Logistics Manager Magazine

DIY retailer AKI has chosen Ceva Logistics for a contract worth 50 million euros over five years.

Ceva will manage AKI’s end-to-end supply chain across Spain including freight management, handling inbound stock from the Far East and management of all stock through a consolidation centre.

AKI is part of ADEO Group, a French DIY chain with stores in 11 countries. It has 35 stores in Spain and estimates total annual sales of over nine million units of products such as furniture, decoration, construction and plumbing equipment.

Ceva will take responsibility for products on arrival at Valencia Port, distributing them from its hub in Ontígola, South Madrid. The supply chain management company is using WMS Click, and Matrix transport management system to allow maximum visibility.

AKI plans to grow its business during the course of the contract, hoping to take on fifteen new stores and potentially doubling sales. Ceva is prepared to increase AKI’s storage space in its Ontígola facility from 30,000 to 50,000 sq m to accommodate this growth.

AKI have chosen Ceva for the complete redesign of its supply chain in anticipation of significantly improved efficiency. However its sustainable solutions were also a factor in the decision.

Vicente Máñez, logistics and purchasing director of AKI Spain said: “We selected Ceva as a strategic partner due to the professionalism of the offered solution, their proactivity and excellence based culture. Their commitment to environmental care when carrying out their activities has been determinant for us: Ceva’s centre in Ontígola is a clear example of sustainability, because of its specific energy saving and environmentally friendly devices, such as solar panels, collection and use of rainwater, as well as being a building that minimizes the visual impact on the environment.”