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- Wolseley UK Continues Investment For Growth Announcing £100M Distribution Network Upgrade (21.01.05)
Wolseley UK, the UK's leading distributor of building and plumbing products and materials, has today announced a £100m investment to further increase the capacity of its distribution network. Wolseley UK's highly sophisticated hub and spoke network of distribution centres across the UK plays a crucial role, enabling fast delivery of most of its vast range of products as well as rapid replenishment of stocks across the company's 1,500+ UK branches.
The investment will enable Wolseley to meet growing demand for its services through all of its brands across all industry sectors while maintaining its market position and enhancing its status as a supplier of choice. Already an industry leader in logistics best-practice, this continued investment in its supply chain capabilities is key to maintaining and further improving Wolseley UK's customer service as well as driving down costs.
The £100m investment marks the continuation of Wolseley UK's restructure and rebrand, announced in March 2004, which is streamlining the company's operations and maximising the efficiencies across all seven of its operating brands - Plumb Center, Build Center, Hire Center, Climate Center, Parts Center, Pipe Center and Drain Center.
Initial plans include building a 340,000 sq ft (31,586 m 2 ) distribution centre in Leamington Spa, on a site adjacent to its new UK headquarters. Building work will start as soon as planning permission is obtained and construction is expected to take around 12 months. The company also plans to open another regional distribution centre in the north west of England in 2006.
Wolseley UK has achieved seven consecutive years of record results, including breaking the £2 billion sales mark in the year to 31 July 2004. The company is committed to sustaining this strong growth in sales and profits. The additional distribution network capacity is needed to meet these targets.
The new national distribution centre will serve all of Wolseley UK's brands working alongside the company's regional distribution centres in Melmerby (North Yorkshire), Worcester and Marston Gate (near Milton Keynes) plus local bulk distribution sites across the UK.
Adrian Barden, managing director of Wolseley UK said of the announcement: "This investment is part of a broad programme of activity designed to safeguard our position as industry leaders by providing the capacity we need to continue our rapid growth. Logistics and supply chain management are the heart of our business. Wolseley exists to get the right products to the right place at the right time in good condition for a competitive price. This investment will allow us to continue to meet rising customer demand while helping eliminate waste from the construction supply chain."
The proposed new national distribution centre will be located on an 18-acre (7.3hectare) brownfield site at Spa Park in Leamington Spa bringing further jobs to the region.
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