CEVA Logistics has expanded its consumer and retail portfolio by securing a new contract with Arlec, an Australian-owned designer and manufacturer of electrical and electronic products for the DIY market.

According to CEVA, the agreement is effective immediately and includes the provision of warehousing, storage and labelling services to Arlec from the CEVA facility at Mendlesham in Suffolk, UK.

“CEVA’s implementation of this supply chain solution demonstrates our commitment to new customers in an area where we have considerable experience and expertise,” said Michael O’Donoghue, executive vice president of CEVA Logistics. “Arlec’s product range is constantly developing and we have put in place a range of flexible options to ensure we can meet their future development.”

The UK is Arlec’s first market outside Australia and New Zealand. One of its biggest customers will be Homebase, which is now owned by Bunnings of Australia.

Approximately 95% of the inbound traffic to be handled under the new contract will be transported to the UK by sea while the other 5% will be brought by air.

“We are delighted to have partnered with CEVA for our entry into the UK market,” said Balu Jega, managing director of Arlec Australia. “The Mendlesham facility is ideally located to manage both our inbound air and ocean product lines. CEVA’s ability to provide cost-effective and flexible storage solutions combined with their experience in managing ranges of Far East imported products means that our entry into this new market couldn’t have gone more smoothly.”