Leading the way in logistics

The move marks a strategic decision by Knowles to expand its presence within the food service sector further reinforcing the business’ leading position in supermarket logistics.

Operating from Knowles’ 280,000 sq. ft BRC food grade warehouse in Wisbech, East Anglia, the contract will encompass storage, handling, container unload, cross dock and distribution to Bidfood’s 22 ambient depots across the UK. Orders will be made up of Bidfood own stock and Bidfood suppliers to achieve full loads in order to maximise efficiency and minimise vehicle movements in turn improving environmental impact.

Bidfood suppliers will have the option of storing products within the Knowles warehouse. Alternatively, Knowles will offer a collection service from third party sites to cross-dock and consolidate onto orders out of Wisbech. Additionally, Knowles will also manage the warehousing and distribution of Bidfood’s ambient imported lines, and will offer full Electronic Data Interchange functionality through its Warehouse Management System.

Alex Knowles, Managing Director at Knowles Transport noted that the business has been wanting to enter this sector for some time as it aligns closely with its expertise in food, drink and packaging contract logistics. “We are confident that we can help maximise Bidfood’s service levels into depots and drive cost efficiencies for them and their suppliers,” he said. “We see this as an area in which demand will continue to grow and whereby, we store and distribute for many Bidfood suppliers who wish to tap into the efficiencies we can now offer.”