28 October, 2025

B&Q Seasonal Logistics Boosted by New Hub

Posted on 28 October, 202510 November, 2025 by David Priestman

In May 2025, AR Racking, completed the installation of its AR PAL racking system to help increase seasonal storage capacity at B&Q’s Blyth Distribution Centre (DC). The project added new storage locations to the existing facility to increase capacity and improve seasonal logistics performance.

B&Q sought a solution that combined high density with full product selectivity to handle fast-moving seasonal ranges. The company chose AR PAL, which offers rapid accessibility and can be tailored to CHEP UK pallets (1,200 × 1,000 mm) as well as the bulkier loads introduced in the second phase.

Over the build period, Key Account Manager Mike Smyth and the AR Racking team worked hand-in-hand with lighting and fire-protection engineers, aligning construction schedules and minimising disruption.

Mike Smyth added,

“We adapted each task during the build to the required overall programme and clear, daily communication was key.”

The new racking installation expands the existing storage capacity at the DC and drives efficiencies by streamlining order preparation for peak seasons, cutting internal travel and loading times. Its phased design also keeps the facility fully operational during future expansions or layout changes.

“We entrusted the first phase to AR Racking because of their ability and willingness to work with every project partner… In the second phase, completed early in 2025, AR refined the design and delivered the solution on schedule, which has supported us in fulfilling orders even more smoothly and efficiently.”

says Jeff Tearall, Property Portfolio & Specifications Manager at B&Q.

The Blyth DC project demonstrates AR Racking’s strength in providing scalable, safe solutions aligned with the demands of omnichannel distribution. Backed by its own industrial base and a global footprint, AR Racking continues to grow its portfolio of projects that blend advanced engineering with close customer collaboration.

PepsiCo Polska Launches Smart Warehouse

Posted on 28 October, 202528 October, 2025 by David Priestman

In the third quarter of 2026 PepsiCo plans to open a new automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) in Grodzisk Mazowiecki (Poland) with Mecalux technology. Connected to the production area, the solution will accommodate potato crisps and other snacks. It was designed to increase PepsiCo’s logistics capacity and optimise workflows without expanding the existing building.

The project involves implementing a comprehensive solution. It features six stacker cranes serving racking equipped with an automated pallet shuttle. A floor-mounted electric monorail system and automatic conveyors will link the warehouse with the production lines, enabling a continuous, round-the-clock pallet inflow.

AS/RS operations will be overseen intelligently by Mecalux’s Easy WMS warehouse management system, which will be integrated with PepsiCo’s SAP eWM software. This two-way connection will precisely coordinate all logistics processes, from goods receipt to outbound shipments.

“With this logistics automation project, production, the warehouse and dispatch will be automatically connected,” says Bartomiej Lesiuk, Warehouse Automation Design Manager at PepsiCo. “We’ve opted for a modular design that gives us the flexibility to adapt as our needs evolve.”

This new AS/RS will be the third warehouse project Mecalux has delivered for PepsiCo Polska. In addition to its link with production and 24-hour operation, the Grodzisk Mazowiecki facility features several key tech innovations. The stacker cranes are equipped with an energy recovery system, saving between 15% and 20% in energy consumption with every movement. They also incorporate an AI-powered computer vision system instead of traditional photocells, ensuring safe, accurate pallet positioning.

“With this new investment, we expect to optimise operations, expand warehouse capacity and lower logistics costs,” says Lesiuk. “Automation will also allow us to make direct deliveries, avoiding double handling and unnecessary transport. On top of that, we estimate an annual reduction of 200 tonnes in greenhouse gas emissions.”

PepsiCo is one of the world’s largest snack food and beverage companies. Its extensive product range includes iconic brands such as Pepsi, Mirinda, Lay’s and Doritos. The multinational is known for driving innovation in both production and logistics processes, and for adopting advanced technologies across its production plants and warehouses. PepsiCo has also demonstrated a growing commitment to sustainability, investing in practices that minimise the environmental impact of its operations and foster a responsible supply chain

New eBook Highlights Urgent Need to Invest in Drivers

Posted on 28 October, 202528 October, 2025 by Will Priestman

We’ve published a new eBook in collaboration with Girteka that explores one of the most pressing challenges now shaping the future of European road freight: the rapidly worsening driver shortage. The sector is currently short of more than 426,000 professional drivers across Europe, with projections indicating that number could rise to 745,000 by 2028 if no structural changes are made.

The eBook examines how this shortage is already influencing operational stability, service performance, cost structures, and long-term capacity planning. It also sets out the steps logistics companies can take to strengthen recruitment pipelines, improve retention, and support driver well-being — all of which are becoming decisive factors in maintaining reliable transport networks.

Drawing on Girteka’s own experience as one of Europe’s largest asset-based FTL operators, the publication looks at how investment in people, training, and fleet modernisation can help create a more resilient road freight market. The eBook also calls for closer collaboration between industry leaders and policymakers to improve working conditions, simplify driver mobility rules, and ensure that logistics remains a viable and attractive long-term profession.

Download the full eBook to explore the findings in depth.
Girteka eBook

Driver-led Safety Culture Cuts Fleet Insurance

Posted on 28 October, 202528 October, 2025 by David Priestman

Delifresh, a British food distribution company, has cut its average insurance claim cost per vehicle by 61% over three years after adopting Samsara’s Connected Operations® Platform. By fostering a driver-led safety culture powered by real-time data and AI-enabled Dash Cams, Delifresh has reduced incidents, streamlined reporting, and improved overall fleet efficiency.

Facing the pressures of rapid expansion, Delifresh adopted Samsara’s platform to safeguard its workforce of 150 drivers and improve operational workflows. Using AI-powered Dash Cams and proactive coaching, the company has gained clear visibility into risks such as fatigue and distraction, while empowering drivers to take ownership of safety, and equipping managers with the insights to make faster, data-driven decisions.

Since implementing Samsara, Delifresh has delivered significant operational improvements:
• 71% cut in accident insurance reporting times
• 54% reduction in unnecessary redelivery miles
• 41% drop in road incidents, even while overall mileage doubled
• Reduced distracted driving by 35%, boosting safety across the fleet

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Andrew Sharp, Transport Shift Manager at Delifresh, said, “We work in a fast-moving sector so operational efficiency is key. My top priorities are keeping our drivers safe, ensuring our fleet is well maintained, meeting all regulatory requirements, and continuously improving our operations to provide the best possible service to our customers.”

By strengthening its safety-first culture, Delifresh has transformed the way its fleet operates. The company now plans to expand Samsara’s use into warehouse operations, as well as food, technical, and compliance support teams.

Seth Stanfield, UK Director, at Samsara, added, “Delifresh is a leading example of how data-driven safety programmes can transform a business and its fleet operation. By empowering drivers and managers alike, fleet-based businesses can reduce risk, improve efficiency, and build a resilient safety culture that engages their workforce. Delifresh’s results show what’s possible when operations teams embrace technology to drive meaningful change.”

Curtainsider Trailers Added to Fleet

Posted on 28 October, 202528 October, 2025 by David Priestman

Tiger customers since 2018, when they ordered a three-quarter-length fixed double deck and two single deck curtainsiders, Onpoint Logistics have continued procuring their articulated fleet from the Cheshire-based manufacturer and have in October 2025 taken delivery of 26 additional curtainsiders – their largest order to date.

Split into 14 trailers of 4.2m in height and 12 with a height of 4.74m and a side aperture of 3.1m, the 26 new Tiger curtainsiders to join Onpoint Logistics’ operations take the manufacturer’s total fleet supply to 58 assets, including a number of specialist flatbed trailers, and a proportion of curtainsiders fitted with tuckaway tail-lifts or Moffett fork-lift truck mounts respectively.

The 26 new curtainsiders feature fully-welded and KTL-coated chassis and will be maintained by Tiger as part of a 5-year package, complete with an additional anti-corrosion warranty, giving the customer additional peace of mind.

Anthony Delaney, Onpoint’s Sales & Marketing Director, remarks: “We are very pleased, as always, with these latest trailers built by Tiger. It’s a big moment for us to expand our fleet in such a significant way, as we work with an increasing number of customers, so we’re grateful to Tiger for producing these trailers to a high standard and in good time for us.”

The curtainsided trailers, all 26 of which are tri-axle variants, are fitted with tracking and electronic brake performance monitoring systems from Axscend, incorporate galvanised front and rear frames for added durability, and will be put to use on Onpoint’s contract with Palletforce as a multi-award winning partner of the distribution network.

Thomas Stott, Tiger Trailers’ Key Account Manager, says: “It’s been an incredible journey supporting Onpoint for all these years and we’re delighted to have supplied the largest trailer order in their history to date. Onpoint are an exciting company and our team are looking forward to caring for these trailers for the next 5 years and more. Thanks as always to Anthony and the team for their ongoing belief in Tiger’s products and services.”

While Tiger Trailers, established in 2014, is known for its innovation and diversification – such as through its expansive refrigerated range of temperature-controlled rigid bodywork and trailers upto moving double decks – it continues to manufacture a large number of curtainsided trailers, often seen as the stalwarts of road transport.

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