Wincanton plc, a leading provider of supply chain solutions in the UK and Ireland, today announces that it has renewed its distribution contract with Dairy Crest, the UK dairy food company for a further three years, bringing the relationship between the two businesses to 25 years.
The extension will see further improvements in the collection and handling of milk operations for Dairy Crest. Wincanton provides vehicles and drivers to collect milk from over 500 producers across the South of England and Wales, delivering it to three major Dairy Crest dairies. In total, Wincanton handles nearly one billion litres of milk per year for the dairy company.
Wincanton’s drive to deliver continuous efficiency improvements, excellent service and innovation has been demonstrated within the Dairy Crest contract. Wincanton has delivered year-on-year cost savings for the business and by utilising their long relationship have continually strived to develop new and efficient ways of working. Such initiatives have so far included transport network optimisation and innovation in new tanker vehicles.
Adrian Colman, Wincanton’s Chief Executive commented:
“Wincanton has a long heritage in the milk industry. The business, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, began as a milk distribution company in 1925 and has maintained its presence in the market ever since.
This renewal is testament to the close working relationship on a strategic and operational level that we have with Dairy Crest and a 25-year partnership is a fantastic achievement. It reflects the hard work and excellent customer service ethic from all of the team.
Mike Sheldon, Dairy Crest’s Managing Director of dairies commented:
“We are pleased to announce the renewal of our contract with Wincanton, a long-term and proven partner who have consistently delivered an excellent service over a number of years.
Dairy Crest has a long and proud tradition in the UK dairy industry supporting rural communities, working with our supplying farmers to make our supply chain as efficient as possible and looking at ways to reduce our operational impact on the environment. Wincanton was able to clearly demonstrate how it could help us sustain and build on these commitments. ”
