10/04/2012   Bibby Distribution makes the move easy for Imetec

Bibby Distribution is making quite an impression with new customer Imetec as it takes over the UK warehousing and distribution operations of the company's household appliance range which includes Dreamland electric blankets and Collexia hairdryers.

 According to Imetec - a manufacturer of appliances in the beauty and well-being sector - key attributes which secured Bibby Distribution the contract were efficiency and a flexibility to meet the seasonal peaks demanded by the nature of its products.

"The transfer over to Bibby Distribution, which involved the movement of more than 2,500 pallets, was undertaken at one of our busiest times of the year when we had a considerable amount of orders to fulfil for major retailers," said Gary Webster, Financial Controller & Operations Manager for Imetec. "Despite this, the team at Bibby remained consummately professional and this allowed for a seamless transition with no disruption in getting orders out."

The contract sees Bibby Distribution running operations for Imetec from its multi-user facility in Meir Park, Stoke-on-Trent, where stock levels are expected to reach 3,000 pallets during peak periods. Bibby will also manage the re-work of all products - including labelling and packaging - preparing goods for the specific requirements of major retailers as well as individual online orders.

"Importantly, as Bibby understands the flexibility we require, we are confident that it also has the vision and expertise to help move our business forward," added Webster.

"We are particularly impressed with the bespoke warehouse management system which Bibby operates, in addition to the modern and immaculate facilities at Meir Park. We deal with hygiene products so it is essential that they are handled appropriately in a clean environment; this certainly fits the bill."

Imetec believes that any costs associated with changing supplier will be quickly mitigated by realising ongoing cost savings through a more streamlined transport process.

Gary Sharp, Divisional Director at Bibby Distribution commented: "We have pre-existing relationships with Imetec's customer base which is a real bonus as we know what they expect and how they prefer to operate - giving Imetec added confidence in our capabilities. We are now in the process of refining a suite of KPIs and reporting processes to allow us to continually deliver the most cost-effective and efficient service."