DHL Tradeteam is to begin integrating Carlsberg UK’s secondary logistics operation into the business next month, subject to consultation at the brewer’s sites.

By the end of 2018, Carlsberg UK plans to end both its secondary logistics and porterage service, which sees it consolidate deliveries from different drinks suppliers to on-trade retail customers, in order to concentrate on brewing.

Subject to consultation, the current Carlsberg UK sites in Ipswich; Gravelly Park, Birmingham; and Tingley, Leeds, will enter the DHL Tradeteam network in July 2017.

This will be followed by Alloa, Clackmannanshire, in August 2017, and its Kendal and Kinmel Park, Rhyl, sites in February 2018.

The Office of the Traffic Commissioner has granted an application for the Gravelly Park, Birmingham site to be transferred to DHL Tradeteam, where it has permission to operate up to 60 vehicles and 60 trailers.

The deal was cleared by the Competition and Markets Authority in January. It concluded that, with a combined share of the secondary drinks logistics market of 30-40%, DHL Tradeteam would experience sufficient competitive pressure from other suppliers, such as Kuehne + Nagel Drinks Logistics.

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A DHL Tradeteam spokeswoman said: “Subject to consultation, it is proposed that the remaining Carlsberg UK locations will close, with volume transferring to the existing DHL Tradeteam network.

“Affected staff have been informed of the situation and are consulting with the company, Carlsberg UK and union representatives to discuss their options.

“DHL Tradeteam remains committed to securing re-deployment opportunities for all affected employees, both within DHL Tradeteam and other DHL operations, where available.

"Carlsberg UK and DHL Tradeteam thank colleagues for their understanding at this time and stress that the proposal in no way reflects on the quality of work at the sites.”

Carlsberg UK last year estimated that 900 people work in its logistics operation.

Bill Bacon, former MD of DHL Supply Chain’s automotive division, was appointed Tradeteam’s MD in April. He replaced James Gill, who became chief financial officer of DHL Supply Chain UK and Ireland.

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