Leading grocery out-sourcing company Jenks has announced the switchover of its entire operation to a purpose-built 320,000 sq ft warehouse and head office complex in Milton Keynes. Jenks has also announced a major strategic partnership with supply chain provider Wincanton as the company gears up to become Europe’s largest operator. The phased switchover will be completed this month.
The new facility in Milton Keynes will bring all Jenks portfolio of brands under one roof. Holding around 40,000 pallets at any one time and with a throughput of 50 million cases a year, it will provide a central hub for a national distribution fleet which will be operated from the site by Wincanton. In addition all head office functions will also run out of Milton Keynes, bringing the site head count to more than 250 by the time the site is fully up and running.
In recent years, Jenks has redefined the conventional out-sourcing business model and embarked on a strategic drive to attract more major brands to consider this route to market. This has proved highly successful and growth has been powered by new partnerships with established brands such as Del Monte, Fox’s and McCormick’s, as well as new players such as Isklar mineral water. Jenks has seen its business grow fourfold in the last 5 years and now has an annual sales turnover of £200m.
The move to Milton Keynes is driven by a need to consolidate a number of suppliers into one proposition, facilitating one order from the trade rather than multiple contacts. By doing this JENKS will maintain complete control of the supply chain to deliver ‘best-in-class’ service levels and increased efficiency.
Following a review of the supply chain, Wincanton was selected as exclusive logistics partner on a long term contract. They will provide a dedicated vehicle fleet (more than 20 by the time reaches full operational capacity in the new year) and a permanent staff of around 80 based at Milton Keynes.
Says Jenks Joint-MD, Ambrose McGinn, “The supply chain is absolutely critical to our business success, and we needed a partner who could work with us to understand the demands of the major retailers, wholesalers and cash & carry groups. Wincanton is a leading player in supply chain management.
“They have the scale, flexibility and expertise to respond to the demanding service levels of a 21st Century brand business.”
Says Chris Kingshott, Managing Director Operations, Wincanton: “We are delighted to be working with Jenks. This new contract builds on Wincanton’s strong track record within the sector and also gives us the opportunity to help create a business with unrivalled scale and expertise.”
Jenks
Tel: 01844?293600
www.jenks.co.uk
Comments are closed.