Widdowson Group wins two new warehousing and distribution contracts

The Widdowson Group continues its trading success with two new warehousing and distribution contracts, one for SwissPrimePackAG and the other for Asia UK Trading. These contracts give Widdowson the sole responsibility for the entire UK logistics operation for both of these companies.

A new partner for Asia UK Trading
Based in Middlesex, Asia UK Trading, is a rapidly expanding fmcg business, sourcing foods from around the world for the high street discount sector. The company specialises in bringing in products that retail for one pound.

The success of the organisation meant that it outgrew its previous logistics supplier. A new third party operator was required that could supply a more flexible solution and greater warehouse capacity to accommodate the increasing number of product lines.

Asia Trading’s operations director, Priavadan Varsani, was responsible for the decision to award the contract to Widdowson, he says, "Initially we sent a tender out to ten companies – this was reduced to a shortlist of two and we visited both these organisations.

"The Widdowson Group came out as the clear leader; the company ticked all the boxes. In our business pricing is a big issue and they were able to meet our price points. They also have a very well established contract packing division – another factor that was important to us. Not only that, they were very keen to help us; we were looking for a long term partner and we found it in Widdowsons."

Varsani continues, "The contract is well underway and we are delighted with the service. Deliveries arrive on time and, if necessary, Widdowson liaises directly with our customers – in fact we’ve had no issues at all. It’s a total partnership."

SwissPrimePack selects a cost effective logistics solution
Lisa Perry, managing director of SwissPrimePack comments, "The decision to move from our previous warehouse/logistics provider was not undertaken overnight as we have benefitted from a long relationship with them. However issues with product cleanliness together with cost led me to review the market in search of a new partner who could offer flexible warehousing and UK distribution facilities.

"Having met with several organisations I eventually awarded the contract to Widdowson due to their edge over all their competitors.

"Product is delivered to Widdowson’s Leicester warehouse from the SwissPrimePack manufacturing plant in Switzerland. Though predominantly vending cups, pallets of various products are carefully unloaded and immediately quality checked.

"It is essential that the operational staff at Widdowsons adhere to strict handling and storage guidelines when dealing with these products which must leave the warehouse in the same clean, undamaged condition as when it arrived.

"Good handling is imperative as ‘compactions’ (the joining together of multiple cups) could be the result of boxes that are dropped. These are every vending operator and manufacturers’ nightmare; compacted cups that enter the system will close vending machines down from trading."

Commercial director of the Widdowson Group, John Hawksworth, concludes, "Winning these two important contracts demonstrates our continuing success in the logistics market. A combination of hard work and a willingness to be flexible in the way we service our customers is making Widdowsons a growing force in the industry."