Amethyst Group has announced the appointment of Allan Fosbrook as the Sales Director responsible for the logistics and freight business. In his new role, Allan will be tasked for driving the growth of the group and integration of PNC the Freight Forwarding division, with the 3PL business which saw the opening of new Super Hub in 2017.
Managing Director, Ben Chaing, said: “Allan has performed a great job with the 3PL division over the past years showing substantial revenue growth. This is a fantastic opportunity for him to take on new challenges in offering a true ‘End to End’ service for all our clients. It also demonstrates that the Amethyst Group is taking a truly futuristic approach to moving forward with their clients.”

One of the fastest growing generic pharmaceuticals suppliers in Europe required a logistics provider to support their entrance and subsequent rapid expansion into the UK market. They needed an experienced partner who could compliment their own packing and warehousing facilities and ensure a responsive approach to dynamic market conditions in supplying hospital and retail customers.

SOLUTION:

Amethyst designed and configured a core zone in one of our shared user warehouses with a focus on highly accurate quality assurance, processes and picking efficiency suitable for high volumes of pharmaceutical products. Using Amethyst’s MHRA Licence compliant systems and operating procedure and Home Office Licence for the storage of Schedule 4 and 5 drugs, we developed an optimised delivery solution via our network of support distribution partners to ensure 100% on time and accurate deliveries.

RESULT:

We currently hold several thousand pallets of product and manage the throughput of millions of units per month of SKU’s, including OTC, POM and controlled drugs. The client continues to be one of the fastest growing pharmaceutical businesses in the UK and has recently renewed their contract with Amethyst reflecting the long term, mutually beneficial partnership we have developed.

Amethyst is a market leading provider of outsourced e-commerce warehousing and distribution e-fulfilment. Many well known luxury and high street brands’ e-commerce orders are fulfilled by Amethyst. This client has a retail distribution centre which serves their national and international operations effectively. But they needed something different for their e-commerce fulfilment, a proven solution from an experienced logistics provider who could demonstrate accuracy, reliability and scalability.

SOLUTION:

We set up a project team to work alongside those of the client and their chosen web store platform. The team consisted of a project sponsor, implementation manager, as well as systems and operations specialists. Together, we specified, developed and tested a robust end to end fulfilment solution operating from our dedicated clothing fulfilment centre near Lichfield in Staffordshire.

RESULT:

From day one the transactional website performance smashed all forecasts and expectations. Amethyst had to react quickly to adjust for the unpredicted, but welcome demand for the brand. Within a few hours we had doubled the amount of packing stations as well as operatives on the contract. We consistently exceed all of our agreed service levels.

Amethyst works with several multi-channel fashion and beauty companies, providing warehousing and distribution for wholesale, retail and e-commerce both domestically and throughout the world. This luxury lingerie client needed a flexible and responsive outsourced logistics provider who could handle large daily volumes of franchise, retail and business to consumer orders domestically and internationally with high levels of accuracy, as well as demonstrated ability to carry out planned and ad hoc quality control services.

SOLUTION:

Amethyst put together a project team to examine the client’s requirements and understand the varied nature of the multi-channel international business. They then specified the systems and operational processes required. Working closely with the client and their partners, Amethyst carried out a carefully planned six month implementation and phased handover from the incumbent to make sure the move to Amethyst’s distribution centre in Kent was as smooth as possible

RESULT:

The feedback from the client’s headquarters was that most departments didn’t even realise the move had taken place! Through teamwork we have forged a strong partnership which gives the client the freedom to concentrate on their core business while we look after their logistics.

Our client, a baby healthcare product manufacturer, required an experienced 3PL partner to support their UK growth. They needed a partner who could scale with their expansion plans and maintain an excellent customer service. Sophisticated process management to ensure product integrity, minimal packaging tainting and customer conformance were maintained was a must.

SOLUTION:

Combining our experience with pharmaceutical product management and long term work in the consumer goods sector, we developed a solution that not only ensured 100% accuracy and conformance to the highest standards but realised synergies with our distribution operations to deliver a cost effective and environmentally friendly delivery solution. Products are stored in shrouded locations to minimise exposure to dust and our tailored healthcare systems and processes are implemented to ensure end to end traceability and inventory management.

RESULT:

We typically achieve 100% on time in full deliveries, for customers including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Boots, Mothercare and Alliance Healthcare amongst others, as well as independents. We leverage our direct relationships with the retailers’ DC’s to ensure optimum vehicle utilisation and delivery slots. We also manage the webstore for the client, ensuring online orders are fulfilled and despatched accurately and in a timely manner. The client therefore focuses on their sales and growth whilst enjoying a stress free logistics operation.

Amethyst is the chosen third party logistics partner for several market leading private/flash sales etailers. Using our experience of these business models, we have been able to grow and evolve the solutions enabling clients to expand their product and service offering as their volumes and product ranges increase. This client had an in house fulfilment facility adjacent to their offices. Following some significant investment and growth in homeware volumes, their expansion was set to accelerate dramatically. They needed an outsourced provider with the required facilities and scalability to cope with rapid growth as well as the financial credibility required to respond to changing requirements with agility. In addition, they needed a fast implementation to co-ordinate with an office move.

SOLUTION:

Amethyst’s project team helped guide the client through an expedited implementation process in order to achieve the deadline. We adapted to the unique requirements of the business model and continue to work closely on systems and process development in order to provide the optimum solution at each stage of the forecast growth plan.

RESULT:

Amethyst was selected as the third party provider because of our experience in homeware and fashion e-commerce fulfilment which has ensured a good cultural fit. By working together, we have achieved a robust fulfilment solution operating from one of our facilities near Wellesbourne in Warwickshire. We fully expect to be able to continually meet and exceed the requirements of a rapidly growing business over the life of the contract.