Chippenham-headquartered warehousing and distribution group Wincanton has been appointed as Howdens Joinery’s logistics partner following a strategic review of the leading kitchen manufacturer’s supply chain.
Wincanton secured the contract following a competitive tender and will operate and manage three of Howdens’ UK transport sites in Avonmouth, Glasgow and Radlett, Herts, as well as associated activities for the next three years. 
Wincanton will operate a fleet of between 35 and 60 vehicles, depending on seasonal demand, to supply Howdens’ 577 depots across the UK.
It is the latest in a string of major contract wins by Wincanton, which employs more than 15,500 people across the UK and Ireland, including 250 at its Chippenham head office.
Howdens director of operations Bob Philip said: “We chose Wincanton as our logistics partner because they are very much aligned to our growth programme and demonstrated a clear desire to keep improving service levels and deliver on our customer promise.”
Wincanton business unit director for transport Steve Basnett added: “This is an exciting new contract for Wincanton and underlines our strength and experience in the manufacturing sector. Over the next three years our transport team will be committed to continuously improving service levels to Howdens’ UK depots.”
Earlier this year Wincanton signed a nationwide warehouse and distribution services contract with Loaf.com, the UK’s fastest-growing homeware company, a four-year contract with Marley Eternit to distribute cladding materials and a three-year contract with Halo Foods.
It also inked a three-year extension with long-standing partnership with drinks group Britvic to operate its automated national distribution centre.
