Russell Hobbs owner Spectrum Brands has completed a major overhaul of its European logistics network, consolidating its warehousing and distribution operations into a centralised model.
The group, which also owns brands including Remington and George Foreman, worked with supply chain consultancy SCALA and logistics provider DSV on the transformation.
The project saw Spectrum Brands move away from a fragmented network involving more than four logistics providers towards a single integrated logistics solution.
Its previous primary warehouse, established in 2020, was around 50 per cent undersized for the company’s requirements, according to SCALA, forcing Spectrum Brands to rely on additional sites and creating greater complexity across its European supply chain.
The redesigned network now includes capacity for 65,000 pallets and is expected to handle more than 180,000 pallet equivalents each year.
SCALA carried out the project across three stages, beginning with a centre-of-gravity study to determine the most suitable location and structure for Spectrum Brands’ European distribution network.
The consultancy then managed a competitive tender process, which resulted in DSV being appointed as the company’s strategic logistics partner.
It also supported the transition to the new operating model, including planning, coordination and risk management.
SCALA executive director Chris Clowes said the consolidation would give Spectrum Brands greater flexibility as demand changes.
“The collaboration on this project was instrumental to its success,” he said.
“In addition to the consolidation of multiple providers into a single integrated solution, our teams were able to integrate a network designed to bolster future growth and demand variability.
“As a result of our work, Spectrum Brands now has a logistics solution in the form of a fully operational, future-proof European logistics network that will streamline their operations.”
Spectrum Brands international supply chain director HPC Luke Crook said the business had sought to simplify its logistics operations across Europe.
“With our European-wide operations, it was strategically vital to streamline our logistics network for our brands,” he said.
“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.”
DSV Poland commercial director of contract logistics Piotr Wojtkowski added that logistics networks were increasingly having to respond to rapid changes in supply chains.
“The supply chain industry continues to evolve rapidly, and it is becoming increasingly important that logistics networks are not only able to keep pace, but remain ten steps ahead for maximum efficiency and capacity,” he said.
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