Supply chain and logistics leader Imperial Logistics has clinched a significant two-year contract with global frozen foods specialist McCain to transport about 190 000 t/y of frozen vegetables.

Imperial Cold Logistics is the lead logistics provider on the contract, acting as McCain’s single point of contact for the Imperial Logistics group.

Imperial explained in a statement on Wednesday that the scope of the contract included national and cross-border transport and distribution services, cold storage, bulk storage, merchandising and the complete optimisation of McCain’s transport services.

Imperial chief business development officer Cobus Rossouw noted that rather than just seeking a service provider, McCain was looking for a partner that it could work with to optimise the performance of its supply chain and reduce costs.

Imperial’s solution encompasses complete outbound supply chain services customised for McCain, said Rossouw, explaining that Imperial took the time to learn about McCain’s challenges and developed recommendations and solutions to meet the organisation’s logistics needs.

“The size of the Imperial Logistics group, its specialised operations and geographic footprint translate into substantial benefits of scale and synergy for McCain. We have been able to offer the company competitive rates and a complete, managed solution,” he added.

Imperial was improving the efficiency of McCain’s transport routes and providing detailed visibility into deliveries through group company Resolve Solutions. As a result, maximum use could be derived from assets and lead times had been reduced, boosting McCain’s competiveness and delivering significant cost savings.

Meanwhile, the Imperial Logistics group had made substantial investments in infrastructure to deliver a comprehensive, unmatched solution to McCain, including a new “state-of-the-art” warehousing facility that would be operational in July.

“We believe that this will allow Imperial Cold Logistics to offer new and existing principals a range of solutions, including fine picking, bulk storage and x-docking in a multitemperature facility,” explained Rossouw, adding that to meet McCain’s needs the company had also invested in new vehicles, including 31 2654 Mercedes Benz trucks with 30 Pal Serco trailers and SLX 400 Thermo King fridges.

McCain commended the seamless move of over 48 truckloads of frozen products from ten locations countrywide from the Vector network to Imperial Cold Logistics’ facilities, with McCain South Africa supply chain director Karl Thorington stating that what could have been a logistical nightmare was a flawless transition from one network to another.

Rossouw noted that the move represented the culmination of months of planning. “Activities had been planned well in advance by both teams and nothing was left to chance. Events were coordinated from a control centre established at the McCain head office, in Bedfordview, and any issues arising were dealt with speedily and effectively by a cross-functional project team, representing the collaborative efforts of McCain and Imperial.

“Within three days, all inventory had been transferred and accounted for, and orders were being processed by Imperial on behalf of McCain,” he outlined.

McCain South Africa MD Rob Stevens said: “Belief in one’s business partners is essential to delivering mutually beneficial and sustainable financial results and we are proud of what we have achieved in collaboration with Imperial.”