New Paperchase Warehouse - Now Fully Operational
06/08/2008
Paperchase, the retail brand leader in design-led and innovative stationery in the UK, has opened a new warehouse in Thrapston, Northamptonshire.
The new 150,000 sq ft site has been acquired following a strategic review of its supply chain operations by independent consultancy Total Logistics. The review arose from the continuing expansion of Paperchase which currently operates from 100 outlets in the UK with up to 10 more standalone stores planned this year, as well as an extensive opening program in the USA. Total Logistics assessed the retailer’s current needs and its planned future growth and conducted a location study to find a suitable site for the purpose-built warehouse.
Operational and managerial issues were considered by Total Logistics resulting in the layout for the site, equipment specification and procurement, including racking and mechanical handling equipment. Total Logistics was also involved with the selection process for a new warehouse manager for the Thrapston facility.
Total Logistics stipulated 13 metres of free height into the design of the warehouse to maximise efficient use of the space. A narrow aisle racking system has been installed together with ground and high level shelving, to provide rapid access to the wide range of Paperchase products. Two articulated VNA trucks are in place to serve the racking and six ‘man-up’ order pickers to pick from both longspan and VNA to a height of 5m, whilst warehouse personnel use the latest hand held IPOS technology to scan products to achieve real time stock visibility and supply chain efficiency.
Peter Roan, partner at Total Logistics, said: “Paperchase is a brand leader in its field and is growing rapidly in the UK and USA. The supply chain is a major strategic challenge for a business expanding at this rate and it’s therefore imperative the foundations are in place to produce an efficient supply chain system. With this client we were able to make recommendations on the location, layout and equipment of the new warehouse based on its current and future needs and advise on the best options.”
Karen Jagger, head of logistics at Paperchase commented: “Total Logistics has worked with us for several years, providing innovative solutions to our logistic and supply chain processes. The processes we now have in place are instrumental to our speed, accuracy and efficiency in delivering the right products, at the right time, in the right stores. Paperchase looks forward to continuing to work with Total Logistics on our future expansion plans.”
Total Logistics recommended the site location on the A14 in Northamptonshire from a range of options and designed the layout to accommodate future expansion. Paperchase moved into the 150,000 sq ft site in July 2008 following the opening by the Lord Mayor of Northampton.
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