Mitchell Storage & Distribution picks up contract with leading fish and chip shop supplier

Leicester-based Mitchell Storage & Distribution (MSD) has won a new contract with national fish and chip shop and Foodservice supplier Driver's Foods.

Driver's, whose history stretches back to the early 20th century, and whose name is synonymous with the UK's fast food industry as one of the UK's largest suppliers of pickled onions, eggs and gherkins, has appointed MSD to distribute its products to wholesalers across the UK.

The goods are being distributed through MSD's pallet network partner Fortec, which operates a network of 80 members across the UK.

Glenn Mitchell, Commercial Director of MSD, said the company won the contract through Fortec's telesales service and already it has hit the ground running.

He said: "Driver's distributes between 45 and 75 pallets a week through ourselves and Fortec. Our IT system was a key selling point in winning the contract but we won the business because of our hands-on approach with communication, our service and consistency.

"A key benefit for any customer of the Fortec network is the consistency of our on-time deliveries as per their own customers' requests, also our handling of their products. We know goods transported through the Fortec network arrive in a better condition when compared to other networks in the UK."

Every day MSD sends a large trailer into Driver's and labels and loads the pallets.

The pallets are then transported back to the Fortec hub for onward distribution around the country via other members in the network.

Glenn said: "We have worked in partnership with Fortec for seven years now. Like ourselves, Fortec and its members are very customer-focused. Such is the nature of our industry that we have to adhere to tailor to customer requirements. We work with Fortec and its members on a daily basis to ensure those requirements are always met. Fortec has an excellent track record in recruiting the right quality of members to the network. We have every faith our fellow members perform consistently to the standard we expect. It is the service of Fortec and its members, as much as our own, that has helped us maintain our customers and grow our portfolio."

Established with just one van in 1996 by Bill Mitchell, the company today employs 38 staff and operates a 20-strong fleet from a 30,000 sq ft warehouse. The company has a customer portfolio of more than 100.