In a recent interview with Michael Jacobs, the senior vice president of supply chain at Ferguson PLC, Steve Banker highlighted the company’s extensive and complex supply chain. Ferguson provides plumbing and heating products to over a million customers in the US and Canada, sourcing goods from 36,000 suppliers across 30 nations. The company operates multiple distribution centers, final-mile shipping hubs, and branch locations to efficiently deliver over a million products to their customers. With a focus on next-day and same-day delivery, Ferguson has strategically expanded its distribution network with the introduction of market distribution centers.
To enhance their delivery capabilities, Ferguson has implemented AutoStore robotic technology in their market distribution centers. This state-of-the-art solution allows for efficient picking and sorting of products, significantly improving productivity and reducing delivery times. The scalability of the AutoStore system enables Ferguson to adapt to the company’s growth and changing product mix, providing a cost-effective and flexible solution for their operations. The implementation of robotics has not only increased efficiency but also created a safer and more ergonomic work environment for Ferguson’s team.
With a strong focus on customer service, Ferguson has seen improvements in customer satisfaction scores since the introduction of market distribution centers and AutoStore technology. By offering faster delivery times, better access to inventory, and more efficient customer experiences, Ferguson has successfully aligned their sales and supply chain teams to deliver exceptional service to their customers. The company’s commitment to customer satisfaction is a core value that drives their focus on providing simple, successful, and sustainable solutions to meet customer needs.
In addition to AutoStore technology, Ferguson has collaborated with vendors such as Körber Supply Chain Solutions and TGW to enhance their distribution capabilities. By leveraging advanced warehouse management systems and robotics solutions, Ferguson is able to optimize order fulfillment processes, eliminate manual sortation, and further improve operational efficiency. These strategic partnerships with industry-leading vendors have enabled Ferguson to stay ahead of the competition and continuously enhance their supply chain operations.
As a project-focused company, Ferguson is well-positioned to take advantage of opportunities in the market, such as mega projects funded by government initiatives. By excelling in navigating complex projects and building strong relationships with customers, Ferguson aims to be a trusted partner in delivering successful outcomes. With a culture centered around customer satisfaction and a relentless focus on providing the best possible service, Ferguson is well-equipped to capitalize on opportunities for growth and expansion in the plumbing and heating products market.
