Value added logistics provider adds to steam tunnel capability

Last year, the firm’s Halifax site processed more than 40m garments for the UK’s fashion industry, ensuring the highest quality clothing is quality-checked and pre retailed efficiently to meet the needs of its fast-paced retail customers.

The business processes garments for the majority of the UK’s fashion retailers, including Next, Asos, George, Matalan and Debenhams

CEO, Mike Danby said: “The investment at our Halifax site is in response to a number of new business wins and a very healthy pipeline of orders.  Increasing our potential capacity by a third will allow us to sustain high levels of customer service and satisfaction while maintaining business growth.

“As the price of freight containers continues to rise, it is now far cheaper to hang garments in the UK than to ship them hanging, and it produces a better presentation.  This situation is driving the increased demand and the new facilities, including additional, enhanced pressing equipment, will allow the business to increase its throughput by more than 30%.

“Our garment processing expertise and experience is second-to-none in the industry and we understand the importance of uncompromising quality standards and quick-turnaround deliveries for both planned and unplanned demand. This investment ensures that we’re able to continue delivering garments on time and in a high quality resale ready format. This is exactly what fashion retailers want – garments that can be unpacked and displayed in a matter of minutes.” 

The building and installation of the additional steam tunnel facilities has taken place over the past six weeks and will be put to use immediately in response to the business’ expanding order book. The Halifax site employs up to 450 people at any one time.  Advanced Supply Chain grew revenue by 60% last year and aims to top turnover of £100million and employ 1,500 people by 2017.

Ben Balfour, General Manager at Halifax, added: “I’ve seen Advanced Supply Chain grow from £1m turnover to the business it is today and we continuously strive for improvement in all aspects of what we do. The new facilities will allow us to increase our throughput to the region of 60million items a year, gearing us up to work with an increasing number of retailers.”

The investment follows a £5 million pound spend on a new distribution fleet.