Wincanton, the prominent supply chain service provider, has successfully extended its contracts with Dobbies, a leading garden centre retailer.
- The partnership, initiated in 2020, has been responsible for managing approximately 110,000 units weekly across the UK.
- Wincanton has adeptly relocated Dobbies’ national distribution centre to a new site in Corby, enhancing operational efficiency by over 16%.
- This strategic move grants Dobbies the ability to double its volume capacity, reinforcing its market presence.
- The contract extension exemplifies Wincanton’s commitment to delivering robust, multi-channel retail solutions.
Wincanton, known for its extensive supply chain management capabilities, has recently announced the extension of its warehouse and transport contracts with Dobbies, a well-known garden centre retailer in the UK. This partnership, which commenced in 2020, involved Wincanton managing a significant volume of stock, approximately 110,000 units per week, to meet the demands of Dobbies’ widespread customer base and its 77 stores nationwide.
A testament to Wincanton’s operational prowess was the seamless relocation of Dobbies’ national distribution centre to a new shared-user facility in Corby, Northamptonshire. This strategic relocation was not merely about physical movement but also focused on efficiency improvements. It is estimated that the move has yielded over a 16% improvement in operational efficiency, which in turn provides Dobbies with the logistical framework to potentially double its current volume capacity.
The chief executives of both companies have expressed their satisfaction and future aspirations following this contract extension. James Wroath, Wincanton’s Chief Executive, highlighted the resilience and agility showcased in this partnership. He praised the company’s change management capabilities that facilitated a safe and secure transition to the new site. Meanwhile, David Robinson, Dobbies’ Chief Executive, emphasised the critical role of having a dependable supply chain partner to ensure seamless operations for staff and customers alike.
Furthermore, amidst the backdrop of this successful contract renewal, Wincanton itself is undergoing significant corporate changes. The company is in the process of being acquired by GXO in an acquisition valued at £960 million. This acquisition comes after an intense bidding war, where GXO surpassed Ceva Logistics’ offer, reflecting the strategic value seen in Wincanton’s extensive UK operations and workforce. This acquisition is anticipated to bring about further enhancements in Wincanton’s service offerings and market reach.
The extended contract with Dobbies signifies Wincanton’s commitment to excellence and strategic growth in the supply chain sector.
