Torque wins European distribution deal with Orlebar Brown

YORKSHIRE-BASED logistics business Torque has been appointed by upmarket men’s designer swim and resort wear retailer Orlebar Brown.

Torque now manages all of the firm’s European stock, overseeing deliveries from the retailer’s suppliers and shipment into its own 550,000 sq ft distribution centre at its head office site in Wortley, Leeds.

The logistics specialist also picks, packs and despatches all sales orders to Orlebar Brown’s wholesale and retail customers.

In addition, Torque picks replenishment orders for the client’s e-commerce site and sends these, with the retailer’s packaging, which it holds, to Orlebar Brown, for packing and despatch. Torque can also provide personalised embroidery of garments requested via web orders.

Lindsey Cotter, operations director, Orlebar Brown, said: “Factors such as the scalability of Torque’s stock holding mean they’re able to satisfy all our current needs, from a warehousing and fulfilment centre perspective, including being able to handle the seasonal nature of our business. We’re very confident they’ll be able to cater for our future requirements too.”

London-based Orlebar Brown currently has three stores of its own in the capital and plans to open another in Canary Wharf later this year. In addition, more than 250 independent retailers sell its swimming trunks and other summer clothing globally. Torque’s service includes providing customised tagging of the client’s garments for stockists such as luxury London department store Harrods. 

Vanessa Hope, head of sales and marketing, Torque, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Orlebar Brown and look forward to growing with the brand during its continued development as a multi-channel business.”     

Torque’s headquarters and other Yorkshire sites, in Bradford’s Cutler Heights Lane and Holme Lane, total almost 1,000,000 sq ft and employ nearly 500 people.

An independent company with a turnover of £60m, Torque employs over 700 people across sites in Leeds, Bradford, Wigan and London.

Other Torque clients include British women’s active wear brand Sweaty Betty; leading hair piece specialist Daxbourne International; shirt and clothing retailer TM Lewin; outdoor clothing and equipment retailer Mountain Warehouse; golf clothing specialist PING Collection Europe; and fashion retailer Crew Clothing.