Fowler Welch hails IPP tie-up as food distribution model takes off

Fowler Welch has revealed that taking over the distribution of some of the UK's biggest food brands has helped underpin its success over the last two years.

The Lincolnshire-based business, shortlisted for the Haulier of the Year in the Motor Transport Awards 2020, said it had seen an increase in volumes across its eight UK sites as more food businesses outsource their transportation requirements.

Part of this success, the company explained, has seen it working with European pooler IPP to ensure a guaranteed supply of pallets between manufacturers and retailers.

The last two years have seen an almost 1,000% increase in pallet traffic generated from two of Fowler Welch’s locations.

At its flagship site in Spalding, there has been an increase of almost 800%, while movements from Hilsea, near Portsmouth, are up almost 200% as part of the 'ECOnomics' model which guarantees the cost-effective return, repair and repatriation of pallets and the reduction of unnecessary empty running of vehicles.

Read more

• Fowler Welch takes delivery of 45 refrigerated trailers in move to reduce carbon footprint
• Culina Group buys Fowler Welch for £98m
• Fowler Welch to provide storage and warehousing for Wensleydale Creamery

Working on behalf of big name brands and retailers, Fowler Welch relies on this constant supply to meet customer demand.

“Our success has been our expertise in the consolidation and distribution of products on behalf of major household names who want to focus on their core proposition – the making or selling of quality products," explained Fowler Welch chief executive Nick Hay.

“It’s a partnership approach that works well for all parties in the supply chain. Our partnership with IPP is a similar case in point. By providing quality pallets to us as we need them has enabled us to be flexible and expand our operation to meet the changing demands of our customers.”

Phil Storer, IPP’s director for UK and Ireland, said: “Collaboration and partnership are how modern supply chains operate in the circular economy where interdependency and the sharing of assets and resources create the efficiencies that not only reduce cost and environmental impact, but also deliver competitive advantage in what is a tight margin sector.”