The UK’s largest tipper bodybuilder, Thompsons UK, is partnering with MSC Industrial Supply Co (MSC) to realise the full potential of vending, while achieving cost savings through effective consumables management.

MSC was awarded the three-year contract following a competitive tender because of its expertise with vending solutions, as well its experience with helping customers manage their cashflow through supply chain consolidation.

Prior to partnering with MSC, Thompsons UK had operated a consumable vending solution, however it was not benefitting from the latest technology, software, or advanced reporting on consumables consumption.

Initial implementation of the vending solution will include three sites, Blackburn, Croydon and Dover. The MSC team is working closely with Thompsons UK to analyse consumables usage, running trials and recommending the best solutions to go into the vend in order to drive cost savings.

Reducing Thompsons UK’s consumables usage by introducing more reliable, longer wearing, quality products, will enable the truck bodybuilder to work quicker through reduced downtimes for tool changes, saving money without affecting production output.

David Owen, Thompsons UK group head of purchasing, said: “We look forward to enjoying a close working relationship with specialist engineering partners who will analyse our activities and recommend the best solutions for our business regarding consumables, as well as helping us realise the true potential of a vending solution.

“It is important for us to have a consistent and consolidated view of our outgoings and the new vending solution and additional support from MSC will give us this.

“The scope of reporting on user and item consumption is truly remarkable and will allow us to effectively identify areas where we can improve our processes and control unnecessary waste. Pair this with the method in which cost saving programmes are implemented through our dedicated MSC account managers and we can see real future benefit to our business.

“Throughout the tender process, MSC have become an extension of our team. They share our values and are professional, enthusiastic and driven.”

Thompsons UK is not a typical MSC customer because it does not have any CNC machines, however, MSC is completely aligned to its goals and brings the expertise, scope of supply, national coverage and latest technology to help it realise its ambitions.

Paul Fish, senior territory account manager at MSC, said: “Thompsons UK is excellent at the design and manufacture of tippers and has the market share to prove it, but this is a good example of a business that can be even better by implementing more sophisticated technologies, processes and solutions.

“Having previously had a vending solution but not using it to its full potential we look forward to helping Thompsons UK get maximum benefit out of the vend, as well as driving cost savings through consumables usage analysis, product rationalisation and supplier consolidation.

“This will allow us to drive better terms from the manufacturers through increased buying power, showing cost savings and consistent pricing for all sites within Thompsons UK.”

MSC will use its vast supplier network to build new supplier relationships and offer an unbiased product recommendation which is best for application. MSC will also ensure Thompsons UK is constantly updated and informed about the latest products and innovations and the benefits these can bring.

Within this, MSC will also develop and deliver ‘toolbox talk’ presentations in partnership with suppliers to ensure the Thompsons UK team is fully aware of the health and safety aspects of the products they are provided with.

Thompsons UK builds and sells more tipper bodies than all its competitors combined. It supplies customers in the construction, waste, environment, highways, utilities and rental sectors.