Appleby Westward, Spar’s regional distribution company in the south-west of England, has agreed a new five-year contract with Gregory Distribution Ltd. for the delivery of a full range of chilled and frozen goods to Spar stores throughout the region from its distribution centre in Cullompton, Devon.
The contract, which starts from 3 October, follows an extensive review of Appleby Westward’s logistics operations over the last 18 months to explore the best options to serve the company’s 300 retail customers throughout the territory.
“We have been working closely and collaboratively with Gregory Distribution looking at products across all temperature regimes,” said Appleby Westward’s operations and IT director Phil Brewer.
“This is the first stage of implementation following the review, and further updates will be made during the autumn.”
Appleby Westward aims to hold a series of communication briefings with its retailers from September to outline the extensive benefits the new deal will bring to their businesses and stores.
The new contract provides greater frequency of delivery to retail customers and enhanced flexibility in operation, as well as a significant increase in ranges delivered from Cullompton.
Temperature-controlled space at Cullompton will be increased by 25% to nearly 27,000 sq.ft.
John Pattison, managing director of Appleby Westward, said: “We are very pleased to be able to continue our relationship with Gregory Distribution and look forward to working with them over the next five years. The contract we have agreed provides Spar in the south-west with the opportunity to drive chilled ranges, availability and service as never before.”
John Gregory, chief xxecutive of Gregory Distribution, said: “The facility and agreement we have in place for the future will allow us to continue to support the development of Spar through Appleby Westward.
“Having been in partnership together for almost a decade, we are delighted that both our businesses will be further strengthened as a result of continuing to work together.”
Source: Appleby Westward
