Scotts selects Exel to manage a logistics operation
Scotts UK Ltd, a supplier of fertilisers, chemicals and growing media for all aspects of garden care, has appointed Exel, the global leader in supply chain management, to manage a logistics operation out of its shared-user and bonded warehouse at Stanton in Suffolk. (5/7/2003)
The operation is in support of Scotts’ Professional Business Group, which supplies professional growers, sports clubs and local councils across the UK and Ireland.
Key to Scotts’ decision to outsource the warehouse management to Exel were the quality levels of the Stanton centre in both operational and infrastructure terms. These included purpose-built specialist bonded chemical storage facilities, the highest health and safety standards, easy access to the port of Felixstowe, a sophisticated warehouse management system and personnel fully trained in both the handling of hazardous materials and value added services. In particular, the scale of the Stanton centre meant that Scotts could bring two of its product categories – soluble and granular fertiliser and liquid chemicals – together in one centre, enhancing delivery to end customers.
In order to meet Scott’s stringent storage requirements, Exel is also working towards a British Agrochemical Standards Inspection Scheme (BASIS) registration. The scheme, put in place by the agrochemical industry itself and administered by an independent organisation, provides for the highest standards and regular assessment of storage facilities to ensure compliance with current legislation. BASIS registration is contingent on meeting the requirements of both the Fire Service and Environment Agency inspections which between them assess safety and emergency procedures as well as building design to ensure complete containment of hazardous materials.
Exel has already received letters of approval from both organisations. When BASIS registration is achieved, it will apply to the facility in Stanton storing Scotts’ pesticides and will be subject to an annual review.
The work for Scotts accounts for 30,000 sq ft of the 600,000 sq ft site at Stanton. Product arrives, from Holland and the UK, on pallets. There is a small amount of segregated flammable liquid, which is stored to Zone 2 standard.
In addition to the new UK contract, Exel in the USA has recently become the Lead Logistics Manager (LLM) for The Scotts Company’s US consumer brands, delivering an integrated solution involving the storage and transportation of Scotts products moving from suppliers to distribution centres and onto retailers.
