SNS assists UBC and Pepsi with improving their logistics operation in Kuwait

United Beverage Company K.S.C.C. was established in 1954 in Kuwait. It currently manufactures sells and distributes Pepsi Products, Aquafina purified water and Tropicana juice in all regions in Kuwait, as well as some foreign countries in the Gulf. United Beverage is now the largest carbonated soft drinks distributor in Kuwait, with a market share of over 75%.

UBC operates from a main facility, of approximately 14,000 square meters, split into a distribution center and a main manufacturing plant for finished goods. The distribution center includes a loading yard and several large and small chambers for the storage of raw materials and finished goods. In addition, UBC operates three satellite warehouses close to the main facility used for storing excess amounts of raw materials as well as a spare parts storage area with a garage for a fleet of more than 200 trucks.

SNS' study consisted of reviewing the current supply chain processes and the underlying infrastructure at UBC, detailing the challenges and difficulties observed. The objective behind this review was to provide potential solutions that will allow UBC to remove operational bottle-necks, optimize its supply network and streamline its logistics activities.

The study was conducted on three levels:

Operations, Infrastructure and Organization. All warehouse operations including Receiving, QC, Putaway, Cycle Counting, Replenishment, Picking, Loading as well as Shipping were investigated at full depth based on SNS' vast experience in warehousing and logistics. Warehouse and Racking, Man-Handling-Equipment and IT Systems were also assessed to validate their suitability for the United Beverage Operation. Finally, the organizational structure was reviewed and changes were proposed to cater for the future growth of UBC's business.

"We are more than pleased to have successfully completed this project with United Beverage and Pepsi in Kuwait,"

said Mario Ghosn, General Manager of SNS.

"We believe that this exercise has resulted in a strong partnership between both companies and laid the foundation for a fruitful future relationship." he added.