Avon Freight Group is based across three sites in Redditch and is an established, successful freight forwarders and supply chain logistics business. With daily services to Ireland and overseas, it manages multiple consignments and a very busy warehouse.
The effects of Brexit meant that stocks were consistently high as customers foresaw an opportunity to stock up in anticipation of trading disruption. Added to that, the need to constantly maintain the cycle of deliveries in, storage and shipping out meant that additional warehousing was urgently required.
Smart-Space worked with Avon Freight to provide an intelligent solution that resolved the issue of additional storage and also the need for efficient loading and unloading of vehicles. Two buildings pitched side-by-side provided exactly what was required.
With access points from the front, between the buildings and into the adjoining warehouse, the canopy and warehouse provided the functionality needed by Avon Freight’s operations team.
“We have found the loading bay invaluable for our side loading vehicles” explained Martin Bullimore, Head of Logistics at Avon Freight. “To operate most profitably means to fill the lorries to maximum capacity safely and that is done most effectively from the side access as we can load more efficiently. Being undercover is also a great bonus as it keeps both our stocks and people dry.”
Avon Freight had used Smart-Space’s services before this installation. “We came off-hire with our previous building, not knowing what the future held” said Martin. “We were able to organise these buildings easily and now we know how straightforward they are to relocate we will probably always have a use for them at one of our sites. They are portable and lightweight but still strong enough to feel substantial and fit for purpose. They’re on a temporary hire but we might change that to purchase at some point. It’s a relatively simple switch with Smart-Space.”
The directly employed Smart-Space team who installed the buildings were praised for their flexibility on site. “They were great” commented Martin. “They worked around us, our hours and the interruptions of deliveries. They were tidy and professional and very accommodating.”
