Shoppers across the UK can look forward to finding the freshest wrapped bread possible on their local shop shelves, thanks to a new warehousing and distribution contract between Frank Roberts and Sons Ltd and Bibby Distribution.
Under the contract, Bibby Distribution’s warehouse in Scunthorpe will receive deliveries of baked goods from Roberts Bakery sites in Northwich, Cheshire and Ilkeston, Derbyshire. Bibby Distribution then picks and packs bread for distribution to existing supermarket and convenience store customers.
The commissioning by Roberts Bakery of a 3PL to handle its outbound distribution is believed to be the first contract of its type for a major bread brand in the UK.
Bibby Distribution won the contract as a result of its high performance during a 12-month trial, which saw it excel in providing an efficient service with a rapid turnaround to ensure a high on-shelf availability of fresh bread.
Mike Roberts, deputy chairman of Frank Roberts and Sons Ltd, comments: “We approached Bibby Distribution because, like us, it is a long-established family-owned business that retains those family values of service and quality, with a national capability. We are looking forward to taking the partnership to the next level.”
Roberts Logistics Director, Mark Owen agrees: “We were very impressed with Bibby Distribution’s enthusiasm and commitment during the trial, and we expect this to continue as we ensure our customers get the freshest bread possible.
“We’re not just getting distribution, we’re getting a complete service that lets us focus on our core strengths. It is a scalable model which could help provide national distribution capability in the future.”
With the bakery producing more than 20,000 loaves of bread an hour, Bibby Distribution must ensure orders are processed on a day zero basis, with no stock rollover, to ensure customers get bread that’s as fresh from the oven as possible.
Goods are carried on articulated trucks and trailers, plus a number of 7.5-tonne rigids for urban deliveries. The contract is managed on an open book basis and involves close partnership working between the teams at Bibby Distribution and Roberts Bakery.
Bibby Distribution excels at keeping the cost per unit as low as possible through efficient picking and driving. Drivers also accurately record all proofs of delivery giving a comprehensive view of the supply chain. As a result, customers have every confidence in their delivery, and consumers can be sure their bread has been tracked from bakery to bag.
Frank Roberts and Sons Ltd was founded in Northwich, Cheshire, in 1887 and now produces 3.5 million loaves and rolls a week from its three bakery facilities. The firm supplies bread, rolls, treats and speciality loaves to major supermarkets and local convenience stores.
