21 Feb Case Study – The Journey of an Over Dimensional Paper Mill from the United States to Saudi Arabia
Successful project logistics in complex regions require careful planning and attention to detail, as well as proactive and efficient execution. Vector Global Logistics worked closely with their client and multiple vendors to ensure every aspect of the project was accounted for and that the unique needs of the client were met.
Vector was engaged by a private company in Saudi Arabia to transport an American paper mill to their home country. The project logistics of this endeavor involved a thrilling journey to the Middle East requiring 30 containers, three months of careful planning directly followed by 45 days of logistics execution, and more than 60 professional staff and experts throughout multiple countries.
We worked proactively and efficiently to meet all of the requirements set by our client and are happy to report on the project’s success. Not only did we produce an on-time delivery, but we also were able to meet every one of our client’s unique needs, ensuring an excellent customer experience.
A Paper Mill in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Arabian paper and paperboard packaging market was valued at USD $1,926.3 million in 2020 and is expected to grow significantly in the future as the demand for customized packaging continues to rise.
Besides meeting a limited timeline with little to no room for error, and no constraints on the project logistics, we also had specific collaboration metrics to tackle. Moving an entire paper mill from one part of the world to the other involved hundreds of moving parts, carriers, and major cooperation with our client and additional vendors. This project required extensive transport access across land, air, and sea.
A critical component of this journey involved a specific piece of the paper mill being moved called the “drum pulper.” This section of the mill handles pulping and screening in a one-scale paper pulper machine through continuous motion. This is a substantial piece of machinery with dimensions of more than five meters long (16.4 feet), 21 meters in diameter (70 feet), and roughly 60,000+ kgs (136,000+ pounds). This size is considered “over-dimension” in the transportation industry. That means, in most states, territories, and countries, it exceeds the legal size criteria and requires special services to ship.
Planning a Heavy Transport Journey from the US to the Middle East
Once we understood the magnitude of this over-dimensional project, we began walking our client through our assessment process. By working closely with their team and reviewing their expectations, we created a detailed step-by-step outline of the potential roadblocks and logistics constraints we could face along our journey. These calculations included:
- Packaging and crate calculations
- Labeling readiness
- Fumigation requirements
- Quality assessments
- Multiple vendors coordination
- Compliance and security requirements
- And more
Our planning required attention to different digital route models and scenarios with possible alternate solutions in the case of weather, international government restrictions, equipment feasibility, and availability of vendors and teams. We worked hard to ensure on-time delivery by having contingency upon contingency prepared for this scope of a heavy transport project.
Fun fact: At one point of the journey, our logistics convoy required four police escorts and five bucket trucks to travel through a single five-mile stretch of road.
When Vector was able to put the final plan into place, we left room for update meetings in different geographical locations. We wanted to be ready for any changes in the process. Having clear, concise, and open communication every step of the way with both our client and vendors was not only appreciated but led to the project’s safe arrival.
Vector is willing to look after a unique situation and do things differently with great results. They listened to our needs, engaged quite early in the process, and demonstrated absolute attention to detail—delivering quality not just along the journey but in every aspect involving the customer service.
Vector Delivers Again!
What started as a request from a new client ended up with the successful on-time delivery of an American paper mill to the Middle East. This was precisely the type of project logistics challenge that our expert team thrives on because it brings together the very best of our experience and capabilities. Our client trusted us enough to leverage our innovative ideas to see the project from start to finish.
The “drum pulper” is now installed as part of our client’s mill plant in Saudi Arabia and is already meeting the demands of their target market. This more than 135-day heavy transport journey was definitely worthwhile, and we have contributed to our client success on three more projects since that time.
Projects like this continue to put our company on the map as an industry leader and have allowed us to strengthen previous vendor relationships as well as foster new contacts in areas with high potential for future growth.
The sheer size of some of the pieces made this project very interesting, challenging and exciting… It is very rewarding to see, first hand, how products are made and companies built. This paper mill was being transported and re-started in a different part of the world bringing jobs and progress to that community. It is humbling to play a small part in such a vision while witnessing how amazing human ingenuity is. That is why I love project logistics.
Start Your Project with Vector Global Logistics
When you need a logistics company with the experience, connections, and expertise to get your next project delivered on time and intact, you need Vector Global Logistics. Our professional team is fully equipped and capable of tackling any level of delivery.
At Vector, we foster a results-based culture that always seeks to meet our client’s unique needs to ensure a positive experience. The best way to grow your business is to reinforce with a reliable, professional, and timely logistics partner. Through speed, determination, know-how, and real-time route information, we are committed to your success.
If you would like to get started with Vector Global Logistics and see the difference we can make for you. You can also learn more about our project logistics on our website and read other case studies from happy clients.
