Great Bear says Hello Kitty after Conair deal

Great Bear has won a contract to manage distribution and warehousing for high street brands Hello Kitty, Tresemmé, Babyliss and Cuisinart.

As part of the deal, the Tattenhall-based company is to manage the UK distribution centre for Conair, the US firm behind a range of brands in the personal care products and small appliances sectors.

Once fully operational, the 230,000ft² Conair centre at Chorley in Lancashire will expect to handle 11 million units per year for delivery to major high street stores and hair salons such as Boots, Tesco, Next and Debenhams, as well as online orders.

The site will cover full load, pallet and parcels distribution to the UK, Republic of Ireland and European exports.

Mark Pitkin, regional operators director at Great Bear, said the site also handles hazardous materials.

"Being able to accommodate these requirements means that, in addition to the warehousing and distribution, we are able to provide a spare parts service and process returns," said Pitkin.