General Motors Renews Plum Logistics Contract

19th January 2016

Logistics BusinessGeneral Motors Renews Plum Logistics Contract

General Motors UK Ltd has extended its long-term relationship with XPO Logistics in a three-year contract renewal for the distribution of its Vauxhall automotive aftermarket parts in the UK, including its SHARPNet web portal. The two companies’ collaboration spans more than 15 years.

Due to the continued success of its Night Distribution service – XPO Logistics makes ‘out of hours’ deliveries to a network of 330 Vauxhall retail outlets across the UK on a daily basis – Vauxhall’s parent endorsed the new supply chain agreement.

The contract involves the collection and trunking of orders from Vauxhall’s National Parts Distribution Centre in Chalton, near Luton (Beds) for direct distribution to retailers via XPO Logistics’ established multi-user network. The operation ensures essential parts ordered by retailers prior to 4pm are delivered before 8am the next morning.


“XPO Logistics has continued to deliver consistently high levels of service and provides a flexible service that allows us to offer our dealer network a highly effective just-in-time parts distribution solution,” said Peter Durham, Warehouse Operations Manager at Vauxhall Motors.


“This is underpinned by a range of added value services and secure access to an integrated IT system that provides the Vauxhall team with vital order delivery status information day or night. With on-going good relationships with XPO Logistics and a proven reliable service, we are delighted to renew our contract.”

In support of the contract extension, XPO Logistics has invested in the installation of deck-loading scissor lifts at the Chalton distribution hub. This enables the increased use of double-deck trailers to improve delivery efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions.

Added value services include returns sortation and waste management. Using XPO Logistics’ SHARPNet dedicated web portal, Vauxhall retailers can access real time information. The technology also enables dealers to efficiently enter returns via an easy to manage fully traceable system.