Press Release

21st Century Warehousing Centre is a Radio Control

8th June 2007

The Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) London has facilitated a fascinating visit to one of the most advanced distribution centres in Europe.

Through Manufacturing Insights – a best practice company visits programme – successful manufacturing companies are opening their doors to senior representatives from other manufacturing companies in London and the South East. The Manufacturing Insights venture has been running in the South East for the past year and has proved so popular that it has now been extended to the London region. The aim of the programme is to provide forward-thinking manufacturing companies the opportunity to develop networks and identify tried and tested business improvement initiatives.

The visit to the Gillette DHL Excel Distribution Centre on the 7 June was fully booked within days of becoming available. Delegates were keen to find out about the holistic approach the company has taken to turn around this once under-performing facility. By collaborating with the customer and understanding their expectations, Gillette has implemented new systems and processes to achieve consistently high service levels.

The team at Gillette shared their knowledge and experience with delegates, along with their improvement strategies which have contributed to the upturn in profits. These included:
innovative voice picking and stock control, which has improved productivity, reduced levels of reserve short, achieved improved order fulfilment and shipping accuracy and identified discrepancies
using load builder software to maximise vehicle fill and reduce transport costs
introducing web-based track-and-trace solutions, which have enabled Gillette to track vehicle and delivery progress, reducing customer enquiries, shortages and refusal claims.

Gillette’s strategy for change has resulted in operations being increasingly customer focused, transparent, agile and cost effective.

The highlight of the visit for many of the attendees was the site tour, which gave the opportunity to see first hand innovation and technology in action. The team at Gillette were keen to share the details of their improvement journey and the tour enabled visitors to ask questions as they walked around the facility.

Company visits have proved an excellent way of sharing and learning about best practice over many years. One of the visitors to Gillette, Joanna Young from Capture Design commented “An excellent visit demonstrating how cutting edge innovation and technology can assist companies in improving their efficiency and productivity. Enabled me to see first hand how a market leader has invested in some radical changes and overcome challenges. Thought provoking and inspiring.”

Several other successful manufacturing companies in London and the South East may be visited via the Manufacturing Insights programme. Details can be found at www.manufacturinginsights.co.uk or call 023 9246 8978.

If your company is a successful manufacturer in London or the South East, of whatever size, and you are passionate about best practice and willing to share with others, Manufacturing Insights will be delighted to hear from you to discuss your involvement in the programme.

Media enquiries:
MAS London
Judi Ammari
Account Manager
Harvest Marketing Communications
Tel: 023 9244 9655 Photos available on request


Manufacturing Insights
Eileen Wimshurst
Tel: 023 92 468978
Email: info@manufacturinginsights.co.uk