Bernard Matthews renews with XPO Logistics

Bernard Matthews, the UK’s largest turkey farmer and supplier, has renewed its contract with XPO Logistics for the management of its national frozen storage facility and distribution, as well as its seasonal fresh warehousing operations, for a further three years.

Originally appointed in 2012, XPO Logistics provides year-round frozen storage within its shared-user cold stores at Easton, Lincolnshire, and Lowestoft, Suffolk, and is responsible for picking and delivering orders to around 500 delivery points throughout the UK and Ireland, typically on a Day 1 for Day 2 basis.

XPO Logistics is also responsible for the seasonal storage, picking and despatch of around two million fresh and frozen Christmas turkeys to Bernard Matthews’ major retail and wholesale customers – a highly complex and time critical operation, with extremely short production-to-delivery timescales.

The contract renewal recognises XPO’s excellent service levels and close collaboration over the last three years, along with improved warehouse configuration and the introduction of bespoke technology systems to further enhance the speed and accuracy of the picking and loading operations.

George Youngs, Bernard Matthews’ General Manager – Agriculture (Operations and Logistics) said: “XPO Logistics has more than justified our decision to work with them over the last three years – they’ve done everything they said they would, and more.

“The ability and attitude of their team is both a credit to them and an asset to us, and we look forward to continuing our good work with them over the next three years.”