Sept/Oct 2003

Following the completion by retailer IKEA this summer of a new £31 million distribution centre at Peterborough, the company is using Hammond Logistics to handle an expanded home delivery operation from the site.

IKEA aims to drive more product through the home delivery channel as some stores are near to saturation point.

Hammond collects purchases from stores, transfers them to the distribution centre, then arranges delivery at a time to suit the customer, using its own dedicated vehicles and two-man crews. Previously IKEA divided this work between two contractors on an across-the-board basis, but a rethink prompted it to divide home delivery operations by region.

Past contractors involved in IKEA's distribution activities include Exel and Hays, both of whom continue to work for the company in various capacities.