B&Q awards transport contract to XPO Logistics

Following a strategic review of its supply chain operations, B&Q has awarded the management of all its UK and Ireland retail and horticulture transport operations to XPO Logistics.

Part of the Kingfisher Group, B&Q is the largest home improvement and garden centre retailer in the UK, employing more than 30,000 people nationwide. The company stocks more than 40,000 products and welcomes more than three million customers every week.

Under a long-term agreement, XPO Logistics will take responsibility for the planning and national distribution of a wide range of goods direct to over 300 B&Q stores. This will involve XPO Logistics managing a fleet of 220 tractor units and 750 trailers, making up to 3,200 retail and horticulture deliveries per week in peak season, with support from a team of over 390 XPO Logistics colleagues.

The new contract builds on XPO’s existing relationship with the Kingfisher Group in Europe, which includes distribution for DIY retailer Castorama in France, and B&Q’s reverse logistics business in the UK.

“This is an exciting new development for XPO Logistics, underlining our strength in innovative distribution solutions for retail,” saids Richard Cawston, logistics solutions managing director, UK and Ireland, for XPO Logistics. “We look forward to working closely with B&Q to drive further supply efficiencies and deliver industry-leading service to every one of its retail outlets.”

Source : Fiona Briggs - Retail Times
www.retailtimes.co.uk/supply-chain-synergies-secure-bq-retail-distribution-for-xpo-logistics/