The contracts, covering operations at JLR’s Electric Propulsion Manufacturing Centre (EPMC) on the outskirts of Wolverhampton and their Battery Assembly Centre (BAC) in South Warwickshire.
Both contracts were initially scheduled to begin April 1st 2025. However, the more complex EPMC contract was successfully brought forward by three months to January 1st, with the BAC contract going live as planned on April 1st.
Significant change in JLR line feed logistics
JLR’s unprecedented move last year to tender the line feed logistics across all five of its UK manufacturing plants as a key component of JLR’s ambitious Reimagine strategy, was announced in April 2023. The Reimagine plan outlined a £15 billion investment over the following five years in various areas, including their industrial footprint and the acceleration of their transition into the world’s leading modern luxury car manufacturer.
The transition at the Battery Assembly Centre April 1st 2025 saw Rudolph & Hellmann step in as the new Lead Logistics Partner (LLP). According to Matt Kingston, Implementation Lead for R&H, the handover was remarkably smooth. He emphasised the “Tri-Party” collaboration between JLR, R&H, and the outgoing logistics provider, Unipart, as crucial to ensuring no disruption to JLR’s operations, its employees and any JLR partners impacted by the changes.
R&HA established a dedicated “Headquarters” within the Sparkes Suite at the BAC, which served as a central hub for the implementation process. Key elements of the transition plan, including the A0 Implementation Plan, Shop Floor Management Board Standard, Implementation Team Chart, and examples of the new R&H uniform, were prominently displayed. Daily meetings and reviews ensured a constant focus on the implementation plan.
Kingston highlighted R&H’s commitment to an “open-door” policy throughout the transition, encouraging JLR colleagues to visit the “HQ” to discuss the plan, raise concerns, and provide feedback. He noted the positive development of new relationships across the plant, describing it as an “exciting time” as the partnership moves forward.
In a personal note, Kingston expressed gratitude to Ed and his team at JLR for providing the necessary space and courtesy for a seamless launch. He also thanked Les and Simon at Unipart for their knowledge, grace, and support, as well as Sam at Reception for her assistance with visitor arrangements.
“We look forward to the challenges ahead, and to building on what is already a great relationship with JLR at the BAC,” Kingston concluded. The successful early implementation of the EPMC contract and the on-time launch of the BAC contract signal a positive start to Rudolph and Hellmann Automotive’s partnership with Jaguar Land Rover, playing a vital role in supporting JLR’s ambitious Reimagine strategy.
The transition was regarded as a success from the incumbent team perspective too
“Having everyone from the original JLR team TUPE over to R&H has made the transition seamless. The communications and management of the process were excellent, and there’s a real sense of family here. It feels personal, with everyone being so accessible. The fact that we achieved 100% attendance across all three shifts speaks volumes about the team’s commitment and positive attitude.”
Lester Earp, Senior Operations Manager, R&H Battery Assembly Centre
