Warehouse - United Kingdom Warehousing Association

20 Foodex 2012What’s on the menu atFoodex?One of the keyattractions atthis year’sFoodex, will bethe UKWAPavilion whichwill showcasethe productsand servicesoffered byUKWA membersand associatemembersFoodex, the UK show for processing,packaging and logistics, takes place atBirmingham’s NEC from 25 to 27March 2012. Now with a dedicated sectionon logistics, the event will have increasedappeal for senior buyers with wide rangingremits, making it the must-attend event of theyear for the industry.This year’s show will address the increasinglywide-ranging purchasing remits ofthousands of buyers from across the industrywith suppliers on hand to offer advice onimproving efficiency and cutting costs in thesupply chain.One of the key attractions at the eventwill be the UKWA Pavilion which will showcasethe products and services offered byUKWA members and associate members.Located prominantly within the exhibitionhall, the Pavilion will be centered around ahospitality area where visitors to the showcan learn more about the workings of theUKWA and the benefits of joining the association.The facility will also be somewherewhere visitors can discuss their logistics ormaterials handling needs with UKWA Pavilionexhibitors away from the noise and bustle ofthe exhibition.Companies exhibiting as part of theUKWA Pavilion include: Widdowson, FlexiNarrow Aisle, AIDC Solutions, MalcolmLogistics, Onward Holdings and CentralSystems .UKWA chief executive officer, RogerWiliams. comments: “Typically, 3PLs specialisein integrated warehousing and transportationservices that can be scaled andcustomised to a customer’s needs. The kindof service offered will be based on a clientcompany’s own unique market conditionsand the demands and delivery servicerequirements for the goods that companyproduces and sells.“In today’s price sensitive market, theneed to drive cost out of the supply chain isoften cited as a major reason for using thirdparty logistics service providers. However,perhaps a better reason for engaging outsideexperts is the in-depth knowledge, flexibilityand added value that a specialist contractorcan provide. In short, as well as helpingcompanies to achieve significant costsavings, a good 3PL will enable a business toenjoy shorter order cycles, better customerservice and improved all-round business efficiency.“There is no question that an effectivelymanaged supply chain can positively influencebusiness performance and, if companiesare going to succeed in an increasinglycompetitive and unpredictable environment,every link in the chain must operate at optimumefficiency. That’s why any company thatfinds its fixed logistics costs are having anegative impact on its balance sheet simplyhas to consider outsourcing to a 3PL.“Members of UKWA undertake an exceptionalrange of warehousing and addedvalue services but, regardless of the areas inwhich they specialise, the Association’s membersall share a determination to drive upprofessional standards in the warehousingsector. The UKWA Pavilion at FoodEx is anexcellent opportunity to find out more aboutthe range of services they can offer.”Here’s a snapshot of the exhibitors whowill be showcasing their latest products andservices within logistics@foodex:• Norbert Dentressangle (stand H319)will be on hand to talk about their latestrobust, responsive and highly cost-effectivesolutions. With a comprehensive network ofmulti-temperature facilities, they can offerdedicated and shared-user solutions forlarge and small manufacturers, wholesalers,retailers and food-service companies.February 2012www.ukwa.org.uk