UK logistics specialist PML has renewed its freight transfer operation contract with Blue Skies for the next three years.
PML, which has been working with Blue Skies for the last five years, handles the dispatch of fresh fruit snack pots (packed in country of origin including Egypt, South Africa, and Ghana) following collection from Heathrow airport.
Post customs clearance (NB there is a Defra inspection facility and Border Control Post at PML’s Heathrow HQ), PML breaks down the consignment into the various product categories and the intended supermarket recipients.
Orders are received into PML for a ‘pick and pack’ service directly to the retailer’s RDC (regional distribution centre).
Blue Skies has its own dedicated box-making operation on site at PML’s Heathrow site to enable, where necessary, the transfer of goods from export into in-store, shelf-ready packaging.
Quality control of all Blue Skies goods received into PML’s 64,000ft2 temperature controlled bonded warehouse (with BRC Global Standard for Food Safety Certification AA accreditation) is handled by Blue Skies personnel who have staff on site and a dedicated office at PML’s London HQ.
Commenting on the contract, sales director Nick Finbow said: “Blue Skies is a highly valued and long-standing customer and the relationship we have with the business has evolved considerably over time.
“Our logistics expertise is centred around providing a best-in-class service for highly perishable goods where a professional and speedy transfer is vital to ensure the consignment reaches the end customer without any detrimental impact on condition or shelf life.
“Superior quality, super fresh fruit are vital strands of the core Blue Skies proposition, so our role is to maintain those properties in every single consignment we receive, via careful, knowledgeable handling, efficient transfers and of course, no breaks in the cold chain.”
Vijay Gulati, group operations manager for Blue Skies said: “We’re delighted to renew our historic relationship with PML.
“After five years of working together, we continue to be impressed by the company’s experience and expertise in relation to the logistics sector – and its ability to overcome the specific challenges associated with temperature sensitive goods.
“Despite the difficulties of the current trading environment we continue to have absolute confidence that PML has our best interests at heart, always navigating the most effective pathway to ensure our products arrive at their final destination in the optimum time frame and of course, in the optimum condition.”
