Supply Chain Analysis news

The UK port of Felixstowe is set to double its rail capacity after installing three rail mounted gantry cranes. New terminal Construction began on a new rail freight terminal, Felixstowe’s third, in March 2012. The new cranes form part of the new terminal and mark the latest step as the terminal nears its launch towards the end of 2013. The terminal, which is owned by Hutchinson ports...

Logistics company, DHL, has launched a new sea freight container called the DHL Double Decker. These containers have internal racking to support the double stacking of pallets. Internal racking To accommodate the racking system the side walls of the containers have been specially soldered. Nine platforms, each supporting up to 1,000kg, can be placed within the container at varying hei...

UK based manufacturer, Symington’s, is to transfer its two noodle factories in China to a new facility in Yorkshire, UK, according to press reports. New facility Symington’s, owners of the Golden Wonder and Ragu brands, is relocating the production of its noodles to the UK from China. A new 6,500 sq m factory has been leased in Hunslet, UK, and is expected to be in operations by August 2013. ...

Casino has partnered with Generix to roll-out a new transport planning system to replace the current in-house solution it currently uses. Realise synergies As part of a reorganisation of its supply chain, Casino wanted to develop a structure which could increase synergies across the different channels and banners it operates under. A new software solution to manage the transport fro...

Dutch retailer, Coop Supermarkten, is to simplify its distribution (DC) network and operate from two sites in the Netherlands, according to press reports. Synergies after acquisition With a new DC being built in Gieten, that is expected to be in operation by late 2013, the retailer has announced its intention to close its Peize and Monster based facilities. This new facility will help...

CHEP Australia and Woolworths have come together in order to identify process improvements across retailers and suppliers to benefit the wider FMCG sector, according to press reports. Best practice CHEP was invited to work with Woolworths to identify best practice in the management of hire equipment and to develop loss mitigation initiatives. It began with an audit of equipment cont...

Sainsbury’s latest results show sales growth for the year ending 16 March 2013. This announcement marks the 33rd consecutive quarter of growth for the retailer. More shoppers fuel growth The retailer reported that total sales growth was up 3.6% for the quarter ending 16 March 2013. Year-on-year growth was up 1.8% helped by weekly transactions which were up over 800,000. The retailer a...

ABF owned Westmill foods has awarded a raw materials handling contract to Potter Logistics. £1m deal Westmill Foods has signed a contract to utilise Potter Logistics' Selby distribution centre (DC) and northern rail freight terminal. The deal is worth £1m, lasts for two years and covers handling, warehousing and transportation of rice. This partnership will serve the supplier’s Yorkshire ba...

Nestlé has opened a new £35m water bottling facility in the UK town of Buxton which combines water bottling and warehousing. Meeting increased demand The site was built to meet the increasing demand for its bottled water brands, Buxton and Pure Life, in a sustainable way. Nestlé says the new bottling lines will significantly reduce energy output, produce the lightest weight water bottles in...

Following a fall in profits, Morrisons announced a range of strategic changes to reverse its fortunes. The retailer intends to take its food offering online and compete with its peers. 2012 results Morrisons posted a 3% increase in turnover to £18.1bn; however like-for-like sales were down 2.1%. Profit was for the year was £901m, representing a 4% decrease. Morrisons CEO, Dalton Phillip...