Irish distribution contracts good news for Oakland International

The Ashbourne distribution hub of Oakland International and Caffrey International continues to bear fruit, with new distribution contracts helping to increase employment at the site.

Launched in May 2009, the multi temperature operation has secured a number of vital contracts supplying the Irish, UK and European markets, resulting in the need for additional staff and the subsequent appointment of Navan local, Lesley Little, to the position of Stock Controller.

Oakland’s General Manager, Richard Hill stated: “Lesley’s appointment was in direct response to Oakland’s growing customer base and increased freight movements between Ireland and the UK, and forms part of our long-term strategy to recruit locally; good news for local employment, good news for the County and notably good news for the port of Dublin.”

Lesley Little joined Oakland in December, taking up her new position; a role in which she will also undertake general administration duties such as accounts, purchase orders and customer services. Oakland’s workforce expansion is in direct response to increased business levels at the Ashbourne depot.

Planning on moving up to 1.5 million cases of product over the course of 2010, Oakland is known for delivering a high service level value offer, working with significant contracts and delivering into all major retailers throughout Ireland.

Every aspect of delivery paper-based procedures is overseen by Oakland including POD, reconciliation processes and collation of monthly KPIS.

“The growth seen in the business is testament to the quality of Oakland’s Irish operation. We are delighted to be working closely with our customers to help cultivate volume and to assist with promotional campaigns, as and when needed. Apart from growing our business with the local Irish retail and wholesale market, our other key strategy for 2010 is to provide support to Irish producers who are ready to explore the many opportunities that we can offer them through accessing the mainland UK market”

Amid market globalisation and the current economic climate focusing industry’s attention on supply chain efficiencies, Oakland’s close links with Caffrey International ensures they enjoy consistent communication and ultimately planning between all parts of the business, providing significant reductions in supply chain costs for all concerned, across the board.