Hays lands giant Waitrose deal
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• Hays Distribution has clinched a massive £500m, 25year contract with supermarket chain Waitrose which Hays believes could be the first deal of this duration.
The contract does not begin until April 1993, but Hays begins construction this year of a £30m dedicated warehouse in Milton Keynes, from which 100 vehicles in Waitrose livery will service the contract.
Despite its value, which Hays managing director David Winkworth sets at up to £20m a year, the contract is not nationwide. It serves the north — work which is currently carried out by up to 12 hauliers. About 50 stores will be served with food and non-food products.
Winkworth says he is now talking to two truck manufacturers with a view to placing large vehicle orders.
The contract adds to Hays' existing work for Waitrose — chilled food is distributed from Reading. Winkworth says the unusual length of the contract is because Waitrose believe 25 years to be the working life of the facilities.