Hovis has awarded Abbey Logistics a contract to provide bulk flour distribution to its bakeries in the Midlands and the south of England.

Abbey Logistics said it was set to invest significantly in new equipment to bolster Hovis’ existing fleet and was committed to supporting its new customer with flexible resource from its wider nationwide bulk powder tanker fleet.

Hovis’ existing bulk distribution staff in the Midlands and the south will also transfer to Abbey Logistics when the contract begins.

The move follows Hovis’ disposal of three of its mills to focus on its core bakery business. Abbey Logistics will distribute bulk flour from the one remaining mill in Wellingborough.

“We are delighted that Hovis selected us to deliver this prestigious contract and look forward to providing the company with a dynamic and flexible service that enhances its quality of service,” said Steve Granite, CEO at Abbey Logistics.

“Our two companies are very closely aligned in terms of our commitment to quality and continuous improvement and this new partnership once again demonstrates Abbey’s commitment to investment in equipment that supports our customers.”

Chris Harrop, Hovis milling supply chain director said: “We needed a transport provider with expertise, experience and the ability to drive supply chain service to ensure that Hovis can, in turn, deliver to our customers and consumers.

“Abbey also demonstrated its commitment to us through its fleet investment and we were impressed by the company’s ability to capture and analyse real-time data, which will deliver increased operational flexibility.”