In the weeks leading up to Easter 2007, Innovate Logistics will despatch 1.9 million packs of hot cross buns, 63 million Easter eggs (as well as boxed chocolates to both
UK and overseas markets) and 936,000 packs of Easter cakes to supermarket giants and all major retailers. Coping with seasonal demands and moving quantities of this magnitude within a short space of time requires precision and coordination – attributes Innovate Logistics has worked hard to achieve. With warehouse management systems delivering 99.8 per cent picking accuracy and in excess of 99.5 per cent delivery performance, Innovate Logistics has become the leading temperature controlled logistics provider in the
UK. Today’s fast moving consumer environment presents huge challenges for manufacturers and retailers keeping shelves stocked. It is up to the logistics providers to pull out all the stops and ensure products get to market within the agreed timescales and in prime condition.

Pete Osborne, Managing Director of Innovate Logistics, explained: “Working at this level demands an in-depth understanding of supply chain mechanics and how to maximise the key levers which account for volumes, timings, delivery locations, routing schedules and manufacturers’ capabilities and limitations – this is where we excel".  “Our locations give us a tremendous competitive advantage, enabling us to deliver ‘just in time’. Having a network of regional distribution centres strategically positioned within striking distance of both the manufacturer and the retailer is key. It enables us to run full vehicles the shortest distance and achieve faster delivery time, reduced fuel consumption and greater flexibility – critical factors in the chilled food sector.” Forklifts are also an essential cog in the distribution machine, and Innovate Logistics has worked closely with Impact Toyota to develop a streamlined and efficient picking process. Gary Hawkhead, Head of Northern Region Sales at Impact Toyota, one of the UK’s biggest
Toyota forklift distributors, explains how electric counterbalanced trucks help to get products on shelves on time for the Easter rush.  Operating on a 24-hour basis has long been a necessity for the logistics industry, but in the past we could only expect gas or diesel counterbalanced trucks to perform 24 hour operations effectively. In a food environment, however, electric equipment is a more desirable option and this is now possible, thanks to the innovation behind
Toyota’s electric trucks and the evolution of battery transfer systems. The full range of Toyota electric counterbalanced, reach, pallet and picking trucks can run continuous shifts, and the sideways exit battery transfer system makes for simple but fast change-over.

"At Impact Toyota we always prefer to do a full site survey and encourage customers to take our trucks on trial. Assessing how and what the trucks are used for allows us to put together the most suitable package. Working together in this manner ensures that downtime is minimised and productivity is optimised."

Innovate specialises in developing client specific logistics solutions for confectionery storage, chilled and frozen order picking and distribution of convenience meals, meat, fish and fresh produce. It has logistics centres in Birmingham, Chesterfield, Newark, Scunthorpe, Westbury, Worksop, Bristol and Nottingham, the home of the corporate headquarters, and transport bases in Leeds, Coupar Angus, Eye,
Aberdeen, Merthyr Tydfill and the Ardo premises in Ashford.

Media contact:
Andy Parker or
Lindsay Jones at Spa Public Relations on 01242 245789 or andy@spapublicrelations.com

Editor’s Notes:

About Innovate: www.innovatelogistics.com

Innovate Holdings comprises business operations across transport and logistics (Innovate Logistics) and commercial property development, leasing and office services (Innovate Office). Innovate employs in excess of 1,000 people across its business.

About Impact
Toyota: www.impact-toyota.com

Since 1985 Impact Toyota has been providing world class equipment and trusted service from its network of major branches in Corby, Doncaster, Hull,
Immingham, Ipswich and Nottingham, its headquarters.  Impact’s business proposition ranges from innovative funding solutions to advice on what equipment you need for your business including sales and service of the full range of Toyota new, used and leased forklift equipment.