Appleby Westward purchases new lorry to collect products from suppliers

• The lorry was being used in cases where suppliers were finding it difficult to reach the Saltash DC

• The wholesaler has experienced volume growth of over 100% on most days throughout March

Spar wholesaler Appleby Westward has bought a new articulated lorry in order to source products directly from suppliers as it looks to keep its retailers’ shelves stocked during the coronavirus crisis.

The Spar wholesaler supplies 300 Spar stores in the south west from depots in Cullompton in Devon and Saltash in Cornwall. It said the new lorry was being used in cases where suppliers were finding it difficult to reach the Saltash DC.

It said it had also brought in other extra vehicles and taken on temporary staff as it processed record volumes last month.

“We do not traditionally run articulated trucks but when it comes to collecting goods in large quantities there’s no better vehicle,” said Appleby Westward logistics director Del Phillips. “This vehicle has become an important part of our efforts to keep the region’s Spar stores’ shelves filled with essential convenience items.

“Volumes through our warehouses at Saltash and Cullompton have been at unprecedented levels for the time of year and our teams have worked extra hours and days to ensure the service is protected.

“I am proud of our service levels throughout the crisis, with very few delayed deliveries, and this is a testimony to the teams we have working for us, without whom we would certainly not be able to deliver the current level of service.”

Trading director Joe Dooley added: “We have experienced growth in volume of over 100% on most days throughout March, which has affected supply across numerous product categories and ranges, and we have been working flat out with our suppliers to get stock into the warehouse and straight out to our stores as quickly as possible.”