Culina SHS launches new logistics solution in Ireland

From January 2010, food and drink manufacturers can take advantage of a new supply chain solution across Ireland that has been launched in a joint venture between the Culina Group and the SHS Group.

Operating under the Culina SHS Ireland name, the company is set to open a new state-of-the-art ambient and chilled warehouse on Aerodrome Business Park, south of Dublin, which will provide food, drink and grocery manufacturers in Britain with a seamless supply chain solution covering the whole of Ireland.

According to Thomas van Mourik, the CEO of the Culina Group, which is behind multi temperature supply chain specialist Culina Logistics, Ireland presents a unique distribution challenge.

“Manufacturers have long seen the potential in Ireland, but many have lacked the operational platform to take full advantage of the available opportunities,” says van Mourik.

“With the new operation we can effectively integrate Ireland into a one-stop supply chain solution, with all the strategic, tactical, commercial and operational benefits that such a move brings.”

Culina SHS will employ the same sophisticated warehouse management system (WMS) as featured throughout Culina’s UK operations, which ensure automatic stock replenishment and complete visibility of order status throughout the supply chain. (For details, click here to visit the website.)

Once the new 160,000 sq ft (14,850 sq m) facility is completed, Culina SHS will have the added advantage of offering a dynamic solution that draws on the vast skills, experiences and resources of both SHS and Culina Logistics.

Michael Howard, managing director, SHS Group, said: “This new joint venture with Culina underlines our commitment to best in class FMCG services in Ireland, and ensures we are well placed for future growth.

‘The new facility is a huge boost for our Ireland business, paving the way for increased capability for our existing customers and ensuring our sales and marketing proposition is attractive to new brand owners as well.”

Businesses in Ireland can also use the platform to distribute products into Britain and there are plans to extend services to and from Europe in the future.