Williams Shipping Expands in Scotland with Acquisition and New Site

Southampton-based logistics and maritime services specialist Williams Shipping has strengthened its presence in Scotland with the acquisition of GIF Transport and Logistics and the purchase of land in Dyce, Aberdeen, earmarked for further expansion. The move builds on an already strong working relationship between the two companies, with GIF set to continue trading under its existing brand and management to ensure uninterrupted service for customers.

Williams Shipping Logistics Managing Director Jonathan Williams said the partnership was founded on shared values and a mutual commitment to delivering first-class service. GIF director Brian Pirie echoed the sentiment, noting that the collaboration would allow both companies to build on their strong reputations and offer greater value to customers across the UK logistics market.

The Dyce site will become GIF’s new headquarters and will also house Williams Marine Lubricants and the company’s specialist container division, Willbox. The location is set to play a key role in the group’s operations in the north, with phased development already under way and full operations expected to commence later this year.

For the UK logistics sector, this acquisition and expansion represent a significant strengthening of Williams Shipping’s network. By integrating transport, marine lubricants and container solutions under one hub, the company is set to enhance efficiency, improve customer service, and increase its agility in serving both regional and national markets.

Toolstation Selects Software to Revamp Inventory Management

Toolstation, one of the UK’s largest suppliers of tools, accessories and building supplies, is revamping its inventory management. With over 25,000 products available online and in over 590 stores nationwide, Toolstation has partnered with Slimstock, a knowledge partner and provider of the supply chain planning platform Slim4, to boost product depth across its multi-channel retail operation.

Laying the foundations for operational excellence

As a strategic brand within the Travis Perkins Group, Toolstation continues to invest in its supply chain, building upon its service standards. The latest partnership with Slimstock will lay the foundation for a more efficient and connected supply chain planning operation.

Jonathan Rendall, Head of Supply Chain at Toolstation, states: “With great service, top trade brands, and nationwide convenience, our customers can count on us to get the job done. But to ensure fast, reliable service in-store and online as our operation scales, we need an integrated and scalable supply chain framework.”

The right tools for the job

Toolstation will adopt Slimstock’s advanced supply chain planning platform, Slim4, to address challenges around forecasting, inventory management and replenishment. As part of the transformation project, Slimstock will also support Toolstation in empowering the planning team through upskilling and enabling improved cross-functional collaboration.

By streamlining processes, improving visibility and automating planning workflows, Slimstock will underpin Toolstation’s goals to:

• Improve product availability and deliver a seamless customer experience across every channel
• Improve operational efficiency to accelerate business growth
• Navigate increasing operational complexity, unlocking greater value for customers

“This initiative marks a real commitment to ensuring we satisfy every customer, every time. Slimstock will play a pivotal role in unifying our operation, driving efficiency as we better position the business to meet its promise to thousands of customers across the UK,” adds Rendall.

Following an extensive review of the market, Toolstation selected Slimstock to support its ambitious supply chain transformation. Slimstock’s industry experience and robust implementation process were decisive factors.

Rendall concludes: “We needed a partner who could offer not only a proven technology solution but also work with us to create more effective processes. The strong chemistry between the Toolstation and Slimstock teams throughout the selection process assured us that Slimstock is the right partner to deliver value to our customers.”

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https://www.logisticsbusiness.com/it-in-logistics/toolstation-tackles-omnichannel-challenges-k%d3%a7rber/

 

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