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IESA
Joins 'Supplier Park' In Teesside   |
Caldwells - a leading name in hand and power tool and hardware distribution - already had several contracts on site but were delighted to be asked to join Supplier Park, following an assessment by Enron, which runs utilities and services at Wilton.
Caldwells Darlington General Manager, Alan Nelson:
"Naturally, we are gratified that Enron's research among manufacturers at Wilton resulted in Caldwells being chosen as the hand and power tool specialist for Supplier Park,"Alan commented.
"Our new on-site facility can de-stock the client's stores, with stock being held instead by IESA, on an immediate call-off basis. The outsourced service minimises - or eliminates - the amount of client capital tied up in stock and does away with costly ordering and invoicing procedures. Plus our buying power means that our contracts are highly competitive," he added.
Supplier Park is, thus far, unique in Europe. The only other operation of its kind is the phenomenally successful 'Vendor City', set up by North American chemical giant PPG Industries at its Lake Charles, Louisiana, complex. In its first two years of operation, Vendor City eliminated $3 million from PPG's MRO goods inventory.
Enron Stores Manager Graham Hubbard was instrumental in setting up Supplier Park at Wilton and is convinced such facilities are the way forward:
"We have been mindful of the needs of the manufacturers in selecting companies to be a part of this initiative," Graham explained. "Alongside supplying exactly what the customer requires, each of the Supplier Park tenants demonstrates excellence in its field."
"We can assist those companies in their efforts to get closer to their client base and, thereby, to offer a superior service to them. Quicker delivery times, high quality goods at lower unit costs and personal service are just some of the benefits to clients of Supplier Park.
One company currently enjoying the benefits of IESA's presence on the Park is Huntsman ICI. Alex Robinson, a Senior Buyer for the heavy chemical manufacturing giant had this to say:
"We have enjoyed a long and successful working relationship with Caldwells. The Supplier Park gives us the opportunity to develop that relationship into a supplier/customer partnership, bringing added benefits to both companies."
