Macfarlane Transport - is one of the UK's leading, privately owned, third party distribution companies providing multi-user "shared load" distribution. Warehouse solutions offered include shared user or dedicated warehousing and stock consolidation.

the brief - Following seventeen years growth from their 20,000 square foot warehouse at Calverley Bridge, Leeds; supplemented two years ago by an additional 38,000 sq ft at Marley; Macfarlane Transport were building a new 120,000 sq ft Distribution Centre. Supply Chain Planning Limited were called in by the management team to provide assistance in developing the layout of the new distribution centre to ensure it met the requirements of both Macfarlane and its customers.

the approach - Supply Chain Planning Limited commenced the project by visiting the existing site to familiarise themselves with the characteristics of the present operation. Data was collected to establish the existing operating parameters before estimating the anticipated growth and service diversification as a basis to calculate the future space requirements. Macfarlane were then presented with alternative layout options for the Distribution Centre showing operational areas. Outline specifications and budget costings of racking and forklift trucks were included. Recommendations were also made for operational procedure improvements including unloading, goods receipt, put away, picking, marshalling, loading and despatch control.

the results - The new facility opened on 1 June 2002 and has allowed Macfarlane Transport to consolidate operations in the purpose built facility and includes parking spaces for the entire fleet, office space, training and meeting rooms.

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