Bunkerbound Switches UK Logistics To Port-Centric Model

Gadget company Bunkerbound is proving innovative in every area of its business after switching from running its own warehouse operation to a port-centric model.

The company imports novel and fun gadgets for the European market and has appointed Import Services to provide a port-based, flexible logistics service.

Bunkerbound managing director Ian Williams said that while the company is an expert in product development, it is not an expert in warehousing and distribution.

“Our own warehouse was three times too big for nine months of the year, and three times too small for three months of the year, and it is impossible for us to sustain growth with these constraints,’’ said Ian.

“Moving to flexible pay as you go resourcing and storage to coincide with our peak trading season has a massive benefit to us in terms of cashflow and cost, allowing us to focus on what we do best, developing and selling great products,’’ said Ian

As part of the transition, Import Services is handling stock arriving from the Far East and feeding Bunkerbound’s current Amersham warehouse until June, when stock will be relocated to Import Service’s Southampton facilities, in a scheduled move to smooth transition.

Client services director of Import Services, Mike Thomas said he is delighted Bunkerbound has joined a selected portfolio of forward thinking clients who have grasped the logic of our port-centric supply chain model which cuts time and cost to market, with the added benefit of flexibility.

This latest new client win coincides with the expansion of container port facilities for Import Services in Southampton. The new extension, which opens in July, will boost overall capacity from 40,000 pallets to 53,000 pallets.

Operating from Southampton container port and linking intelligent networks of supply chain services with global real time information, Import Services provides the optimum route to market in the new world of multi-channel retailing.