Primark partners with Wincanton to transform UK supply chain

Value fashion giant Primark has agreed a five-year contract with supply chain company Wincanton, who will help with the provision of transport services to all of the company's UK stores.

Under the contract, which begins early next year, Wincanton will make more than 50,000 deliveries to 191 stores across the UK each year and deliver significant operational efficiencies to the safety, service and cost of its supply chain.

The news comes only two months after Primark's Chief Financial Officer reassured customers that the price of Primark clothes will not increase despite rising costs in the supply chain.

As part of the operations, Wincanton and Primark will work to ensure a reduction in carbon emissions, for example reducing distances travelled by HGVs by 15% and increasing the use of alternative fuels.

More than 100 colleagues will stay on in their previous roles with Primark and join the 20,000-strong Wincanton team. These colleagues will primarily be engaged across transport operations, conducting deliveries nationwide and will have access to real-time visibility information provided by Winsight, Wincanton’s single platform technology suite.

Winsight will manage all transportation activity across Primark’s UK supply chain, ensuring goods are delivered seamlessly and to the highest standards. Wincanton will embed this and other execution tools as part of its commitment to continuously optimise its network.

Mark Shirley, Director of Logistics at Primark, said: “We are excited to be working with the Wincanton team whose size and expertise match the growing demand from our customers. Wincanton has developed sustainable solutions that will bolster Primark’s logistics capacity in the UK and we look forward to continuing to innovate and improve our transport operations.”

Rachel Gilbey, MD of General Merchandise at Wincanton, added: “This is a significant contract which demonstrates strong momentum within the business, as we welcome our new colleagues to the Wincanton family. The Wincanton and Primark teams are working hand-in-hand to deliver a successful transformation for Primark’s transport operations. We look forward to continuing to innovate and unlock significant value for customers.”