KNOWLES TRANSPORT APPOINTED AS CONSOLIDATORS FOR BIDFOOD

Knowles Transport is set to expand its presence in the foodservice sector as the newly appointed consolidated distribution partner for foodservice wholesaler Bidfood’s ambient products.

Under the terms of the new contract, Knowles Transport will handle, consolidate and deliver a wide range of ambient products for Bidfood’s suppliers.

Operating from Knowles’ 280,000sq ft BRC food grade warehouse in Wisbech, East Anglia, the contract will encompass storage, handling, container unload, cross dock and distribution to Bidfood’s 22 ambient depots across the UK.

Orders will be made up of Bidfood own stock and Bidfood suppliers to achieve full loads in order to maximise efficiency and minimise vehicle movements, in turn improving environmental impact.

Bidfood suppliers will have the option of storing products within the Knowles warehouse. Alternatively, Knowles will offer a collection service from third-party sites to cross-dock and consolidate onto orders out of Wisbech.

Additionally, Knowles will also manage the warehousing and distribution of Bidfood’s ambient imported lines.

Knowles will offer full Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) functionality through its Warehouse Management System, which it said will eliminate waiting times associated with manual processing, providing customers with real-time product and stock level and driving efficiencies.

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The haulier said it had impressed Bidfood during the bidding process with its experience in consolidation and IT capabilities coupled with its reputation in the marketplace.

Alex Knowles, MD, commented: “We are delighted to be partnering with such an established and reputable player as Bidfood in the foodservice marketplace.

“We have aimed to enter this sector for some time as it aligns closely with our expertise in food, drink and packaging contract logistics and we are confident that we can help maximise Bidfood’s service levels into depots and drive cost efficiencies for them and their suppliers.

“We see this as an area in which demand will continue to grow and whereby, we store and distribute for many Bidfood suppliers who wish to tap into the efficiencies we can now offer.”

Jim Gouldie, Bidfood supply chain and technical services director, added: “We are delighted to be working with Knowles for what is an incredibly important and growing aspect of our business.

“From day one of our tender process in what is an exceptionally challenging market, they have shown their desire to enter and expand in this area and grow with us. They have been extremely pragmatic in understanding our requirements whilst developing solutions and enhancements.

“We think this is a very exciting journey for both parties and that Knowles is a business we can work with for the future. They share the same values in service excellence as ourselves.

“They possess a high quality team, are practical and straight talking, and we really believe our relationship will develop into a true partnership in time. Most certainly early signs are exceptionally positive."

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