French Connection has hired Kuehne + Nagel to handle distribution from its site at Thurrock in Essex.
Kuehne + Nagel will be responsible for the storage, picking and packing of both boxed and hanging garments, at French Connection’s 140,000 sq ft facility. It will handle about seven million units a year.
It will also cover forward distribution through London using a fleet of 7.5 tonners.
A key factor in French Connection’s decision to use K+N was the use of the KN Production System – a structured methodology based on lean supply chain principles.
The system is intended to standardise processes and systems as well as organisation and performance measurement.
Steve Prangnell, French Connection’s head of supply chain & logistics, said: “We moved into our current facility five years ago and felt that it was time to look at what we were doing and drive towards a leaner model. It is important during these challenging times that we maintain our service offering to our customers, but drive costs down. Kuehne + Nagel displayed the same principles throughout the whole tender process and is well equipped with KNPS to be able to meet our goals.”
