Leading European pallet pooler IPP has been selected as the exclusive provider of pallet pooling services for Simplehuman’s UK operations, taking over responsibility for all of the premium homeware company’s pallet movements in the country. According to a press release from IPP, the agreement replaces Simplehuman’s previous pallet pooling arrangement with CHEP and supports distribution of the company’s products to major retailers including Amazon, John Lewis, Argos, Costco and Dunelm.
Founded in 2000 in Torrance, California, Simplehuman entered the UK market in 2003 and has built its reputation around premium, design-focused household products such as waste bins, soap dispensers and mirrors. “We sell high-end products, focusing on lifestyle experience, and we needed a pallet pooler we could rely on to add value to our operations,” said Nigel Parker, UK distribution general manager at Simplehuman.
“We are eager to participate and assist any supplier in improving the process between us, and that is something which is already working well with IPP,” he continued.
“Their focus is always on understanding the customer rather than just being a supplier. There is always a human available on the phone and we know there will be someone there able to assist when we need it most, with no complexity and hidden costs.”
Focus on Service and Growth
IPP said the partnership is intended to support Simplehuman’s continued expansion in the UK while ensuring products are delivered to retailers on time and in good condition. The company said customer service and pallet quality were important considerations in securing the contract.
“We pride ourselves on working with businesses where we share values and ambitions for long-term growth. Fostering lasting partnerships with businesses like Simplehuman is what sets us apart,” offered Demi Crabbe, commercial director at IPP.
“It was a really important factor for Simplehuman to have high-quality customer service from their pallet pooler, where someone is always available on the phone within an hour to support with any issues,” she said.
“The quality pallets Simplehuman receive through IPP matches the high-quality, high-end products they sell. We are looking forward to supporting their development as a business as they expand further in the UK market.”
The agreement expands IPP’s presence in the UK consumer goods sector while providing Simplehuman with a single pallet pooling partner for its domestic supply chain operations.
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Rick LeBlanc, EMBA, is the founder and editor of Reusable Packaging News (subscribe to the free newsletter) and editor of Western Pallet Magazine. A supply chain journalist with more than 30 years of experience, he specializes in pallets, reusable packaging, material handling and related operations. Rick is co-author of Pallets: A North American Perspective and Pallets & Progress: A Collected History of Pallets and Palletized Handling 1922–1945. He is also an advisory board member of the Virginia Tech Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design. Read Rick’s full bio.
