Baar, Switerland, September 28, 2006--TDG has extended its multi million pound UK distribution contract for Forbo, the world leader in linoleum-made floor coverings, according to Transport News Network.
Delivering linoleum brings special logistical challenges because of its unique handling requirements - it can be manufactured up to four metres in width and the rolls are transported on the floor of the vehicle rather than on pallets or in roll cages. In order ensure the lowest cost to serve; TDG uses dedicated PODs (demountable boxes) to enable the same equipment to be used for primary movements and customer deliveries.
The detailed analysis carried out by the solution design team of TDG, identified that the ideal centre of gravity for a National Distribution Centre was in the North Yorkshire area of the country. This was driven by the fact that all of Forbo's UK delivery volume will come from Holland via the east coast ports. TDG's multi-user operation at Pocklington near York was an obvious choice as the ideal location from which to maintain a successful customer delivery infrastructure.
Stock will be received at TDG Pocklington and cross docked there prior to the final deliveries that will be made via three satellite outbases in central Scotland (TDG Mossend), Birmingham (TDG Bromford Gate) and TDG Luton.
The Forbo business will take a dedicated area within the multi-user warehouse at Pocklington, and TDG expects the volumes to be around 1,000 tonnes per month. Says Andy Ray, Customer Services Manager at Forbo; "We have been pleased with the benefits TDG has brought us over the past 5 years, and, with their ongoing support, we will continue to optimise the balance of cost and service for our customers."
