Every mould making and moulding project triggers a complex supply chain. This is orchestrated by Laura Susanna, Stamplast’s purchasing and logistics manager and her team of four people in the office and warehouse. Since 2009 Laura has been in charge of logistics and shipping, a responsibility to which she later added purchasing. In her work she also makes use of the IT skills she acquired during her accountancy studies. Here is the interview with our purchasing and logistics manager Laura Susanna.
How does Stamplast work to procure the raw materials necessary for its production?
“We have a limited warehouse, because we handle a large quantity of different materials, so it is more efficient to source according to the needs of the specific project. We do this based on planning. Based on requests, I set purchase orders for raw materials and components for the moulds. Then there is another way: scheduled orders. For delivery times or costs of certain materials that are needed over a very long period, we schedule orders periodically. For this method to be effective, synergy with customers is important. The better we can anticipate their needs, the more we can optimise purchasing times and costs”.
How has the process changed with pandemic and other crises in recent years?
“Several materials were unavailable between 2021 and 2022 for various reasons, from the pandemic to the supply crisis, weather conditions also created difficulties, in one case due to extreme frost that impacted raw material production facilities. However, changes are constant and also depend on other factors, such as regulation. The REACH regulation, for example, sets limits that may exclude materials for the chemicals present and their impact on health and the environment”.
What logistical services can Stamplast offer its customers?
“With many customers we have scheduled orders, i.e. we are able to plan and schedule pick-ups as needed, as efficiently and smoothly as possible. Everything is planned and distributed over the week, so that the right amount of attention and time is given to each customer’s logistics. Logistics is an important strategic factor for the company, which plans further investments.
Stamplast has embarked on a path to improve its environmental sustainability, how are logistics and purchasing involved in this?
“We know that transport affects our carbon footprint. We therefore try to study and put into practice all strategies that allow us to reduce travel by bundling it. Each supplier, therefore, generally has only one delivery per month. We constantly monitor the ratio between budgeted quantities and how much is actually used, to minimise waste. We also try to find the best balance between standardisation of the service to ensure planning and efficiency, with a commitment to always find the best solution for the customer’s specific needs regarding box types, pallet sizes, and division of goods. This ability to move between efficiency and quality of service dedicated to each customer is a strength recognised by our partners”.
