MCALPINE HUSSMANN
240 up ,” he recalls . This contrasts massively to the variation across refrigeration or HVAC unit ranges , where the length , depth and height all vary more or less from unit to unit . “ You ’ ve got everything from ice machines to serve-over cases and freezer troughs . The product range is monstrous ,” he laughs . This diversity is further compounded by the fact that most of McAlpine Hussmann ’ s customers require customised products . “ A particular supermarket might want to have a particular coloured bumper they want to use on the front of a unit for trolley protection . All these things are handled on a case by case basis ,” Laird explains . “ It wouldn ’ t be feasible for a company like McAlpine Hussmann to be sitting around with a hundred thousand square metre warehouse stacked full of all these ludicrously expensive and specialised units . It just wouldn ’ t work .”
Redistributing stock in a way that enables this fast turnover , highly transient style of warehouse operation is a key factor in successfully solving the company ’ s supply chain pain points . Laird notes that communication between business units and an amalgamation of procurement functions will go a long
AUGUST 2020