Wincanton, the Chippenham-based logistics group, has been awarded a three-year extension to its transport management contract with Swindon-based retail group WH Smith.
The extension, which builds on the firms’ 20-year relationship, will involve the roll-out of new technology which will lead to more collaborative opportunities and optimise vehicle efficiency. 
According to WH Smith supply chain director David McKinlay, crucial to the contract extension was the way in which Wincanton demonstrated its ability to reduce operational costs and further cut WH Smith’s carbon emissions – a key corporate social responsibility target for the retailer.
He said: “With an increase in stores, currently 1,042 locations on high streets and at motorway services and airports, together with aggressive fuel inflation, we needed fresh ideas and innovation to create a step-change in the way we were utilising transport.
“I’m delighted to say Wincanton has met this challenge head on, creating significant economies of scale by combining our transport operations with those of other retailers and manufacturers.”
The contract extension came a week after Wincanton announced a three-year repair and maintenance contract with retail group Argos for its fleet of HGVs.
