Wincanton extends relationship with B&Q

Wincanton has extended its relationship with B&Q, in a deal that sees it handling inbound container logistics as well as planning deliveries across the DIY chain’s national network.

The operator, which has managed B&Q’s horticulture distribution for several years, became its sole UK ports-to-distribution centre provider earlier this year.

It will handle 15,000 containers a year for B&Q as a result, and by moving a quarter by rail, estimates a CO2 saving of 3,400 tonnes  year.

Wincanton has also since April assumed planning responsibility for around 2,000 trunking and store delivery movement per week, including those by third parties, for the retail chain.

Phase two of this process, announced today,  will see Wincanton take on planning of B&Q’s two-man home delivery service later this year, completing the picture.

Guy Elliot, MD of contract logistics at Wincanton, says in regards the firm’s stated aim of helping customers reduce transport costs and carbon emissions the “development with B&Q is a significant step forward in this area”.

Rick Jones, director of logistics for B&Q, says: “From the beginning we knew we wanted a supply chain partner who could combine a sustainable approach with great service, and this is why we chose Wincanton.”