[asset_ref id=”467″]
Homebase has signed a contract with Kuehne + Nagel to become its principal global supply chain partner for its Christmas “Direct to Store” programme, for the second year running.
As part of the programme, seasonal stock bypasses the regular UK distribution centres and is delivered directly from origin, in store-ready pallets, to over 300 Homebase outlets in the UK, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
More than 1.6 million retail units are sourced from ten factories located throughout southern China.
K+N will consolidate the bulk orders from the factories at its origin warehouse in Yantian, south China, into pallets or pallet boxes.
Tim Standen, general manager for inbound supply chain at Homebase, said: “We chose Kuehne + Nagel for two key reasons; one, they delivered a fantastic service on the scheme in 2008; two, the quality of their Christmas 2008 post project review gives us confidence that they can partner us to drive even higher levels of customer service this year”.
The “Direct to Store” programme won the Supply Chain Innovation Award at the European Supply Chain Excellence Awards in 2007 and the Supply Chain Integration Award from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.
