Tag Archives: Warehousing

Logistics, News

Kinaxia Logistics hails impact of new digital platform on workplace safety and engagement

Kinaxia Logistics has hailed the impact of a new digital platform in helping to enhance safety across its nationwide network of sites as well as for its drivers on the road.

A system developed by workplace operations technology company SafetyCulture has been implemented across Kinaxia’s regional warehouses, offices, transport yards, fulfilment centres and fleet of vehicles over the past year.

Stephen McCabe, Kinaxia’s quality, safety, health and environment (QSHE) director, said the platform has helped the company to improve safety engagement and culture, and incident key performance indicators.

Since the rollout began, Kinaxia has seen a 94 per cent reduction in lost time incidents and a 75 per cent fall in the number of incidents and accidents recorded under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR).

The strategy has also spawned a huge and beneficial increase in the reporting of issues, from minor housekeeping matters to near-misses which could give rise to more serious problems, said Stephen. Notifications have increased from 160 a year to 6,400.

Kinaxia, which has 1,600 staff, a fleet of 800 vehicles and 11 regional warehouses, is one of the first UK logistics companies to adopt the SafetyCulture platform.

In the first phase of the rollout, hundreds of QR codes were posted around its locations, providing employees with instant access to the reporting platform.

The second phase saw the QR code system was rolled out to vehicles in the fleet, enabling drivers to report safety issues from external locations as well as customer sites, with the ability to also upload images or video as supporting evidence.

Stephen said: “As a digital reporting system, SafetyCulture is having a tremendous impact, by providing the knowledge, tools and confidence to enable our teams to work more safely and meet higher standards.

“It allows limitless interaction across our sites and any UK delivery location. Its accessibility means that everyone, regardless of their role or location, can play their part in helping to improve safety across our business, driven by an inclusive culture and engagement rather than purely by compliance.

“Because reporting is being positively actioned, there has been a dramatic reduction in lost-time incidents and RIDDORs, more accurate measurement and improved outcomes across a range of safety KPIs.

“It has brought safe operating practices to the forefront of everyone’s minds, and has empowered employees at all levels and locations with the ability to drive positive change in the workplace.”

Kinaxia’s version of SafetyCulture features a ‘Heads Up’ function to instantly send details to managers across the business about any potential issues or urgent action required.

All data collected through the platform provides live dashboard reporting, enabling the company to capture trends and shape its strategy in a more rounded way to reduce risk in its workplaces.

Kinaxia chief executive Michael Conroy said: “Safety across our operations is central to everything we do. It’s also everyone’s responsibility, and the new strategy has not only improved our safety KPIs but has also empowered our colleagues with greater responsibility and the ability to contribute to their own and everyone’s welfare.

“The adoption of SafetyCulture is the latest demonstration of our strategy to fully embrace digitalisation to drive efficiency, safety and continuous improvement across our business operations.”

Alexander Brook-Sykes, SafetyCulture’s head of go-to-market for the UK and Ireland, said: “Kinaxia came to us with a clear goal – to streamline their processes and become more efficient. With SafetyCulture, they are on the path to paperless operations, and are now saving time, improving traceability and increasing visibility for their leaders.

“For those in the logistics and distribution sector, getting visibility and clarity over both dispersed workers operating out in the field and their fleet is always a challenge.

“SafetyCulture is committed to closing that gap. We help keep workers safe, empower leaders with data, prevent vehicle downtime, and empower everyone to report safety concerns or address potential risks.”

Appointments, Logistics, News

Kinaxia Logistics strengthens senior team with key appointments

Kinaxia Logistics has strengthened its senior team as part of a management restructure which will see it focus on further developing its customer proposition, driving operational efficiencies and unlocking the potential within the business.

Simon Nelson has been appointed to the new position of chief operating officer and Mark Tabor has joined Kinaxia as commercial director.

Chief executive Michael Conroy said the duo have vast experience at board level and possess great commercial acumen.

He said the appointments form part of Kinaxia’s strategy to work more closely with its customers and deliver high-quality services which are more tailored to their needs.

Simon joined Kinaxia and became managing director of its contract distribution operations after the company acquired Nelson Distribution from KNP Logistics Group last September.

Mark has over 35 years’ experience in UK and European logistics, working with a number of leading businesses including FedEx, Palletforce and Online MBT.

As Palletforce’s European development director, he oversaw the expansion of its cross-border pallet network from 11 to 30 countries and quadrupled turnover.

Michael said: “The new position of COO has been created to ensure our services more closely match our customers’ requirements. This will enable us to get closer to them, better understand their needs and deliver a service which reflects this.

“In addition, Simon will also drive efficiency across the business using technology-enabled solutions that will boost productivity while further enhancing sustainability, allowing us to generate additional value for our customers.

“Mark will play a major role as we continue to align our commercial proposition to best serve the needs of our customers with the agility to flex to quickly meet the demands of a changing marketplace.

“His appointment further reinforces our strategy to be completely aligned with our customers to deliver a stand-out experience to them and ensure we operate in a manner which drives long-term success for the business.

“With some of the highest-quality warehousing facilities in the UK, a depth of regional transport expertise and heritage that is unmatched, skilled and motivated people and a powerful palletised freight offering, we have a full end-to-end solution that can quickly adapt to our customers’ needs.”

Kinaxia, which has its headquarters in Macclesfield, Cheshire, employs more than 1,700 staff nationwide with a fleet of 800 vehicles transporting goods for the retail, leisure, food and drink and manufacturing sectors.

It has 2.7 million sq ft of strategic national warehousing facilities offering contract packing, e-fulfilment, returns management, storage services and a complete distribution service.

News

AJ Products UK Ltd announces key partnership with WG Installations to lead in the UK Market.

AJ Products have partnered with nationwide specialist installation experts WG Installations to expand their current delivery and installation services, including the assembly of numerous product types to workspaces throughout the UK.

Furniture and equipment suppliers AJ Products are recognised for their blend of eco-friendly products, in-house manufacturing and innovative, design-led workplace solutions for offices, warehouses and industrial facilities and operate across 20 markets globally.

The UK market presents a high priority growth opportunity for the AJ Products Group. Recognising the importance of specialist expertise in this field, the alliance with WG Installations will enhance AJ Products’ market presence and introduce a crucial installation service. This significant move underscores the Group’s commitment to expansion and highlights the vital role this installation service plays in fostering growth and client satisfaction.

Servicing the office furniture industry since 2012 and located centrally in the UK, Northampton-based WG Installations is regarded as a market leader by offering high quality, reliable and efficient delivery and installation services for all types of office furniture and workplace equipment throughout the UK.

WG Installations Sales Director Paul Roberts says, ‘WG Installations Ltd and AJ Products are pleased to announce they have entered into a UK strategic partnership, combining WG Installations’ industry lead furniture delivery and installation services, with AJ Products’ expertise at improving workplaces by providing a vast array of furniture, equipment and interior solutions’.

Helen Beebe, Managing Director of AJ Products, said, ‘Partnering with customer-centric installation specialists WG Installations demonstrates the enormous potential for AJ Products’ and will help position us as a key player in the UK market.’

Apprenticeships, Awards, News, North of England

Mechanic Lewis crowned apprentice of the year by Kinaxia Logistics

A young mechanic who helps to service and maintain Kinaxia Logistics’ fleet of lorries has won the company’s apprentice of the year award.

Lewis Brockbank, 20, joined Kinaxia in September 2021 on a three-year apprenticeship leading to a qualification in heavy vehicle maintenance.

He is based at Kinaxia group company Bay Freight in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester.

Lewis was nominated for the accolade by his line manager Dave Turnbull, who presented him with a trophy, framed certificate and Amazon voucher.

Dave said: “Lewis is always willing to learn and is a key team player. He works hard in all weathers and never complains. He’s willing to do any job at any time of the day and always keeps himself busy.

“He’s very competent at his job and has had glowing reports from college. He’s a very worthy winner of the apprentice of the year award.”

The training provider for Lewis’s apprenticeship is Mantra Learning. He is one of eight apprentices currently employed by Kinaxia. The group is recruiting for up to 10 apprentices this year.

Kinaxia, which has its headquarters in Macclesfield, Cheshire, employs more than 2,000 staff nationwide with a fleet of over 1,000 vehicles transporting goods for the retail, leisure, food and drink and manufacturing sectors.

The group has 2.7 million sq ft of warehouse facilities nationwide, offering contract packing, e-fulfilment, returns management, storage services and a complete distribution service.

Lewis, who lives in Mottram, Tameside, Greater Manchester, said: “I wasn’t expecting to win the award but I’m very happy to have done so and very grateful. It really means a lot.”

He added: “Initially, I wanted to be a light vehicle mechanic, and I completed a Level Two qualification at Tameside College. Then the opportunity came up to join Kinaxia, and I was thrilled to join the company.

“I’ve found myself really enjoying learning the job and helping to keep our vehicles roadworthy and maintained to a high standard.

“I think apprenticeships are the best option for people fresh out of school or college to get into an industry. I find that hands-on learning is more effective than just classroom learning. I’d definitely recommend an apprenticeship to anyone who may be considering one.”

Kinaxia is a gold sponsor of Generation Logistics, a government and industry-backed campaign highlighting the opportunities and career prospects available in a major national drive to attract young people to the sector.

Debbie Blackwell, people services director at Kinaxia, said: “Apprenticeships are key to the future of our industry. We need to invest in our colleagues and create new opportunities for diversified talent to support the growth and productivity of our business and create a skilled and qualified workforce.”

Appointments, Logistics, News

New CEO for Kinaxia Logistics

Michael Conroy, a former chief executive of Palletforce, has been appointed as the new CEO of Kinaxia Logistics, succeeding Simon Hobbs who has left after four years to pursue new opportunities.

Simon said of his time at Kinaxia: “We achieved a great deal despite the challenges we faced, and have brought a great business closer together. Kinaxia is now recognised in the UK market as a fresh and capable logistics provider and is well-positioned for its next phase of growth.”

Michael has been recruited to spearhead the next phase of development for Kinaxia, a top 15 UK logistics business with annual turnover of more than £220m.

He led Palletforce through its most significant period of expansion, taking the express freight distribution network’s turnover from £20m to £200m during a 13-year tenure as CEO.

Michael oversaw a £100m strategic investment across the Palletforce business, including the creation of its SuperHub, pioneered award-winning technology and innovation, led the collaboration of over 100 top UK regional hauliers, and was integral in the creation of EV Cargo UK in 2018.

That was followed by a period as CEO of Networks for Culina Group, where he led its digital transformation and achieved significant value creation and financial improvement by focusing on cost reduction, enhanced productivity, and successfully capturing commercial opportunities.

Kinaxia Chairman Graham Norfolk said: “We are delighted to have Michael on board. He is a respected industry figure, with vast experience in senior positions in the UK logistics industry. The board looks forward to working with him as Kinaxia moves into its next stage of development.”

Michael’s remit at Kinaxia will be to lead the group through this next stage of development, with a focus on unlocking further growth potential through scale and technology while simplifying and harmonising company processes, inspiring an inclusive workforce, driving sustainable initiatives and continuing to deliver customer excellence.

He said: “I’m extremely motivated to take up this new position and, despite the expectation of challenging market conditions continuing in 2024, I believe Kinaxia is in a strong position to capitalise on opportunities that exist.

“The business has a unique customer proposition, offering the benefits of a fully-owned and controlled national logistics network, with services delivered directly to customers by our local experts.

“This enables us to develop deep relationships with our existing customers, focus on providing sector-leading service excellence, and win market share from our competitors.”

He added: “Current market dynamics, together with the fragmented nature of the industry, offer a significant opportunity to unlock growth potential.

“We will have an increased focus on leveraging data and technology to reduce waste and improve productivity and efficiency, while also creating value for our customers by developing digital and data-focused solutions that enhance service, provide a competitive advantage and deliver sustainable growth.

“One of our greatest strengths is the talent, expertise and skills which flow throughout Kinaxia. Great people make great businesses, and empowering our workforce by nurturing talent and developing skills will see our people invested in the ethos of ‘one Kinaxia’ and the quality values the brand stands for.”

Kinaxia, which has its headquarters in Macclesfield, Cheshire, employs more than 2,000 staff nationwide with a fleet of over 1,000 vehicles transporting goods for the retail, leisure, food and drink and manufacturing sectors.

The group has 2.7 million sq ft of warehouse facilities nationwide, offering contract packing, e-fulfilment, returns management, storage services and a complete distribution service.

Logistics, Logistics Tech, News

All systems glow for Kinaxia Logistics with Ansell Lighting deal

Kinaxia Logistics has agreed a three-year contract to provide UK distribution, warehousing and other services for a global lighting company.

Ansell Lighting designs and manufactures interior and exterior lighting for the commercial, domestic, industrial, retail and architectural markets.

The company has its headquarters in Warrington and operates in more than 20 countries, with showrooms in Belfast, Dublin and Madrid as well as at its HQ.

It offers over 3,300 product lines and has won multiple awards for its energy-efficient luminaires and industry-leading lighting control system, Octo.

Last year, Ansell won a King’s Awards for Enterprise for Innovation for its Panel Pod product.

Its multi-million-pound stockholding is housed at distribution centres in Warrington and Belfast, from where it dispatches more than 400,000 items a month.

Ansell has appointed Kinaxia to distribute products to customers across the UK, and to provide warehousing, contract packing and overseas shipment.

The distribution operation is being led from Kinaxia’s hub in Trafford Park, Greater Manchester.

Kinaxia is a top 15 UK logistics group which has its headquarters in Macclesfield, Cheshire. It employs more than 1,700 staff nationwide with a fleet of over 850 vehicles transporting goods for the retail, leisure, food and drink and manufacturing sectors.

The group also has 2.7 million sq ft of warehouse facilities nationwide, offering contract packing, e-fulfilment, returns management, storage services and a complete distribution service. Group turnover was more than £200m in 2022, the 10th anniversary of the business.

Kinaxia sales director Nicky Woodman said: “Ansell Lighting is a tremendous addition to our growing client base. Our agreement brings a significant volume of new business to our distribution operation as well as to other parts of the group.

“Working with the Ansell team to integrate our IT systems has ensured a seamless transition and the highest possible standard of service.

“Our partnership has extended beyond the contract awarded for the distribution element to providing warehousing, contract packing and European shipments, and we look forward to further developing our relationship with the Ansell team into other areas of its business.”

Ansell’s distribution director Mark Stanley said: “Customer service levels are very important to us, and we wanted to work with a partner who shared our values and would be able to deliver the fast, efficient next-day service that our customers have come to expect, in order to continue to grow our business.

“We have been impressed with Kinaxia’s strong transport network and distribution capabilities, and we are looking forward to working with them as we move towards achieving even higher delivery standards than before.”

News

Leading Electrical Retailer Chooses ArrowXL

Leading electrical retailer, Hughes, has extended its remit with the UK’s leading two- person delivery ArrowXL, to provide a 24-hour delivery service. It builds on a nine year partnership which has seen ArrowXL provide a range of home delivery and connection services for customers using a nominated day delivery.

Under the terms of the new deal a 24-hour delivery option will be added for key lines, with stock kept at ArrowXL’s warehouse facility in Worcester. This will include ‘essential’ items such as replacement washing machines and fridge freezers. Additional product lines will be collected from Hughes distribution centre in Thetford and this currently equates to around 15 trailers a week for delivery to homes nationwide.

Depending on local lockdown guidelines all items will be taken to and installed in the customer’s room of choice for added convenience. Customers will be able to choose when they want the item delivered using ArrowXL’s nominated day delivery or 24-hour service. All items will be fully tracked and regular communication from the ArrowXL customer team provided about the progress of the delivery.

Craig Kavanagh, Sales Director at ArrowXL, said: “It’s always a great achievement when we extend contracts with established partners as it underlines that we are trusted with an important part of the customer experience. Our ability to offer a range of delivery solutions makes us increasingly appealing to a wide range of organisations who are committed to providing high standards across the supply chain.”

Simon Cox, Ecommerce Director at Hughes, said: “Our business was founded in 1921 and is now the country’s 4th largest specialist electrical retailer and the largest provider of home entertainment and kitchen appliance rentals. It is vital that we have the right delivery solutions in place to support this and, importantly the right partner. Over the past nine years ArrowXL has shown themselves to be a trusted partner and over the past 12 months have performed very well with all the changes thrown up by Covid and helped Hughes continue to grow.”