Clipper Logistics has been revealed as the unnamed 3PL  that will provided fully-outsourced logistics services to retailer Joules.

Joules said on that it had chosen a then unnamed 3PL to operate its UK logistics operations after a Christmas that saw stock availability issues hit e-commerce conversions.

That 3PL, now revealed as Clipper Logistics, will also be responsible for helping to transfer the company’s US distribution centre to a new partner.

Following a staff consultation period, the five-year contract is planned to commence in “early 2020” at sites employing approximately 200 people.

Marc Dench, CFO at Joules Group, said: “We are delighted to be entering this long-term partnership with Clipper for the operation of our distribution centre in Corby.  Through the process we have been impressed with Clipper’s capabilities and their cultural alignment with our business.”

Clipper said that there would be a “multi-million pound investment programme” into the operation during 2020 and 2021 to expand capacity, drive efficiency and modernise the facilities.

The operation will handle inbound deliveries from several UK based and international suppliers, seven days a week, and orders for the retail, e-commerce, and wholesale customers of the Joules brand.

Steve Parkin, executive chairman of Clipper, said: “The new contract with Joules represents a significant contract win and is demonstrative of our ability to deliver cost-effective solutions for retailers of any scale.”