In response to rapid and continued growth Southgate Packaging one of Europe’s leading packaging suppliers has increased its distribution centre space by 60 per cent.
Southgate uses specialist 3pl logistics provider, Europa Worldwide warehousing facility in Minworth (Birmingham). Southgate’s distribution hub has been based in the West Midlands since 2015, when Southgate relocated its whole distribution operations to a 180,000 sq ft (16,540 sq m) state-of-the-art facility.
The Minworth site is close to the M6 and M42 and is in the Golden Triangle for logistics, which provides access to over 90 per cent of the UK population within four hours’ drive.
Award-winning Europa Warehouse is the specialist division of pioneering logistics group, Europa Worldwide Group and has three dedicated warehouse facilities in Corby, Dartford and Minworth.
Southgate has reported significant growth over the past 12 months, nearly doubling turnover. Its customer base, ranges from over 600 distributors across Europe to a portfolio of large e-commerce clients to those specialising in warehousing and logistics.
To fulfil this grow in sales Southgate’s requirement has increased from 4,000 pallets to 8,000 dedicated pallet spaces plus further floor space for packing and fulfilment.
Europa implemented major changes to its warehouse operation to accommodate Southgate’s rapidly expanding business. Its warehouse, racking and transit areas were overhauled and restructured to provide Southgate with a dedicated, specialised space, tailored to fit its unique and specific requirements bespoke packaging and packing machinery.
Europa employs approx. 30 staff devoted to the Southgate work.
Southgate’s successful partnership with Europa facilitated a period of rapid growth for the company and has enabled Southgate to further to improve its customer service levels and despatch capabilities.
Craig Turner, Chief Executive of Southgate Packaging comments “Both the e-commerce boom and our investment in more sustainable packaging products have contributed to an increase in sales and by the end of this year we will have broken boundaries for growth within the sector.”
“This increase in sales has driven the need for such a massive increase in warehouse space. We already have such a successful partnership with Europa Warehouse, as well as the central location and their agile approach means expanding in Minworth provided the perfect solution for our continued growth.”
In the past year, Southgate has launched a variety of sustainable packaging products from carton sealing, paper mailers and void fill, with plans to have a suite of sustainable options for every product. More new products are in its development pipeline.
Southgate’s continued focus is to develop and promote the idea of a circular economy – inspiring businesses on an international scale to embrace a global solution to sustainability and eliminating waste. New product development is a major part of achieving this goal.
Europa Warehouse Director Maria Torrent-March commented: “We’re delighted to have been supporting Southgate since 2015 when the business relocated its whole distribution operations over to us. It’s important to work flexibly with our clients and adapt our facilities to meet their changing needs.”
