As a trusted supply chain partner to Kingfisher plc, Wincanton has provided warehousing and transportation services to support Screwfix – one of its banner brands - since 2004.
Operating five distribution centres on behalf of the trade and DIY retailer, the partnership has evolved to facilitate Screwfix’s growth. Screwfix has opened, on average, 50 new Trade Counters annually since 2011.
The Wincanton operation serves this Trade Counter (TC) network, which spans England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with outlets in locations as remote as the Isle of Man.
Efficient expansion
Wincanton has supported Screwfix’s impressive expansion with a robust supply chain operation. As well as operating a core of DCs (which expanded to five in July 2020), the business executes nationwide transport for TC replenishment.
Screwfix’s growth in 2019/20 meant that a greater number of deliveries were necessary. The Wincanton Transport Team served a 20% rise in the number of TCs, with a route increase of around just 6%.
Optimised planning, better results
Through a mixture of dynamic route-planning, adaptations to TC delivery slots and optimised load packing, the operation was able to serve a greater volume of outlets with a minimal increase in miles on the road.
The result of this was a 16% drop in trailer count, despite the growth in delivery stops. This had a positive environmental impact, which was, and remains, a key priority for both Wincanton and Screwfix.
Excellent results and industry recognition
During 2019/20, the Wincanton for Screwfix fleet completed more than 110,000 TC deliveries. The operation exceeded its success target, achieving a 99.89% success rate.
The Wincanton and Screwfix partnership was recognised at the 2020 Motor Transport Awards, winning the ‘Operational Excellence Award’. The award celebrates the best examples of logistics operations that have delivered tangible benefits across the supply chain.