Thwaites switches model and brings logistics solely in-house
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joanna.baurkefarbi.co.uk BLACKBURN BREWER Daniel Thwaites has decided to bring its whole logistics operation in-house, investing £115,000 and safe-guarding 80 jobs.
The Lancashire brewer, which runs 18 HGVs, came to the end of live-year partnerships with Bibby Distribution and Canute Group at the end of May. and has decided to handle all of its logistics itself. It is hoped a number of Bibby and Canute employees will transfer to Daniel Thwaites under TUPE regulations.
Ian Bearpark, product and distribution director for the company, says: "We looked at outsourcing all our logistics operations, and while some tenders showed good savings, they were not strong enough to merit axing our own operations [affecting 80 staff]."
He continues: "A lot of our customers are very demanding, and our own drivers have established good relationships with them. We believe this is very important for our business."
As a result, the family-run company, which has an estate of 378 pubs. has announced plans to build (subject to planning consent), a £115,000 temperature-controlled facility for cask ale.
The fleet will also be increased to 25 trucks
Thwaites MD Peter Morris says: -This is a big decision for us and there were many factors at play. However, it is testament to the extremely high service levels provided by our employees to all of our customers, that we have the confidence to invest in them for the future.
Maintaining our distribution facility and fleet is an important part of the overall service that we offer."