We ask Logistics 100 rising star Kelvin Mantle how Lidl drives change in its operations.
Kirsty Adams: How is Lidl challenging outdated ways of thinking within its logistics operation in 2016/2017?
Kelvin Mantle: At Lidl, we like to keep things simple and we constantly optimise our processes to drive out waste. Our distribution operation involves a single multi-temperature vehicle delivering our entire product range from one of our distribution centres to our stores. This flexible delivery solution allows us to deliver products stored and transported at up to five different temperature ranges all on the same vehicle. This vehicle collects all returns and recyclables from our stores and delivers these back to the same distribution centre for sorting. One distribution centre and one vehicle. Simple and highly efficient.
Kelvin Mantle CMILT joined Lidl as an in-store Saturday boy whilst studying at the University of the West of Scotland. He progressed on to the company’s undergraduate placement programme, then on completion of university became a project manager within the national logistics office. He went on to hold various positions in logistics and is now Head of Logistics – Strategy.
To nominate a colleague or yourself for The Logistics 100 2017/2018 visit www.shdlogistics.com/logistics100