Umeco plc, the provider of value-added distribution services to the aerospace and defence industries, today officially opened its new dedicated warehouse facility in Spondon, Derby, from which it will manage its major new logistics services contract for Rolls-Royce plc.

The new facility will be operated by Umeco's Derby-based subsidiary, Pattonair Logistics Limited, and will manage the supply of a wide range of small components to all the UK aerospace operations of Rolls-Royce plc. At 22,000 sq ft, it will employ approximately 60 people.

The opening of the new facility was performed by Brian McGowan, Chairman of Umeco plc and Alan Naylor, Director of Logistics for Rolls-Royce plc, who commented:

"We are very pleased to have selected Pattonair Logistics as our service provider for 'C' Class components and look forward to completing the start-up phase and working together to optimise the logistics processes for our UK operations and supply chains."

Clive Snowdon, Chief Executive of Umeco plc, commented:

"Through Pattonair, we have enjoyed a growing relationship with Rolls-Royce plc over a number of years and this contract, which extends our services to include all UK aerospace activities including engine build and spares operations, moves the relationship into an exciting new phase."

Under the contract, originally announced in November 1999, Pattonair Logistics will schedule, receive and inspect components from suppliers against Rolls-Royce plc contracts, manage inventory and deliver to more than 20,000 bin locations at the point-of-usage throughout Rolls-Royce plc's UK aerospace operations. Overall, it will involve the management of materials with an estimated annual value of over £40 million


Additional information on the Pattonair Logistics contract with Rolls-Royce plc:

An agreement was reached in December 1999 for Pattonair Logistics Ltd to provide an integrated logistics service for 'C' Class parts supplied to Rolls-Royce plc. Pattonair Logistics was established expressly to support the 'C' Class Parts programme for Rolls-Royce plc and its supply chain.

Over 200 Suppliers are now responding to delivery schedules and providing parts to Pattonair Logistics at the purpose built facility in Spondon, Derby, opened today. This facility is staffed with a comprehensive quality, inspection and delivery management organisation.

Based on forecasting information from Rolls-Royce plc, Pattonair Logistics undertake the following tasks:-

>> Schedule over 10,000 part numbers on to suppliers against Rolls-Royce plc contracts and terms

>> Monitor incoming deliveries

>> Inspect, as required

>> Manage all inventories of parts