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Xpediator trims back warehouse operation

[ March 24, 2023   //   ]

UK-owned forwarder Xpediator Plc is to carry out a streamlining programme to improve efficiency and technology.

It will close its 70,000 sq ft Beckton, East London warehouse, which has traditionally served the UK retail high street fashion market, with key customers moved to its Braintree facility in Essex 40 miles away. These include the Moose Knuckles branded stocked by Selfridges, Flannels and Harrods, as well as Spanish Desigual label.

Head of the UK Logistics Division, Alberto Llames Romero. Explained: “Beckton is heavily led by oods on hangers and we have seen demand for this service dropping reflecting the challenges facing the UK high street fashion market. We looked at a range of options to retain the Beckton site, but without significant investment it would have been challenging, with no certainty of success, and given we’re approaching the end of the lease, we have chosen to take the opportunity to exit. “Critically, some key customers and distribution partners will move into our facility in Braintree. In addition, given Beckton was loss making the closure will immediately enhance the financial position of the division.”

The 167,000 sq ft Braintree facility offers a blend of traditional pallet storage and also entry to the online market for smaller firms. Bringing critical customers, including the highly valued Moose Knuckles to the Braintree site, will improve utilisation and profitability of the site, said Xpediator.

Alberto continued: “With the introduction of a new warehouse management system in summer 2023, our 435,000 sq ft Southampton warehouse is well positioned to perform even better through the peak this year and beyond. It is a great high spec building situated right on the port, and we are fortunate to have a strong relationship with the port operator.

“Currently, we’re tweaking the structure to offer a more competitive and flexible system which you can expect to see through the implementation of the new WMS. The Southampton team have been working very hard on customer retention and we are excited by the genuine potential for growth around this site.”

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