Costo supports fashion group FNG with expansion of warehouse
FNG is a rapidly growing fashion group with operations all over Europe. Part of the strategy of FNG is to optimize all business processes and create synergies in the back office. This will be achieved, amongst other actions, by combining all logistic activities into the central warehouse at Zoetermeer. Costo will install an mezzanine floor with conveyors for in- and outgoing flows in order to improve the processes for the so-called lying goods.
This integration in Zoetermeer has been going on for a while now. In 2016, besides the brand Miss Etam, the warehouse also took in the brands Promiss and Steps and this year will see the integration of the brands Fred & Ginger, Baker Bridge and CKS within the total stock. Originally this warehouse was equipped for storing and processing only hanging garments. The new brands require a different structure, able to cope with lying goods as well. Moreover, the group added wholesale activities in addition to the existing retail and e-commerce operations. Finally, in 2017 the warehouse will not only supply the Benelux, but it will start to ship products also to other countries in Europe.
This strongly changed focus required first an expansion of the warehouse. The current warehouse has 28,000 m2 of floor space. The activity works in two shifts, employing a total pool of 130 people. The expansion will be achieved by constructing a mezzanine floor of 2.500 m2,combined with conveyors for the in- and outbound flows of goods.
The processes for the lying goods were designed for the retailconcept of the Miss Etam brand. With the addition of the e-commerce and wholesale deliveries some adjustments needed to be done. Also, the Warehouse Management System (WMS) will have to be adjusted to be able to cope with the growing activity.
"The expansion is for us an important decision in order to achieve a higher output here in Zoetermeer," said Klaas de Win, Logistics Manager at FNG Retail Services. "Of course we asked various suppliers for a plan, but we were particularly impressed by Costo due to their comprehensive approach. They were very quick in presenting the most appropriate solution for dealing with the flow of goods. Their attention to details such as choices regarding sprinkler systems and lighting, showed us their experience with these kinds of upgrades for warehouse operations. From the start it was obvious that the entire construction and coordination would be very safe with them."
By the end of March, the mezzanine floor must be installed and the Zoetermeer warehouse can start to upscale operations.
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