Laboratory equipment supplier Scientific Laboratory Supplies (SLS) has recently inaugurated a new National Distribution Centre (NDC) at the Fairham Business Park, Nottingham, marking the beginning of its next phase of growth.
The NDC enables the company to service 2,500 orders per day, three times more than previously possible. SLS previewed the new facility at the Scientific Laboratory Show and Conference 2024 in May to some of the biggest names in the world of science, including more than 1,400 delegates and exhibitors.
The move comes after a sustained period of growth, which saw SLS become the leading independent laboratory equipment distributor in the UK and Ireland. The NDC has 40,000 cubic metre floor area, which is more than 2.5 times the size of its previous Wilford facility just three miles away. The benefit will be passed directly to customers, as SLS will have even greater capacity to meet its service requirements and further improve its industry-leading customer service practices.
“Our Wilford facility has served us well, but we’ve outgrown that space, both in number and ambition,” said Bruce Mowbray, operations director at SLS. “This move facilitates big increases in storage and processing space for the 600,000 products in our portfolio, with integrated, automated warehouse management systems and state-of-the-art conveyor belt logistics systems.
“This means quicker deliveries for our customers, speeding up the rate that the UK’s laboratories can perform the cutting-edge research and elite production they’re known for.”
The new NDC is designed to ensure quicker deliveries for customers, thereby accelerating the pace at which UK laboratories can conduct cutting-edge research and elite production.
“Our input into the design of the Fairham facility has allowed SLS to put multiple aspects of our core company ethos into practice. To foster creativity amongst our teams we have ensured that our office spaces are full of discussion pods and collaboration areas,” said Ian Roulstone, managing director at SLS.
Sustainability has been a priority in the construction of the NDC, which has been built to achieve an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating. The facility includes photovoltaic solar panels capable of producing up to 300MWh of energy annually.
Additionally, eco-friendly staff transport options are provided, with 12 EV charging points, a bike shelter, and a tram stop with connections to Nottingham just a few minutes away.
SLS’s Sustainability Manager Lucy Moore said: “We definitely outgrew our previous distribution facility. The new site in Fairham has been built to our exact requirements, with a keen focus on sustainability, even down to draft sensors on radiators.”
The new distribution centre for SLS operates entirely on electricity and features rooftop solar panels expected to generate 300MW/h of renewable energy annually. By transitioning to this new site and eliminating the use of gas and much of its reliance on externally provided energy, SLS anticipates a 20% reduction in its operational emissions. Take a look at SLS’s dedication to sustainability here.
SLS has taken a further step to ensure the modernity of its facility by investing in IT integration. The warehouse at the NDC employs automated warehouse picking and order packing systems. Additionally, enhanced order tracking will provide improved customer order visibility.
To see more about how the NDC is taking SLS forward, watch the launch video here: https://www.youtube.com/embed/gD8EF1SHJ5s
Article provided by Medilink Midlands Member Scientific Laboratory Supplies.
