CMYUK opens new distribution hub

The new logistics distribution hub was opened last month
The new logistics distribution hub was opened last month

CMYUK has opened a major new national logistics distribution hub in the Midlands capable of holding up to £15m worth of stock and with extended ordering hours for collection, and same and next day delivery nationwide.

Now in operation after opening on 16 August, the wide-format kit and consumables reseller’s new site is situated in Bloxwich, Walsall.

10 warehouse staff will work at the new facility, which replaces and consolidates the company’s previous warehousing – two units in Berkshire – into a single central UK location that it said will offer “an enhanced level of delivery and customer service”.

“Our new logistics hub is something we’ve been planning for over two years,” said CMYUK group finance and operations director Jon Price.

“Driven by the continued growth of our sustainable materials portfolio, we required a location that could logistically service the UK better and faster than our previous two warehouses in Berkshire.

“We will be introducing later shut off ordering times for next day and same day deliveries to all major nationwide locations.

“The new hub allows us to service customers with greater choice, and enables us to be more efficient with our stock handling.”

CMYUK told Printweek the new hub “forms part of our growing logistics network strategy”, and that any facility included in this will have a minimum 10-year term.

The purpose-built 4,645sqm warehouse has three standard level access and two dock level loading bays, which provides the capacity to offload six containers a day, equating to 3,000 rolls or 162 tonnes of rolled materials.

“As we work with our logistics partners to establish collection points later in the day and into the evening, this will naturally lend itself to a double shift pattern that will greatly enhance the flexibility and service to our customers,” said CMYUK group operations manager Brad Styles.

The distribution hub also has a dedicated collection point, where customers who have pre-ordered inks and materials online can use their own transport for same day collections.

“Our click and collect service is something we’ve been wanting to do for some time but we needed the right location and premises to be able to offer this. We have a number of large customers in the Midlands and surrounding areas who will find this very useful,” said Styles.

The facility also includes an in-house slitter for converting materials to shorter widths, and any offcuts from here will be repurposed for use by different departments within the CMYUK group.

CMYUK has also just launched the Creatives in Residence Live (CIRL) programme, which will give two young surface designers and one videographer an opportunity to undertake a six-month placement at its Shrewsbury facility, which also houses its showroom and demonstration centre.