· Three-year national logistics contract
· Menzies Distribution will provide trunk services from the three WHSmith Distribution Centres to the Menzies depot network and final mile delivery to over 1200 stores nationwide
Menzies Distribution has successfully completed the transition from WHSmith’s previous supplier and has commenced operations on what is its largest retail logistics contract to date. This new partnership will see Menzies Distribution operate from the three WHSmith Distribution Centres in Birmingham, Swindon and Dunstable as well as delivering to WHSmith’s stores from its own network of depots.
The deal was secured following a competitive tender process and extends Menzies Distribution’s existing relationship with WHSmith, which has seen it provide retail logistics in the North of England and Scotland over the past 18 months.
As a result of this contract win Menzies Distribution has added a further 80 vehicles to its fleet, ranging from 18 tonne rigids to 44 tonne tractor units and trailers, bringing its owned fleet up to 950 vehicles.
Paul McCourt, Managing Director of Menzies Distribution, said: “This is a very significant milestone in our journey to establish Menzies Distribution as a serious player in the UK’s retail logistics market. As a business that three years ago was largely about delivering newspapers and magazines, we are delighted now to be delivering national retail logistics for one of Britain’s biggest and best known high street retailers. Having secured several significant contracts in the e-commerce fulfilment sector and completed three recent acquisitions, we are building a strong and sustainable business that is ideally placed to take advantage of further growth within this dynamic market.”
David McKinlay, Supply Chain Director for WHSmith said: “Our experience of working with Menzies Distribution to date has been excellent and we had a strong desire to extend this quality of service and flexible approach to the rest of the UK, which was a major factor in choosing Menzies. We have been very pleased with the transition of the business across to Menzies and we look forward to working in close partnership to make further supply chain improvements together using their strong depot infrastructure and experience.”
For further information on Menzies Distribution, go to www.menziesdistribution.com