Vodafone UK and Unipart Technology Logistics (UTL) have announced joint investment in a state-of-the-art facility to manage all of Vodafone UK’s handset and accessory storage plus distribution.

The multi-million pound centre, is based in Nuneaton.  Employing 950 members of staff by April 2007, it will bring together logistics and returns for Vodafone's 340-plus retail stores as well as daily returns and direct supply to customers under one roof.  The centre will also deal with handset repairs and Vodafone’s control car phone fitting service. 

The 10-year deal, unveiled along with the Nuneaton facility, represents the culmination of a relationship that began in 1999 when UTL was awarded a pre-sales logistics contract that centralised Vodafone’s warehousing in the UK. 

Nick Read, Vodafone UK Chief Executive Officer said, 'This agreement will allow Vodafone to ensure customers continue to receive a first-class differentiated service.  Our integrated model with UTL allows Vodafone UK to concentrate on other business activities, leaving the logistics to a specialist partner with a proven track record.'

Unipart Group Chief Executive John Neill said: 'This impressive joint facility is a very visible demonstration of the depth of the partnership which has grown between the two companies.  Vodafone UK’s management had the foresight to see that the future of outsourcing was to move away from the traditional, lowest tender model and embrace the Unipart model, where both sides work together to continuously reduce costs while improving the experience for the customer.  Those customers rightly expect a world-class service and the only way to consistently meet that standard is for both Vodafone UK and Unipart staff to be equally committed to outstanding customer service.'

For further information please contact:
Ally Stevens
Vodafone UK Media Relations
Tel:      08454 444466
Email   press.office @vodafone.com

Mark Howard
Unipart Group of Companies
Tel:      01865 383440 or 07717 542953
Email   mark_x_howard@unipart.co.uk

Notes To Editors:
Vodafone UK
Vodafone UK has 16.3 million customers and is part of the world’s largest mobile community offering a wide range of voice and data communications. The company is committed to providing mobile solutions that allow both consumer and business customers to make the most of now. In addition, Vodafone connects customers across the globe with roaming agreements worldwide. It provides 3G roaming in 18 countries and offers great roaming value with Vodafone Passport.  Vodafone UK was voted 13th Best Big Company to Work For in the Sunday Times Best Companies List, in March 2006.  For more information, please visit www.vodafone.co.uk.

Unipart
Unipart Group employs more than 9,000 worldwide and has an annual turnover of more than £1.1billion.  Unipart Group is a major force in logistics for blue-chip customers as well as being the UK’s largest independent supplier of car and truck parts.

The Unipart Logistics division provides technology logistics for Vodafone UK and BSkyB, retail logistics for Boots, Halfords, Homebase and Jessops, aerospace logistics for Airbus as well as managing worldwide logistics for all Jaguar aftermarket spares.