After a six-month trial in a tender against stiff opposition from other carriers, Relay has been awarded a rolling one-year contract for the specialist distribution of photocopiers and MFPs (multi-functional printers) for Toshiba Tec UK Imaging Systems. The contract involves some 140 movements per week, either the collection, delivery or re-siting of equipment, with each movement ranging from one to 20 machines.
Richard Hester, Head of Operations for Toshiba Tec, explained that the contract predominantly involves dealing with Toshiba’s brand new set-up photocopiers and that it is difficult to find a logistics carrier with sufficient experience in this field. Relay was one of a handful of companies selected for the tender. “Precision equipment like this needs to be handled with experience and knowledge. We knew of Relay as a bespoke logistics carrier from previous Toshiba subsidiaries and were aware of their proven track record in this marketplace. They are also the preferred carrier for a number of Toshiba dealerships who provided glowing references.”
Collection of new equipment takes place at the Toshiba Tec warehouse in Milton Keynes for assignments across the UK mainland. Following the completion of the successful trial period in May 2012, Relay crews have been delivering and locating equipment on customer sites, configuring peripherals, performing the green button test to ensure that machines are functioning perfectly and conducting basic level training for customer staff.
“Relay has offered exemplary service in a market that’s notoriously difficult to please,” said Richard Hester. “Also, on the very rare occasion that an issue has arisen, the way that Relay has handled it has been first class.”