SLS embraces the future at Fairham

Scientific Laboratory Supplies (SLS) has recently inaugurated its new National Distribution Centre (NDC) at the Fairham Business Park in Nottingham, marking the beginning of its next phase of growth. This new facility represents a significant milestone in SLS's history, underlining its commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. The new site enables SLS to process 2,500 orders per day, a capacity three times greater than its previous capability. This remarkable increase in order processing capacity ensures that SLS can meet the growing demands of its customers more effectively.

The new facility was unveiled at the Scientific Laboratory Show and Conference 2024 in May. This event drew some of the most distinguished figures in the scientific community, with over 1,400 delegates and exhibitors in attendance. The enthusiastic response to the new Fairham site at this renowned event underscores its importance in the scientific and laboratory equipment industry.

This well-planned site move follows a period of sustained growth, during which SLS has emerged as the leading independent laboratory equipment distributor in the UK and Ireland. The new site boasts a 40,000 cubic meter floor area, which is more than 2.5 times the size of the previous Wilford facility located just three miles away. This expansion is set to benefit customers directly by enhancing SLS’s capacity to meet service demands and further improve its renowned customer service practices.

“The Wilford facility served us well, but we have outgrown that space, both in number and ambition,” explained Bruce Mowbray, Operations Director. “This move allows for substantial increases in storage and processing space for the 600,000 products in our portfolio, featuring integrated, automated warehouse management systems and state-of-the-art conveyor belt logistics systems. The advanced technology implemented at the NDC ensures that our operations are not only more efficient but also more reliable, reducing the margin for error and enhancing the overall customer experience.”

The new site is designed to ensure quicker deliveries for customers, thereby accelerating the pace at which UK laboratories can conduct high quality research and elite production. The ability to deliver products faster and more efficiently is crucial in supporting the innovative work carried out in laboratories across the UK and Ireland.

“Our input into the design of the Fairham facility has allowed SLS to implement multiple aspects of our core company ethos,” stated Ian Roulstone, Managing Director. “To foster creativity among our teams, we have included discussion pods and collaboration areas in our office spaces. These areas are designed to encourage interaction and the exchange of ideas, which are essential for innovation and problem-solving.”

Sustainability has been a priority in the construction of the Fairham site, which has been built to achieve an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating. The facility includes photovoltaic solar panels capable of producing up to 300MWh of energy annually. Additionally, eco-conscientious staff transport options are provided, with 12 EV charging points, a bike shelter, and a tram stop with connections to Nottingham just a few minutes away. These features highlight SLS's commitment to reducing its environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices within the industry. SLS's Sustainability Manager Lucy Moore emphasised the necessity of the relocation, stating, "We definitely outgrew our previous distribution facility. The new site in Fairham has been built to our exact requirements, with a keen focus on sustainability, even down to draft sensors on radiators."

The new distribution centre for SLS operates entirely on electricity and features rooftop solar panels expected to generate 300MW/h of renewable energy annually. By transitioning to this new site and eliminating the use of gas and much of its reliance on externally provided energy, SLS anticipates a 20% reduction in its operational emissions. Read all about SLS’s commitment to sustainability here.

To ensure the modernity of the facility, SLS has invested in IT integration. The warehouse employs automated picking and order packing systems. Enhanced order tracking capabilities will provide customers with improved visibility of their orders, ensuring they are kept informed throughout the entire process.

For more information about how the Fairham site is advancing SLS's capabilities, the launch video is available for viewing here. This video provides an in-depth look at the state-of-the-art technologies and systems implemented at the new site, as well as the benefits these advancements bring to SLS's operations and customer service.

This substantial investment in the Fairham facility demonstrates SLS's commitment to growth, innovation, and exceptional service. By expanding its operational capacity and integrating advanced technologies, SLS is well-positioned to continue leading the laboratory equipment distribution industry in the UK and Ireland. The company's forward-thinking approach ensures that it remains at the forefront of the industry, ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.

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