Virginia Hayward Logistics

Virginia Hayward Logistics was launched by Virginia Hayward to offer a comprehensive warehousing and logistics service for local businesses seeking outstanding 3PL supply chain support. It was a natural progression for the company, having developed a reputation for logistics excellence over 40 years through delivering luxury hampers and homewares. Based in the heart of the countryside on the Dorset/Somerset border, Virginia Hayward Logistics operates from the Group’s modern warehousing complex, staffed by a team of 115 permanent staff, which expands to nearly 415 during peak periods. As a global specialist in luxury hampers, Virginia Hayward’s business is understandably seasonal, with peak demand experienced during the Christmas period. As a result of this seasonality, warehouses could ordinarily stand less utilised for extended periods of the year during the months of lower activity.

To capitalise on demand for high quality 3PL services and cost-efficient warehousing in the area, the company launched Virginia Hayward Logistics, to offer tailored storage and fulfilment solutions across 400,000 square feet of secure, BRC accredited warehousing, available on highly flexible terms. Services available include high specification racking to ensure efficient space utilisation for heavy pallets and two large, refrigerated areas of approx. 2,000 square feet, for the storage of fresh food.

3PL WMS solution

“Having a Warehouse Management System helped us to differentiate our offerings and open the door to attracting much higher profile customers who will only sign up if you’ve got a WMS. Indigo gives us accurate data for reporting and the ability to offer a suite of business KPIs, which is a very powerful value add. Now, thanks to our investment in Indigo WMS, we have developed a reputation for ourselves as 3PL dairy specialists, which is a good niche market.”

Nigel Bradbury, Head of Logistics at Virginia Hayward Logistics

Clear efficiency gains

Virginia Hayward Logistics identified that in order to compete effectively with other 3PL providers and attract big brand customers, it needed to invest in a warehouse technology infrastructure to enable real-time data visibility and remove inefficiencies in its warehouse operations due to its reliance on predominantly manual systems.

Indigo WMS replaced all manual processes with digital ones, utilising handheld devices and advanced scanners to streamline workflows and track stock from the moment it arrived in the warehouse. It improved the accuracy of inventory management, reduced paperwork, improved picking times and enhanced the overall efficiency of warehouse operations. The investment in Indigo WMS has delivered significant business improvements and measurable financial returns for Virginia Hayward Logistics including: doubled operational performance, resourcing cost savings, clear efficiency gains, greater customer satisfaction and improved employee job satisfaction.