Hornby outsources to DS Logistics 27 June 2014

Gains increased possibilities for growth-enhancing and cost saving solutions

Hornby Hobbies Ltd is to move its warehouse and distribution facilities to Lakeside Business Park in Hersden, North East of Canterbury. The toymaker felt the need to find new premises for a while as its warehouse facilities were no longer suitable for a large scale, modern logistics operation.

The site will be managed by DS Logistics. The move has been brought about by the need to continue to modernise and grow the business and as a result of tired warehouse conditions at the Company’s Margate site. Hornby’s office staff will continue to work from the Margate based offices.

The Margate warehouse has been open since 1954 when it was built for Triang Railways who were subsequently merged with Hornby in 1965. In 1970, Hornby built a second warehouse to meet the demand for space but these days much of the production takes place overseas and since 2000 the factory space has been used as a warehousing and packing facility. During this time the acquisition of additional brands Corgi and Airfix saw staffing levels steadily increase at the site.

All permanent Hornby staff employed as part of the distribution warehouse team will be transferred to the new site. The new facilities will give Hornby a solid platform from which to develop a strong business and provide excellent customer service and on time deliveries for customers well into the future.

This agreement is for a number of years and means that with DS Logistics responsible for storage, handling and distribution, Hornby gain increased possibilities for growth-enhancing and cost saving solutions in their logistics.

Hornby been repeatedly told by customers that its turnaround time between order placement and despatch to store is too long. The team have been trialling improvements over the last 12 months and whilst some progress has been made, the warehouse move will give it further capabilities to provide products on time. The purpose built facilities are state of the art, and are part of wider Group activities to improve all-round business performance.