UK-based international logistics service provider Tibbett & Britten Group has extended its home improvement logistics operations into France and the Benelux countries for the first time having won a major long-term contract from leading French DIY retailer Castorama, part of the Kingfisher group and sister company to B&Q.
In France, the new Castorama contract has been awarded in two parts. The first runs for six months and covers the operation of a 20,000sq m distribution centre (DC) within Tibbett’s existing 45,000sq m warehouse in Arles, near Marseilles in southern France. This DC handles the storage, picking and despatch of seasonal merchandise (garden furniture) to some 145 Castorama stores across both France and the Benelux.
The second part runs for three years and covers the operation of Castorama’s brand new 36,000sq m DC at St Martin de Crau, near Arles. Despatches from the centre went live, and it is expected to be fully operational by mid-July 2004. It provides store replenishment services for electrical equipment, bathroom products, tools, decorating materials, fencing panels and construction materials.
Ultimately, it will also take on the storage and distribution of seasonal merchandise for stores throughout France and into the Benelux countries. Transport activities are outsourced at both locations.
Volumes at Tibbett & Britten Arles are about 300,000 cases/pallets over the six months of the contract, while at St Martin de Crau volumes are expected to reach 1.1 million cases, plus 40,000 full pallets over the first 12 months.
