Safer framework around operations

Since 1970, the family business Vangbo has imported goods from American manufacturers and distributed them to industries such as transport, industry and marine on the Norwegian and Scandinavian markets.

For a long time, the large and varied inventory, consisting of everything from small hose clamps to large and heavy pipes, was handled internally with storage in the company’s warehouse at Kløfta.

In 2019, owner and general manager Terje Vangbo, on the other hand, saw his average in getting slightly more secure frameworks around the operation, and freeing up the company a little more when it came to storage and distribution. He therefore began to look for opportunities to transfer the inventory to an external player. There was just one problem:

– Initially, we thought it was impossible to get rid of a stock that was characterized by so much variety when it comes to selection and needs, says Vangbo.

Put away the inventory – and moved after

The importer nevertheless chose to try his luck, and eventually found two potential candidates. In the end, the choice fell on 3PL Solutions.

– What was most crucial for us was seriousness. PL Solutions came across as very solution-oriented, accommodating and customer-friendly. In addition, the storage facilities at Skjetten were very conveniently located, explains Vangbo.

The location was so favorable that in October 2019, just one month after entering into the agreement with 3PL Solutions, Vangbo chose to move the company’s office to the same premises in Hvamsvingen 4.

Has delivered beyond all expectations

Even after the agreement had been concluded, Vangbo had his doubts that someone outside the company would be able to handle the wide range of goods in a good way.

– I thought it would be a bit of a mess, at least at the start, and that it would be a problem that we have so many different products.

3PL Solutions has delivered beyond all expectations. The management and all employees have been positive throughout, and have facilitated the best possible flow of goods in and out of their warehouse. Now we have a very good structure for things and everything runs smoothly, he says.

He was also impressed by the establishment process where employees from 3PL Solutions took part in inventory, unpacking and transport from old to new location.

– I think that is descriptive of them as a partner. If a challenge arises along the way, 3PL Solutions is always solution-oriented, and takes on the task with a smile.

An advantage we have not had before

After a year and a half of collaboration, Terje Vangbo is well satisfied and not least with the timing of the agreement.

– The collaboration gives us much more security, especially now that we work from a home office. 3PL Solutions takes care of the warehouse regardless of whether we are physically in the office or at home, and that is an advantage we have not had before. As the situation is now, it is clear that we put away the warehouse at the very right time, he states.

Vangbo compares the outsourcing of warehouse services to leaving the accounts to an accounting firm.

– It’s not what we most want to do, and we really don’t have time for it either. 3PL Solutions has a finely honed machinery around this, so why not let them take care of it? We envision a long and good collaboration with them, concludes Vangbo.