KJZ: Flexibility keeps them ahead

Since its conception in 1999 KJZ has seen an unprecedented growth rate, none more so that in 2004 with the company’s turnover increasing by 25% year to date. Co founder and director Nick Musto, explains why 2004 has been an interesting year.

“KJZ was originally formed as a transport company to provide a flexible, refrigerated transport service solution solely for AMS in supplying ASDA Regional Distribution Centres. This service has now been expanded within the last 18 months in order to provide the same high standards of service with flexibility to the Vale of Evesham with KJZ and WPE operations working as a colsolidation depot foro the Vale together with ASDA suppliers.

KJZ’s central location within the Vale coupled with the ability to utilise the operations resources of Well-Pict has created a cost effective solution to transporting the regions produce to the ASDA chain. This service has really come to fruition in the past 6 months!”

KJZ’s working partnership with WPE operations and the resulting increased business activity this has generated has necessitated a re-organisation within the Board of KJZ with three new appointments. Duncan Mills is now assistant MD, with Peter Taylor and Tony Brebner also appointed to Director level.

Mills explains the benefits of the new structure “KJZ has grown well within the ASDA chain, but importantly it has also expanded into new areas of transport. This includes other work for retail multiples, utilising back haul facilities and supplying smaller customers such as catering companies and produce processors, which require a different service level.” Mills continues “I believe a modern transport business needs the flexibility to transport large volumes of product, but also to give a good service level to smaller customers when required. This is particularly relevant when providing a service to English growers. The appointment of Peter Taylor and Tony Brebner’s skills in acquiring new business, particularly utilising backhauls to the core ASDA business, whilst Taylor’s operational skills use the WP operations to great effect to ensure all service levels are met and exceeded.”

This close working relationship within the board has encourages new business opportunities not only within KJZ but also within the whole WPE group. One such venture has been with the fruit grower A H Hiller. Mills continues “This year we have brought field product from Hillers via KJZ to the WP packhouse, packed it and then redistributed again with KJZ to ASDA.”

KJZ certainly has demonstrated the flexibility and service level to achieve this and again has shown a close relationship with WPE operations, which benefits the whole group.

The future looks bright for KJZ. In a tough, competitive industry with core costs always looking to climb, the management strongly believe that the ability to remain flexible and maintain excellent service levels will see KJZ go from strength to strength.

Summer 2004