Daniel Thwaites reaps rewards from move to in-house logistics
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By Joanna Bourke
LANCASHIRE BREWER Daniel Thwaites has taken delivery of eight MAN trucks and unveiled a new livery to celebrate a year of managing logistics in-house.
The family-run Blackburn operator, which has an estate of 378 pubs, has purchased eight 26-tonne MAN TGMs as part of a £750,000 investment programme, which also includes a new cold store to keep cask ales at the perfect temperature.
The order comes 12 months after Daniel Thwaites exited distribution contracts with Bibby Distri bution and Canute Group, in favour of running the bulk of its transport and storage operations in-house.
Ian Bearpark, product and distribution director at the brewer, tells CM: “We had a good look at ourselves at the start of 2010, so put our logistics contract out to tender.
“We calculated that we could match the best offer ourselves, but more importantly, our customers have loved having a more direct relationship with our drivers, and we feel we now have a competitive edge in the free-trade market.” He says the Euro-5 MANs will also help cut operating costs, through their automatic gearboxes which will in turn lead to reduced fuel consumption.
The irm, which makes beers including Lancaster Bomber and Wainwright, has also unveiled a new black and white livery that features illustrations of the history of the company, including horses and draymen.
Chief executive Rick Bailey says: “Centrepiece to the design is draymen, who continue to be as important to the brewery now as they always have been.”