Warehousing and Distribution
12 Jan 2010

Norbert Dentressangle's 4-Year Highways Agency Contract

Following a rigorous competitive tender process, Norbert Dentressangle has been appointed to handle national warehousing and distribution for the (UK) Highways Agency. The Highways Agency is an Executive Agency of the Department for Transport (DfT), and is responsible for operating, maintaining and improving the strategic road network in England on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport and has a major role in delivering the Government's Ten Year Plan for Transport.

Norbert Dentressangle will be responsible for the storage of approximately 1,500 SKUs associated with the provision and maintenance of roadside cameras, telephones and electronic signs for the motorway network in England — from matrix signs and gantries to nuts and bolts — and the distribution of these items, either to The Highways Agency’s regional maintenance contractors or direct to roadside projects. Norbert Dentressangle will provide dedicated space within its modern shared-user warehouse in Telford, providing a central location and a highly flexible solution in line with The Highways Agency’s changing requirements.

Initially, the company will provide more than 100,000 sq ft of storage space, including hard standing for heavy materials and equipment, racking for palletised products and storage bins and shelving for small items. It is also providing technical support facilities within the site for use as a workshop by The Highways Agency’s technical support contractor. The distribution operation will involve a mix of dedicated, shared and sub-contract deliveries, in line with the diverse range of products involved. Where possible, Norbert Dentressangle will deliver materials and equipment direct to site on a just in time basis, minimising lead times and handling and distribution costs. Prior to Norbert Dentressangle’s appointment, the operation was handled by another logistics service provider.

Nigel Dovell, Manager for The Highways Agency said: “We were impressed by the quality of Norbert Dentressangle’s response to our ITT, which clearly demonstrated its ability to meet our requirements. Its solution will support efficiency improvements in our operation, which in turn supports the efficient delivery of projects to improve the operation of and safety on the English motorway network.”

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