Wincanton wins warehouse contract to underpin fashion retailerÂ’s expansion

Wincanton wins warehouse contract to underpin fashion retailer’s expansion

Fashion retailer SuperGroup has signed a two-year contract with UK supply chain services provider Wincanton for a new retail distribution warehouse at Gloucester Business Park.

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

Wincanton set up the vacant Gloucester Business Park site as a temporary relief operation within just five days, enabling SuperGroup to fulfil its orders and achieve record sales.

Greenfield opportunity minimises risk

Now SuperGroup‘s plans to invest £1.5 million at the site and develop it as a modern supply chain hub, following the transfer of its retail distribution operations from the neighbouring Barnwood warehouse.

Tim Owrid, head of logistics at SuperGroup, said: “Our investment in new facilities and in technology will increase capacity, throughput and visibility by automating processes and creating space.”

He added that Wincanton proved “an exceptional partner” for SuperGroup in 2011 after it encountered problems its supply chain systems. The company revealed that problems had cost it £8.8 million in its half-year results last December. It was also revealed in news stories at the time that the company is also in the process of implementing systems from supply chain software provider RedPrairie. 

Owrid continued: “They assembled a strong operations team and demonstrated expertise both in terms of the system and the processes to put in place to support it. With the new contract, we are now able to formalise the partnership and work together to support the development of the SuperGroup supply chain and international brand. The team has already helped us to de-risk our warehouse operation and develop greater contingency within the WMS system.”