SCALA have recently completed a 12-month supplier selection, tender management, and implementation project for international lighting manufacturer, Astro.
Astro is a privately owned multi-million-pound business with warehouses in the UK, the US, and Europe. The project, which led to Astro transferring its main European operations from Germany to a Rhenus Logistics site in the Netherlands, was a major success, resulting in a significant reduction in Astro’s total costs and improved operational visibility.
Supporting its aim to double the size of the business over the next five years, Astro enlisted SCALA to identify a logistics partner capable of not only accommodating the manufacturer’s rapid growth but also supporting cross-border trade operations and improving communication and visibility. The project directly addressed these issues while creating a streamlined structure to support the company’s ambitious growth plans.
SCALA first undertook a comprehensive data collection exercise before managing a supplier selection and tender process. This included shortlisting potential providers, conducting site visits, and carefully assessing total service costs. Ultimately, SCALA advised that Astro would benefit from taking space at Rhenus’s flagship site in the Netherlands and went on to support project management and implementation, ensuring a seamless transition.
Chris Clowes, executive director at SCALA, commented:
“This has been a fantastic project to work on, showcasing SCALA’s ability to navigate complex global business landscapes. The team’s combination of technical expertise and international experience has been instrumental to the success of this project.
“Astro’s dedication to improving the customer experience and operational efficiency, combined with their commitment to regional growth, made them a pleasure to collaborate with. We’re proud to have helped them identify a solution that not only resolves pressing service concerns but also supports their ambitious growth targets.”
Tom Rice, operations director at Astro, added:
“We wanted a partner who could not only address the communication and cross-border issues we had
been experiencing but could also support growth. SCALA’s review process was thorough, and the evidence-based insights gave us confidence in their recommendations.
“Now, with the move to the Netherlands underway and a new 3PL partner in place, we’re excited to deliver improved service levels and focus on expanding our presence in Europe and beyond.”
As well as promoting cost-efficiency, SCALA’s proposed solution also supports Astro to embrace future sustainability benefits. Rhenus’s site in the Netherlands utilises solar thermal collectors for energy and IoT sensors for efficient operations. In the future, Rhenus will also be able to support a wider range of activities.
The project commenced in January 2024 and was concluded by December of the same year, demonstrating SCALA’s capability of combining forward-thinking strategies with hands-on support that futureproofs operations.
If you would like to know more about how SCALA can help with your supply chain operations, please get in touch here.
