Transport@WCT 052

Wincanton has revealed the full details of its warehousing contract with fashion retailer SuperGroup, which it began working on late last year.

The logistics giant is part way through a two-year deal with SuperGroup to operate a distribution warehouse at Gloucester Business Park. The group, owner of fashion chain SuperDry, is investing £1.5m to develop the new hub following the transfer of its retail distribution operations from a neighbouring Barnwood warehouse.

Wincanton stepped in late last year to help SuperGroup with pressures on its supply chain operation during the Christmas trading peak, following the implementation of a new warehouse management system (WMS).

The vacant Gloucester Business Park site was set up in just five days by Wincanton as temporary relief, enabling SuperGroup to fulfil its orders.

Tim Owrid, head of logistics at SuperGroup, says the investment in the new hub will increase capacity and throughput through a combination of automated processes and the creation of more space.

"Wincanton proved an exceptional partner for SuperGroup in 2011 when we needed support after encountering problems with the WMS implementation," adds Owrid.

"It assembled a strong operations team and demonstrated expertise both in terms of the system and the processes to put in place to support it."

Guy Elliott, contract logistics MD at Wincanton, says: "This is a great win for Wincanton and we are delighted to be partnering SuperGroup in the creation of a professional supply chain that will support their future growth."

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