LB Foster mechanises fashion returns at Clipper's Selby DC

Designed to handle fashion online returns under the Clipper ‘Boomerang' brand, the mechanisation project includes conveyor systems for totes and 125 work stations.

Clipper's Selby DC is a multi-user retail logistics site with a dedicated area for fashion returns. The majority of the returns merchandise arrives at Selby via an array of parcel carriers who bring in parcels from world-wide locations. Since start up the operation has handled a peak season with over 400 team members processing merchandise. The facility has tremendous flex capacity, and could easily handle over 30-40 million returns a year. The returned goods include clothing, footwear, jewellery and accessories.

Paul Heaton, Head of Operational Support for Clipper says: "We invited a number of businesses to tender for this materials handling project. We selected LB Foster because their solution was both well designed and competitively priced.

"Initially we had planned to process 250,000 returns in a peak week however the shared user success of "Boomerang", the Clipper returns solution, has created a reality of closer to 500,000 at the Selby site. LB Foster proved their flexibility by accommodating this raised throughput, reviewing the design and layout of the system, adding in an extra conveyor and additional workbenches. This allowed us to plan the capacity to handle the extra units whilst sticking to the original project deadline."