boxes.jpgWhen a business decides to outsource the logistics function of its operation, it is vital that it finds a supplier who not only has the necessary expertise in its market sector, but with whom it can build an effective, proactive business partnership. PDS International, based in the North West England, is an independent, family run third party logistics supplier (3PLs) which has built a reputation for being able to forge just this type of partnership. Since 1995, it has developed an extremely successful relationship with Conair, a world leader in hair care and grooming products.

While most of Conair’s global operations have their own in house logistics services, in the UK they rely on PDS International to carry out this function. It is a partnership which both companies say goes far beyond the normal supplier client relationship. And with a challenging accuracy target of 99.85 per cent set by Conair, PDS know that it needs to deliver on its service promises.

Its ability to not only meet, but also surpass, this demanding target has helped it to develop a unique relationship with the company over the past 13 years. In fact, the Lancashire-based operation, which was set up by John McClelland, maintained the accuracy and service level during its move to new premises three years ago – a transition period of 14 weeks.

Although completely separate companies, they work so closely and effectively together that PDS is regarded by Conair as an integral part of its business family – and is looked on as a crucial component of its operation.

A diverse range of Conair’s goods including hair dryers, curling irons, straighteners, hair setters, hair trimmers and other personal and home care products passes through the company’s hands on the way to all the leading retailers in the UK.

PDS has a weekly “ship to” list which includes Argos, Boots, Makro, Costco, Dixons, Woolworths, Superdrug, Boots, Amazon, Matalan, John Lewis, TK Maxx, Tesco, Asda, Sainsburys and Morrisons, amongst others. The company also delivers to smaller local independent retailers and electrical outlets such as Comet, Currys, Dixons and B&Q.

Tony Mann, the UK operations director of Conair has praised PDS for always being willing to go the extra mile to help resolve issues quickly and professionally. He confirms that the idea of a partnership between the two companies is the key to their ongoing success and Conair’s satisfaction with the service it receives.

He quoted one example which sums up the PDS approach. Half a million packs of hair clips were found to have been delivered to PDS with the incorrect barcodes. PDS got its team together and promptly opened each of the 500,000 individual cartons, added the correct barcode, resealed and distributed the order with no disruption to Conair’s customers.

It is this approach to resolving issues quickly and efficiently that Tony Mann appreciates and one that adds real value to the service PDS provides his company.

As well as warehousing, returns, order processing, personalization and distribution, PDS International also offers a range of value added services including reworks, customer service, fulfilment and invoicing. The company provides bespoke solutions backed up with exceptional levels of service.

PDS International’s founder John McClelland says: “We believe PDS has become an integral part of Conair’s operation because of our “can do” approach as well as our ability to deliver the goods accurately and on time. We understand the need to form effective and proactive partnerships with our clients, to the extent that we are, in essence operating as another arm of their businesses. Our aim is to provide a service that enables our clients to focus on their sales and marketing activities while we deal with all other administration.

He adds: “To do this successfully we must have absolute commitment to each customer and be dedicated to their business success. We constantly look at ways to improve what we do for the benefit of our customers. We believe this approach comes across in our dealings with all our clients and is a key factor in our success.”

PDS International’s expertise in the UK market, its ability to innovate as well as do the simple things well, has not only established the company as a leading player in the logistics field, it has helped it establish a reputation for being able to deliver in a competitive market place.

PDS International Ltd
David Mcclelland
Commercial Director
Tel: 08709 505981 – Option 1
Email: david.mcclelland@pdsinternational.co.uk
www.pdsinternational.co.uk

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