3 and Unipart sign new agreement

3 the mobile media company and Unipart Technology Logistics have signed a five-year extension to their handset logistics partnership.

As the logistics and distribution partner for 3, Unipart Technology Logistics (UTL) – part of logistics and car parts giant Unipart Group – ensures handsets and SIM cards are delivered on time, to the right place and in the right quantity and is an integrated part of 3's sales and distribution solution.

3 is the UK's largest 3G network with more 3G subscribers than the other networks combined. It now has more than 3.5 million customers in the UK and its products are on sale in around 8,000 shops, including twenty 3Stores and 130 Superdrug outlets.

Under the new agreement, which will safeguard 150 jobs at Lutterworth and Oxford, UTL will be responsible for the distribution of 3 handsets throughout the UK using130,000 sq ft of warehousing dedicated to 3.

Unipart Group chief executive John Neill, said after the contract was signed: “This contract extension once again proves that our unique way of working, called the Unipart Way, gives us the agility to cope with volumes which have constantly exceeded all expectations and projections. I am very proud of the way staff working on the 3 business have risen to the challenges and overcome them all.”

Bob Fuller, chief executive of 3, said: “at 3 we pride ourselves on offering our customers the best range of services on the market and we aim to put the customer at the heart of everything we do. We are pleased to be entering into this partnership with Unipart because they share our commitment and are dedicated to serving the needs of our growing customer base.