XPO Logistics and Wincanton win as Kingfisher Group revamps B&Q supply chain

Kingfisher Group has awarded logistics contracts for B&Q to XPO Logistics and Wincanton following a strategic review of its supply chain.

XPO, formerly Norbert Dentressangle, has entered what Kingfisher describes as a "long-term agreement" for the management of all B&Q UK and Ireland retail and horticulture transport operations.

It sees XPO run a fleet of 220 trucks and 750 trailer making up to 3,200 retail and horticulture deliveries per week in peak season to over 300 B&Q stores.

XPO already handles B&Q's reverse logistics in the UK, as well as distribution for Kingfisher Group business Castorama in France.

Meanwhile Wincanton has signed a new, five year deal to manage all six of B&Q’s distribution centres. Previously it had only managed one DC.

Wincanton has also extended its contract with Kingfisher for all of B&Q's Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom (KBB) national transport and final mile deliveries across the UK - having previously handled KBB movements in the Midlands over the past three years.

Adrian Colman, now chief executive at Wincanton following Eric Born's departure at the end of last month, said: "Our focus on customer service and efficiency has enabled us to further add to our existing relationship, supporting B&Q as they meet the demands of a multichannel retail network.