Wepa & IPP

Long, strong and very absorbent – that’s the description of the 12-year relationship between the UK’s biggest manufacturers of own-brand toilet and paper products and IPP, Europe’s number one integrated full-service pooler and producer of pallets.

Northwood & Wepa, which manufactures hygiene paper products such as toilet paper, tissues and paper towels, was the first UK customer of IPP in 2004.

Over the years, both businesses have developed a partnership approach and have now agreed to extend their 12-year working relationship until 2021.

The continuing collaborative approach allows Northwood & Wepa to optimise its supply chain courtesy of IPP’s one-way trip system. This sees the Coventry-based organisation deliver the specific number of pallets needed, then manage collection at the end of the supply chain – making life as simple as possible in an often complicated, fast-paced consumer goods sector.

It is key for Northwood & Wepa to be able to rely on IPP to absorb the knocks, bumps and tough turnarounds required in its robust supply chain. John Turner, GB and Ireland logistics manager for Northwood & Wepa, said: “To begin with, we had a contract with IPP but it soon developed into the partnership it is now.

“IPP share our sustainability aims and that collaborative effort, along with the quality of supply, was the number one factor for us.

“It’s a long-term partnership which we value immensely. IPP makes the process of distribution simple and if there are any slight issues, they have been on hand 24 hours to resolve them. We work with major supermarkets and it is imperative we are able to rely on our supply chain running smoothly.”

Alun Griffiths, GB purchasing manager for Northwood & Wepa, played an influential role in the renewal of the firms’ partnership. He said: “With any long-term supplier relationship you need to prove its competitiveness every once in a while by going out to tender.

“Credit to IPP, they fought off a very determined bid from their rivals during this tender process and the subsequent negotiations enabled us to go forward with a mutually agreed new contract and clear roadmap for further collaboration.”

Phil Storer, UK Country Director for IPP, said: “Northwood & Wepa was the first customer to sign a contract when IPP Logipal began operating in the UK. That was back in 2004 and our close working relationship has really flourished.

“Supplying own-brand goods to major supermarkets means the company requires robust supply chain management and we are very happy to continue to deliver on our commitment to them.”