Dundee-based CJ Lang and Son Ltd, Scotland’s largest independent retailing and distribution company, has recently embarked on a £5.2 million project to expand its existing premises in a bid to make current operations more efficient.
Probably best known as the SPAR distributor for all 396 stores throughout Scotland, CJ Lang currently operates out of two sites: one for ambient products and the other for chilled and frozen goods. The current ambient goods centre will be expanded to incorporate the chilled and frozen operation so that all distribution can be carried out from one location. The first phase of the project has been fully operational since the end of April this year and the full amalgamation of the two sites is set for completion in January 2009.
With the ever-increasing cost of running a fleet, it is believed that the investment in the new facilities will pay off over the long term, since a six mile round trip for 18 vehicles will be avoided. The company is committed to reducing its impact on the environment and reducing fuel emissions and it believes this is a step in the right direction.
Transport operations manager for CJ Lang & Son Ian Fleming said: “It is our aim to make our operation leaner and better, but without reducing the high service levels that our customers have come to expect.”
To coincide with the new premises, a routine regeneration of the company’s existing fleet is also underway. A recent order for 10 new Gray & Adams bodies ¬- eight for CJ Lang SPAR distribution and two for the company’s foodservices operation - are intended to replace vehicles that have reached their life end. Almost 100 per cent of CJ Lang & Son’s temperature-controlled fleet is Gray & Adams manufactured.
“We continue to buy from Gray & Adams because we have built up a good relationship with them over the years,” said Fleming. “Gray & Adams offer a premium product and we always get at least five years of operational life from its bodies.”
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