London / UK, September 22, 2011 – Global logistics provider Kuehne + Nagel has been awarded a 5-year contract by fashion retailer French Connection for the warehousing and distribution of clothing and fashion accessories in the UK.
French Connection is a world renowned international brand offering fashion-forward clothing ranges through both their own extensive network of retail stores and high quality wholesale partners. It required a logistics partner that could commit to delivering proactive and efficient solutions to support its ongoing business objectives.
Together, Kuehne + Nagel and French Connection will embark on a strategic plan of continuous improvement, utilising the KN Production System (KNPS), an in-house developed structured methodology based on lean supply chain principles. KNPS aims – among other goals – to increase efficiency, profitability and service quality and to standardise processes and systems as well as organisation and performance measurement. The implementation of KNPS was a key factor in French Connection’s decision to work with Kuehne + Nagel.
Steve Prangnell, Head of Supply Chain & Logistics, French Connection explained, “We moved into our current facility 5 years ago and felt that it was time to look at what we were doing and drive towards a leaner model. It is important during these challenging times that we maintain our service offering to our customers, but drive costs down. Kuehne + Nagel displayed the same principles throughout the whole tender process and is well equipped with KNPS to be able to meet our goals.”
The operation is based at a 13,000m2 facility near Thurrock in Essex, ideally located in close proximity to London. At Thurrock, Kuehne + Nagel will be responsible for the storage, picking and packing of both boxed and hanging garments, handling approximately 7 million units per annum. Deliveries in the Capital will be carried out using 7.5 tonne rigid vehicles.
Mark Jenkins, Retail Business Unit Director for Kuehne + Nagel UK commented, “This new partnership reflects Kuehne + Nagel’s ability to serve the challenging fashion industry with intelligent and innovative logistics solutions. We are delighted to be working with French Connection and look forward to a successful collaboration.”
About Kuehne + Nagel
With more than 60,000 employees at 900 locations in over 100 countries, the Kuehne + Nagel Group is one of the world’s leading logistics companies. Its strong market position lies in the seafreight, airfreight, contract logistics and overland businesses, with a clear focus on providing IT-based lead logistics solutions.
