NEWS

Delivering more than 250,000 individual products during the summer of 2006 proved a great challenge for Straight and the management team recognised that a change in operational procedures was required. “The record sales achieved in 2006 highlighted the need to build more flexibility into our business model to facilitate future growth. Our partnership with DHL will enable us to do this”, Mark Halford, operations director at Straight said.

DHL is familiar with Straight’s core product range and services as the two companies have worked together on the national home composting campaign run by WRAP. Straight and DHL will introduce an improved data system to achieve higher customer service levels for both retail and trade customers going forward.

“Straight has grown at a rapid pace since 2003 and particularly since the acquisition of Blackwall, yet our logistics systems have evolved from two relatively small companies. The new partnership will both strengthen our own operations and bring the flexibility the business now requires”, Mark Halford added.

One of longer term benefits of this union is that it will allow Straight to move away from a single warehouse location which will improve the efficiency and services it offers. “Our expertise lies in production and logistics management. By tapping into DHL’s undoubted leadership in the field of warehousing and transport, this can only be good news for future growth of the business”, said Mark.

Straight will maintain an experienced management team for operations, production and logistics to further develop the business practices and systems. It will also ensure first hand contact with suppliers and customers.