Seafood specialist looks to the future following MBO
SEAFOOD specialist 3G Food Service & Seafood Solutions is quickly forging ahead with plans to offer its clients a more flexible service following its management buyout (MBO).
The Hull-based group was acquired last month from parent company The Smales Group in an MBO led by 3G managing director Ben Smales.
As well as establishing its own national distribution centre in Hull the firm, which works with major brands such as La Tasca, Wagamama, Jamie’s Italian, Gondola and P&O Ferries, is introducing a state-of-the-art logistics planning and vehicle tracking system.
The move will see 3G reshape its delivery fleet to ensure the most efficient vehicles are used dependent on delivery size, capacity and mileage. Its customer service centre has also been relocated to the company’s headquarters and a new IT system installed to help respond more quickly to customer needs.
The efficiencies have already led to service level improvements and shorter lead times on the introduction of new products.
Mr Smales said: “Our strategy is to provide a market-leading, wholesale product sourcing and delivery service to our highly valued independent customers and to work with like-minded, food focused national operators who require a consolidated tailored supply chain but whose current centralised distribution does not provide sufficient flexibility or meet desired service levels.”
He continued: “The improvements we have made so far demonstrate our total commitment to providing a great service to all our customers, both group and independent, and we look forward to driving 3G Food Service & Seafood Solutions to further success and expansion in the future.”
3G Food Service has more than 30 years experience in the food service industry, and draws on a 70 year family heritage in the fish and seafood sector.
Since the business was established in 1972 it has continuously evolved and expanded and now works with some of the largest and best known restaurant chains in the UK in addition to a wide variety of independent customers.
Smales and 3G Food Service employ 307 people at 12 locations across the UK.
