Series Production

What does the new responsibility mean in practice? The PLL/1 team takes part in developing special manual and robotic packaging, plans the related budget, evaluates project changes, and commissions the development and production of packaging. An important part of its work is also testing prototypes and preparing packaging for pre-series and series production. Every solution must match the specific part and the way it will be handled in production. Properly designed packaging helps protect components, makes their transport easier and supports the smooth running of the production process.

"For our department, the FPG initiative means an opportunity to take on greater responsibility within the region, gain new experience, and develop competencies in the long term that we can use in other projects as well. At the same time, we want to bring a Simply Clever approach to Audi and Porsche projects, look for smart and efficient solutions, and in doing so contribute to the performance of the entire VW Group," says Stanislav Jindra, PLL/1 coordinator.

The new division of responsibilities is already reflected in concrete tasks, and packaging planning is under way for projects that the Bratislava plant will carry out in the future.

Removing parts from special packaging for front headlights.

Cooperation Across the Region

The changes linked to the FPG initiative relate to the new organisation of the production network within Brand Group Core. Instead of management by individual brands, a regional model is increasingly applied, supporting the sharing of capacities, experience and expertise.

"The aim is to make more efficient use of expert capacities and allow production plants to focus primarily on car production. Taking over the planning of special packaging for Bratislava is therefore not just a change in the division of tasks. For the Škoda Auto team, it means new experience, a broader scope of activity and the opportunity to apply their knowledge in other Group projects as well," adds S. Jindra.