For about a decade, thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services (thyssenkrupp SCS) has been at the forefront of renewable energy logistics. "We're big proponents for society as a whole, a more sustainable future, this planet and generations to come," said Bob Denehy, the chief commercial officer at thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services.
With extensive supply chain management expertise, the company's organic growth plays a vital role in navigating the transportation, warehousing, inventory management and site delivery of renewable energy components. Denehy noted significant client growth servicing the renewable energy industry over the past five years. With around 2,000 employees and over 70 company staffed and operated sites in the United States, thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services serves diverse sectors to include wind, solar, energy storage, electric mobility and water technologies.
As the company advances sustainability through efficient supply chain services, it continues to implement innovative technologies, drive supply chain partnerships and adapt to customers' changing needs. These efforts help maintain its position as an industry leader in renewable energy logistics.
The Sustainability Mission of thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services
thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services is serious about sustainability. "Our goal is to be carbon neutral by 2030," said Christopher Merz, thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services president and CEO. He emphasized the global parent organization's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint through better environmental and energy efficiency measures. The company achieves this by fostering thought leadership, facilitating meaningful conversations and enlisting experts to support educational endeavors.
"Sustainability isn't just a buzzword at thyssenkrupp Supply Chain. We live it," said Merz, pointing out renewable energy logistics within the company's values. Part of this is working closely with customers and suppliers to identify ways thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services can help them achieve their sustainability goals. Regular checks, collaboration, community engagement and governance underpin these joint efforts.
"We bring renewable energy within reach," said Merz, showing the company's commitment to efficient and cost-effective solutions. A prime example is thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services' extensive network of company staffed and operated utility-scale solar warehouses across the U.S. By providing inventory management best practices for large utility-scale programs nationwide, the company ensures cost-efficient staging and delivery of components including solar modules, inverters, torque tubes, trackers and balance of systems (BOS). "We're eliminating excuses," Merz concluded, highlighting their proactive approach to adopting new technologies for sustainability.
Innovative Supply Chain Strategies for Renewable Energy
In the ever-evolving market, thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services' strategy for supporting renewable energy prioritizes innovation and customer centricity. With geographic, political, economic and regulatory challenges looming over the industry, changes often occur rapidly. "We move with urgency," noted Merz about the company's legacy of providing just-in-time manufacturing support through supply chain services, including warehousing, sequencing, material processing, transportation and quality assurance.
Key innovations include multi-client facilities and digital solutions whereby economies of scale are passed along to the customer. thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services' multi-client facilities optimize resource usage, leverage proprietary technology, meet customer needs and enhance sustainability by deploying fewer resources and enabling quick transitions between commodities or technologies. In terms of digital solutions, the company provides a range of services from simple to complex, and leverages tech advancements enabling flexible engagement. "Integrations with our customers are paramount, and we are continually developing ways to do this faster and more efficiently than what was historically achievable," said Merz.
thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services collaborates closely with customers, using industrial engineering and digitalization to improve visibility, ensuring timely delivery through its extensive warehousing and distribution network. According to Merz, this rapid pace and repeatable model enables thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services to deploy or redeploy solutions quickly, avoid waste and minimize costs.
Adapting to the Renewable Energy Landscape
When it comes to sustainability solutions, thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services embraces continuous adaptation. "We keep our finger on the pulse of the international trends as well as geopolitical, regulatory and economic changes that could potentially impact the market," explained Merz. This helps thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services remain ahead of the curve in renewable energy logistics. The company's ability to anticipate market shifts drives innovation and diversification, including its recent expansion in supporting energy storage equipment. Digitalization and the rapid evolution of technology are also important, providing real-time access to information and integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning into supply chain practices.
"We apply urgency, know-how and dedication to renewable energy logistics," emphasized Merz. As the renewables market progresses, thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services enhances its digital toolbox, prioritizing efficiency gains, real-time visibility and customer interaction. Furthermore, according to Denehy, this commitment extends to the circular economy, with a focus on recycling batteries and spent modules to support sustainability efforts—just another puzzle piece of thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services' strategy.
Supply Chain Impact
thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services' track record is exemplified through collaborations with companies like Origis Energy, a renewable energy platform dedicated to a carbon-free future. Origis Energy benefits from the company's supply chain services, prioritizing customer-centric solutions for sustainable initiatives nationwide, including grid and distributed power generation, energy storage and clean hydrogen plants.
"thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services empowers our team to quickly respond to market conditions," said Chris Gauldin, vice president of supply chain at Origis Energy. He emphasized that if project delays occur, thyssenkrupp stands as a reliable partner to secure and prepare material for construction. Additionally, Gauldin affirmed Origis Energy's plans to continue its partnership with thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services.
Another example is the four-year-long partnership with PowerFlex, a clean technology solutions company. Amid supply chain shocks, regulatory changes, pandemic delays and material shortages, PowerFlex strategically partnered with thyssenkrupp, who provided comprehensive logistics services, including inbound transportation and warehousing for solar modules, AC Gear and more. This partnership enabled timely deliveries and overcoming supply chain obstacles. "thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services' customer service has been a major asset for PowerFlex and its customers," added Matt Cote, senior procurement manager at PowerFlex, citing a specific instance where thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services ' solutions impacted solar projects. As PowerFlex adapts to the evolving solar industry, it continues to rely on the company's role in facilitating this transition through its supply chain solutions.
"We're here today, and we'll be here tomorrow," said Denehy about thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services' strategic partnership role. He added that thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services' regular and repeat customers return due to the value they receive. The company's competency, management inventory system and warehouse infrastructure are all handled in-house.
Leading the Charge Toward a Sustainable Transition
Guiding the shift toward sustainability, thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services values high-return investments, involving stakeholders to meet its 2030 carbon-neutral commitment, gathering feedback for tailored solutions and collaborating on advanced technologies. "Being a liaison between these parties can be arduous, but it also puts us in a great position to learn, share best practices and hopefully compel our industry to advance the technology and dialogue to sustainability," said Merz. Meanwhile, establishing circular markets is increasingly important, driving decarbonization by optimizing resources and minimizing waste and emissions.
With increasing consumer demand for sustainability, Merz stressed the need for proactive industry leadership. "New technology and innovation are occurring by the nanosecond," he said, "like the cellular network evolution, renewable energy will evolve." He believes continuous innovation is necessary for more cost-efficient ways toward a sustainable transition. "It's like painting a very long suspension bridge; as soon as you finish, it's time to go back to the other side and start again."
This article was done in paid partnership with thyssenkrupp and edited by Newsweek staff.
To contact the editor of this article, please reach out to partnership.content@newsweek.com.
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