Jigsaw wins Refresco contract

Jigsaw, part of EV Cargo, has won its largest-ever contract, a multi-year transport and distribution agreement with beverage bottler Refresco.

The contract will see 200 million cases of soft drinks and beverages transported annually from 10 UK manufacturing and distribution sites direct to customers and for warehousing.

Jigsaw won the contract in a competitive tender.

Jigsaw MD Andy Humpherson said: “Securing the Refresco transport contract is a huge business win for Jigsaw and EV Cargo and a major milestone in our history. Our client offering has developed over the years and, as part of EV Cargo, we’re more than capable of competing with the large multinationals at the top of the managed transport sector.

“Working seamlessly with our partner hauliers, we will deliver significant added value and continuous improvement for Refresco by driving efficiency across its transport operations.”

EV Cargo division CM Downton will be a major transport lead on the contract, with the Palletforce network involved with the distribution of smaller consignments. Jigsaw will also work with Sparks Transport which has experience delivering Refresco products.

Jigsaw will also help Refresco switch to a variable cost model, enhancing fleet utilisation and load fill to reduce waste and damages. Alongside its core fleet of some 50 vehicles, Jigsaw will have an on-site logistics presence at two key manufacturing sites with 45 staff moving across to the Jigsaw network under TUPE.

EV Cargo chief executive Heath Zarin said: “Leveraging the combined strength of EV Cargo allows our operating companies to enhance their customer proposition. We have an ambitious growth strategy and have grown Jigsaw’s revenue base more than 2.5 times in the last 18 months.

“Our success in securing this important customer relationship is a further testament of our ability to provide integrated, technology-enabled solutions to the world’s leading brands.”