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20
Case Studies
Tesco Chilled Distribution, Widnes
The construction of the Chilled Distribution Centre
by Stobart Developments
Tesco was looking to consolidate its chilled distribution in the
North, and had a requirement for a new distribution centre, in
an optimal location to service its stores from Carlisle and the
Scottish borders down to Merseyside and North Wales.
Stobart Park in Widnes, geographically, presented the ideal
solution – other than the fact that there was not yet any
construction taking place on the site, let alone a fully functional
and state-of-the-art distribution centre.
Stobart Group, using its in-house civil engineering and
developments expertise, set about constructing such a chilled
warehouse for Tesco – all of 528,000 square feet with room for
expansion, complete with a cutting edge recycling services unit
(RSU). Tesco moved in during Spring 2010 and started the
tendering process for the outbound distribution contract.
The contract, initially for a three-year term and worth some £20
million a year, was won by Eddie Stobart, who, having pitched
for the business alongside several other transport companies,
was able to offer the most comprehensive range of benefits and
service levels to Tesco.
Eddie Stobart Chilled Division
The Tesco contract is serviced by the Eddie Stobart Chilled
operating unit as a fully comprehensive provider – complete
with dedicated personnel manning the outbound transport
distribution office on site, and senior management also resident
at the 24/7 Widnes facility.
All Tesco stores across the north of England are serviced with
chilled and fresh goods from the facility, with Eddie Stobart
providing all outbound logistics of produce and return transport
of packaging and waste for the on-site RSU.
Building on a relationship dating back to 2005, Eddie Stobart secured a major new contract with Tesco
last year for chilled distribution across the north of England.
Pictured:
The use of special short wheelbase trailers was key to the successful winning of the Tesco contract. Many Tesco Extra stores have very limited loading
space, and the small turning circle of these shorter units allows access where use of a standard articulated vehicle would simply be impractical.