As part of the contract, Bibby will handle all Tangerine’s warehousing and distribution requirements. Tangerine has six manufacturing sites across the country. Bibby will also evaluate ways to deploy new technology on the contract to boost efficiency.
Delivery tracking is already possible thanks to the 3PL’s full fleet telematics – which is also used to improve driver performance – and plans are in place to implement sign-on-glass proof of delivery for instant updates, and to introduce ‘day one for day two’ delivery, to ensure customers receive their confectionery speedily.
‘Long term partner’
“We wanted to work with a long-term partner that shares our values, and can offer us ever-improving services,” said Stephen Webster, Tangerine’s head of logistics and customer service. “Bibby Distribution’s management approach is refreshing, and we now have a strategic partner whose operations will support our growth and deliver outstanding performance.”
Although yet to be confirmed, the new contract will probably operate primarily from Bibby’s flagship distribution centre in Wakefield.
Wholesalers and supermarkets
‘Shunting runs’ will bring products such as Butterkist Popcorn, BlackJacks, Sherbet Fountains and Refreshers from Tangerine’s factories along the M62 corridor to Wakefield for consolidation, where they will then be dispatched to wholesalers and supermarkets across the country.
“Bibby Distribution’s Wakefield facility is perfect for our operations,” said Webster. “It matches our business’s centre of gravity, the facilities are outstanding, and with its shared customers, including major supermarkets, we can dramatically cut the costs of logistics thanks to Bibby Distribution’s blend of flexibility and reach.”
Bibby Distribution operates from 90 locations across the UK, employs 2,000 people and manages 185,800m2 of warehousing space.