Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd (HUM) and Yusen Logistics (YL) are set to continue their award-winning partnership with the renewal of YL’s contract for the UK collection service. HUM initially appointed YL to convert its UK suppliers from delivered to ex-works back in 2006 and it was appointed sole provider for HUM’s UK inbound collections in 2011, supporting the Swindon-based production of the Honda Civic, CRV and Jazz. YL has secured the new contract based on the strength of its partnership with HUM, proven ability to provide a high quality, cost-effective service and commitment to supporting HUM in today’s difficult economic climate. YL manages a complex supply chain: more than 100 routes daily, collections from 60 vendors averaging 9,500 m³. The solution integrates leading “off-the-shelf” technologies with innovative, custom middleware solutions which interact seamlessly, delivering a dependable, functional product supporting HUM’s inbound material flows. This renewal follows on from YL receiving the prestigious “Exceptional Contribution” award from HUM at its 2013 Supplier Convention, in recognition of its delivery of continued cost savings, high service levels in meeting operational abnormality management and development of best in class IT systems. A representative from HUM explains the background to the continuing relationship between the two companies: “Over previous years YL have been instrumental in delivering an industry-leading inbound logistics solution – delivering operational spend savings by embracing a Kaizen partnership and minimizing HUM exposure to high fleet costs and delays within the operation.” Also within the year, YL’s instrumental lead in IT development resulted in both companies jointly winning the European Supply Chain Excellence Awards’ Innovation in Use of Technology category, as well as the Automotive Global Supply Chain Awards’ trophy for IT Innovation in Frankfurt. Ian Veitch, Managing Director, Yusen Logistics (UK) Ltd., commented: “We are absolutely delighted about this renewal and we look forward to working with HUM to continue developing this industry leading inbound solution into the future. “For customers, we would advise them not to take their eye off the ball – the snow will come and the key to not allowing it to impact on business operations is to be ready for when it does.”