When: 08 January 2018, 18:00 - 20:30
Where: Reading Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, RG1 1QH
Meeting Point: Soane Space

Speaker:
Andy Felton, Head of Distribution, Waitrose
David Goad, General Manager Distribution Services, Waitrose

When it comes to the logistics of getting the finest Kentish wines to Leeds and Gressingham back to Weston-super-Mare, it’s never easy. Commercial, Retail and Distribution work together so that we’re as efficient as we can be. We think hard, plan carefully and then act swiftly so that our customers are bowled over at making the impossible possible.

The tastes and demands of our customers vary from branch to branch. But whatever our customers want, it’s our job to get it to them by making sure we have the right stock, in the right place, at the right time. With food this becomes even more of a logistical challenge, as we pride ourselves in making sure the quality and freshness of our food is uncompromised… no matter where. And that’s what distribution is all about.

There are three Waitrose Regional Distribution Centres (RDCs) in Bracknell, Aylesford and Leyland. All three sites operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You’ll also find a Transport department and a Vehicle Workshop at these three locations too. Bracknell RDC in Berkshire has three warehouses: Ambient (for storage of long-life products), Fruit & Vegetables and Chilled.

• Ambient (for storage of long-life products), Fruit & Vegetables and Chilled. Leyland RDC, which opened in 2013 is 420,000 square feet and is located just off the M6 in Lancashire.
• Aylesford RDC operates on over 40 acres of land just off the M20 in Kent. The site comprises three warehouses.
  
• Located at Magna Park, a flagship logistics and distribution park in Milton Keynes, and covering a site of 45 acres, the 940,000 sq ft. building, which is the size of 12 football pitches, is one of the largest distribution centres ever constructed in the UK. The centre handles the distribution of around 25,000 nationally available grocery and home department lines that can be found in Waitrose branches and on Waitrose.com. 

 Warehouse roles include:

• Warehouse Assistants who receive and store products, pick individual branch orders and then load the goods onto a trailer ready for distribution to Waitrose branches.
• A Transport team that meets complex branch delivery schedules. Stock Controllers who liaise with buyers and place orders with suppliers so that warehouses are sufficiently stocked.
• Planners think how to develop the distribution operation, as new branches open or special projects happen.
• Engineers maintain and repair mechanical equipment, including refrigeration equipment.
• Managers who are responsible for specific areas within warehouse operation, logistics and support.

      


Refreshments and a light buffet will be provided.

Book online now or contact Membership Services, Tel: 01536 740104 or email: membership@ciltuk.org.uk quoting the event code: TVG0355.

Can't attend this event?  Why not visit Waitrose distribution Centre in February? Book here TVG0357

Cost: Member: Free; Non-Member: Free