Exel signs two U.K. logistics contracts

Exel signs two U.K. logistics contracts    London-based Exel said Monday it has signed two contracts to provide logistics services in the United Kingdom.
   B&Q, a do-it-yourself retailer in Europe, signed a five-year contract with Exel for an 800,000-square-foot semi-automated distribution center in Worksop, Nottinghamshire.
   The '65 million distribution center will handle B&Q's core product ranges, including hardware, tools, and electrical and plumbing accessories to more than 300 U.K. stores. B&Q expects the facility to open in late 2005, with a start-up phase to be complete by summer 2006.
   The company aims to expand the distribution center to 1 million square feet, said Dave Lowther, director of logistics for B&Q.
   The contract also covers transport operations making inter-depot and local store deliveries.
   Exel also signed a four-year contract with WHS Halo to operate the window extruder's Birmingham storage facility.