Consumer goods conglomerate Spectrum Brands, which owns brands including Russell Hobbs, Remington and George Forman, has completed a major centralisation of its European logistics network.

The project, supported by supply chain consultancy Scala and logistics company DSV, has transformed Spectrum’s logistics into a fully centralised, purpose-built operation, according to the company.

The project involved developing what it called a “future-proof” distribution network and consolidating logistics providers to improve efficiency and control over an operation that was “deemed no longer fit for its modern operations”.

For instance, its primary warehouse was previously undersized by around 50 per cent for its needs, which Spectrum said contributed to inefficiencies as well as a reliance on additional sites. In addition, the site network including more than four logistics providers, increasing fragmentation and cost opacity.

The upgrades, managed by Scala, include a new warehouse and network design, with a 65,000 pallet capacity and over 180,000 pallet equivalents shipped annually.

Scala carried out the project upgrade across three stages. It first conducted a centre of gravity study to determine the best location for the new warehouse, before bringing on DSV through a competitive tender process. It then provided continued support for Spectrum through the centralisation process, including planning, coordination and risk management for the new operating model.

Luke Crook, international supply chain director, HPC, at Spectrum Brands, said: “With our European-wide operations, it was strategically vital to streamline our logistics network for our brands.

“Partnering with SCALA and DSV has not only enabled our team to better utilise warehouse capacity in our new building, but has increased visibility and control, simplifying our supply chain process.”

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