Keswick’s new Polish joint venture wins retail fashion logistics contract

June 21, 2012 - PRLog -- Following its creation earlier this year as a joint venture between UK-based Keswick Enterprises and Vector Global Logistics of Poland, Keswick Vector SCM Polska Sp. z.o.o. announces that it has won a three-year logistics contract with Esotiq & Henderson SA – the country’s leading specialist lingerie and underwear retail chain.

The dedicated open-book contract has been placed in a new subsidiary of Keswick Vector SCM Polska, named Vector Fashion Services Sp. z.o.o., and is based at the joint venture’s 6,000 sq metre (65,000 sq ft) distribution centre at Prologis Park in Gdansk, Poland.

Awarded after a five-way competitive tender, the contract covers the warehousing and distribution of some 6,000 Esotiq & Henderson lines to approximately 150 outlets across Poland – a combination of the retailer’s own and franchised shops, plus wholesalers.  The joint venture is also providing added value services, including placing lingerie on hangers and labelling, along with picking and packing for courier despatch.

In addition, the contract covers international distribution to wholesalers in Russia, the Ukraine and the Czech Republic from Vector Fashion Services’ customs bonded warehouse.

The retailer’s logistics services were previously provided by LPP SA – the major Polish retail group and former owner of the ‘Henderson’ and ‘Esotiq’ brands – initially directly and subsequently on an outsourced basis.  Since the start of 2011, Esotiq & Henderson has been an independent quoted company, with Joanna Krupa – the famous Polish model – as its public face.

Commenting on the new business win, Keswick Enterprises’ Chairman, John Harvey CBE, said: “We are delighted that our recently created Polish joint venture – led by General Manager Marcin Gruchala – has won this contract to provide domestic logistics and added-value services for one of Poland’s leading specialist fashion retailers.  Esotiq & Henderson is a dynamic young business with ambitious domestic and international growth plans, and we are proud to be helping them achieve their goals.”

Keswick Vector SCM Polska is building on Keswick group’s international logistics experience in the clothing and textiles, automotive, food & grocery and other FMCG sectors, to develop an effective alternative for domestic and multi-national retailers and manufacturers seeking quality logistics outsourcing solutions in Poland.  The company is 52% owned by Keswick Enterprises and 48% by Vector Global Logistics.

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NOTES FOR EDITORS

About Esotiq & Henderson

Based in Gdansk, Esotiq & Henderson SA is a specialist retail chain quoted on NewConnect – the Polish Stock Exchange.  The business began life in 1998 with the creation of the Henderson men’s underwear brand under the auspices of the giant Polish retail group LPP SA.  The Esotiq ladies lingerie and beachwear brand was then added in 2005.  Esotiq & Henderson SA came into existence on 1 January 2011 after the brands were sold by LPP to company management and outside investors.

Esotiq & Henderson has been developing rapidly, and not only already has nationwide coverage within Poland, but also representation in Russia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Estonia, Austria and Romania – with further overseas outlets under development.  A children’s range is also planned, along with other new collections.  

For more information please see www.esotiq.com.

About Keswick Enterprises

Keswick Enterprises Ltd is a UK-based private equity investment group focusing on the logistics and supply chain sector, both domestically and internationally.  The company was created in 2004 by John Harvey CBE – who previously developed and led the major intercontinental logistics service provider Tibbett & Britten Group plc for 20 years.  Together with their former colleagues, the Board members of Keswick were responsible for growing Tibbett & Britten Group’s annual revenues from £30 million to £1,600 million just two decades later.  

Keswick companies currently provide road transport, warehousing, international freight forwarding, post/mail, e-commerce fulfilment, contract packing/contract manufacturing, courier, logistics consultancy, recruitment, plus a range of added-value services – to manufacturing and retail customers across the UK and Eastern Europe.  The group is also a leading specialist in intermodal (road-rail) transport, and operates both open-access railports and its own rail rolling stock.

For more information please see www.vectorpl.com and www.keswickenterprises.com.