Kitchen supplier Howdens Joinery has awarded a three-year contract to Wincanton, after ending its relationship with DHL Supply Chain earlier this year.

Wincanton was chosen to operate and manage Howdens’ transport sites in Glasgow, Avonmouth and Radlett in a competitive tender, following a review of Howdens' supply chain.

DHL drivers at the sites have been transferred to Wincanton under TUPE.

A spokeswoman for DHL Supply Chain said: “Following recent discussions between Howdens and DHL, from 5th July 2014 DHL will cease to manage the contract and work will transfer to Wincanton.

“Howdens has confirmed that there will be no change to the number of drivers assigned to the contract and Wincanton’s proposed new sites are in close proximity to DHL’s facility.

“Both DHL and Howdens thank the team for their ongoing dedication at this time and stress that the decision is by no means a reflection of the performance of DHL or the colleagues employed on the contract”.

Wincanton will move goods to Howdens’ 577 depots across the UK, using a fleet of between 35 and 60 vehicles.

Wincanton’s business unit director for transport, Steve Basnett, said: “This is an exciting new contract for Wincanton and underlines our strength and experience in the manufacturing sector. Over the next three years our transport team will be committed to continuously improving service levels to Howdens’ UK depots.”

Bob Philip, operations director at Howdens Joinery said: “We chose Wincanton as our logistics partner because they are very much aligned to our growth programme and demonstrated a clear desire to keep improving service levels and deliver on our customer promise.”

Wincanton revealed a series of business wins earlier this year including Halo Foods, Loaf.com and an extension to its contract with Britvic.

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