Laboratory equipment supplier opens distribution centre in Nottingham
A laboratory equipment supplier has kick-started its next growth phase as it opens a new distribution centre on the outskirts of Nottingham.
Scientific Laboratory Supplies (SLS) has opened a new national distribution centre (NDC) at Clowes Developments’ Fairham Business Park.
The NDC has a 40,000 m3 floor area, which is more than two-and-and-half times the size of its previous Wilford facility just three miles away, meaning SLS will have an even greater capacity to meet its service requirements and further improve its customer service practices.
The NDC enables the company to service 2,500 orders per day, three times more than previously possible.
Bruce Mowbray, operations director at SLS, said: “Our Wilford facility has served us well, but we’ve outgrown that space, both in number and ambition. This move facilitates big increases in storage and processing space for the 600,000 products in our portfolio, with integrated, automated warehouse management systems and state-of-the-art conveyor belt logistics systems.
“This means quicker deliveries for our customers, speeding up the rate that the UK’s laboratories can perform the cutting-edge research and elite production they’re known for. Our input into the design of the Fairham facility has allowed SLS to put multiple aspects of our core company ethos into practice. To foster creativity amongst our teams we have ensured that our office spaces are full of discussion pods and collaboration areas,” said Ian Roulstone, managing director at SLS.
“SLS prioritises sustainability in all our practices, so the NDC has been built to achieve an ‘Excellent’ BREAMM rating. It has photovoltaic solar panels that can produce up to 300MWh of energy per year. Eco-friendly staff transport is built-in too, with 12 EV charging points, a bike shelter and a tram stop with links into Nottingham just a couple of minutes away,”
