Provision of 3PL logistics services and freight forwarding part of the deal
The largest bespoke temperature-controlled storage and distribution company in South Wales, the Wild Water Group, has appointed GAC as its international freight forwarding partner in 2019.
The Wild Water Group serves the food & drink sector, which has been identified by the Welsh Government as a key economic driver of the regional economy. In 2017, exports from Wales in the sector grew 20%, compared to a 9.5% increase for the UK as a whole over the same period.
Under the alliance agreement, from this month, GAC will provide a range of freight forwarding services and draw on its international reach, resources and experience to help the Wild Water Group pursue international import and export opportunities for its customers.
As part of its expansion plan, the Wild Water Group has boosted its operation with the purchase of a 130,000 sq ft storage and distribution facility in with the support of the Welsh Government.
“The next logical step was to align ourselves with a leading worldwide logistics company with the expertise to complement our long term business objectives,” remarked Ken Rattenbury, Managing Director, Wild Water Group.
As one of the UK’s many food consolidators, the Wild Water Group was mindful of the complexities of freight forwarding as they already pack containers for customers and export them as far afield as Japan and New Zealand, or across the channel to Europe for countries such as Spain.
A key player in the Welsh food sector, it wanted to form an alliance with an established partner to give customers across its five subsidiaries a bespoke service. That partner was GAC.
“Clients benefit from longstanding, strong alliances with major air and ocean carriers as well as access to our global multi-modal network and associated cost savings. Our Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) accreditation confirms we have what it takes to provide fast, efficient customs and documentary support,” commented Peter Orange, Group Marketing Manager, GAC.
The partnership will provide end-to-end cold chain services around the clock, initially focusing on the Middle East, where GAC has been active for more than 60 years and has extensive logistics resources including ambient and cold chain warehouses.
