EV Cargo’s Jigsaw has won its largest-ever contract after securing a significant multi-year transport and distribution agreement with Refresco – the world’s largest independent beverage bottler.
Jigsaw, a national leader in managed transport solutions, beat off competition from larger multinationals to secure the contract, which will see 200 million cases of soft drinks and beverages transported annually from 10 UK manufacturing and distribution sites direct to customers and for warehousing.
The deal marks a milestone in the company’s 16-year history and, after extensive business growth since becoming part of logistics giant EV Cargo, demonstrates Jigsaw’s progression to a leader in the top-tier of managed transport across the UK.
EV Cargo companies will play key roles, with CM Downton a major transport lead and the Palletforce network involved with the efficient distribution of smaller consignments.
The winning solution sees Jigsaw help drive efficiency and deliver significant added value across Refresco’s transport requirements, working closely with partner haulier Sparks Transport which has comprehensive experience delivering Refresco products. Jigsaw’s agility to adapt and optimise network complexity was a key aspect in securing the new business.
Its commitment to continuous improvement will see Jigsaw help Refresco switch to a variable cost model, adding significant value by enhancing fleet utilisation and intelligently applying load fill to reduce waste and damages. Alongside a core fleet of more than 50 vehicles, Jigsaw will have an on-site logistics presence at two key manufacturing sites with 45 staff moving across to the Jigsaw network under TUPE.
Andy Humpherson, Jigsaw managing director, said: “Securing the Refresco transport contract is a huge business win for Jigsaw and EV Cargo and a major milestone in our history. Our client offering has developed over the years and, as part of EV Cargo, we’re more than capable of competing with the large multinationals at the top of the managed transport sector. Working seamlessly with our partner hauliers, we will deliver significant added value and continuous improvement for Refresco by driving efficiency across its transport operations.”
The significant contract value and multi-year term is in line with EV Cargo’s ambitious strategy for growth, by developing commercial opportunities and expanding its customer base.
Heath Zarin, EV Cargo chief executive, said: “Leveraging the combined strength of EV Cargo allows our operating companies to enhance their customer proposition. We have an ambitious growth strategy and have grown Jigsaw’s revenue base more than 2.5 times in the last 18 months. Our success in securing this important customer relationship is a further testament of our ability to provide integrated, technology-enabled solutions to the world’s leading brands.”
