Transformational logistics for Antalis

About Antalis

Antalis UK & Ireland stands as a leading supplier of papers, packaging, and visual communication materials, offering an extensive portfolio of over 10,500 products. Serving more than 10,000 customers, the company operates regional sales offices and warehouses servicing customers with their dedicated team members. Antalis is committed to sustainability - a Gold rating from EcoVadis places Antalis among the top 5% of all evaluated businesses for sustainability performance. This means the company has demonstrated strong environmental, social, and ethical practices. With a focus on customer service and environmental responsibility.

Antalis Group operates in 32 countries across Europe, North and South America, serving over 100,000 customers, and is part of KPP Group Holdings, the worldwide leader in the distribution of papers, packaging and visual communications.

Addressing the everyday challenges

Like any merchant, Antalis UK faces the challenge of delivering products to customers with maximum efficiency while maintaining exceptional service.

In 2018, Antalis UK managed its distribution in-house but recognised that fluctuating demand made outsourcing a more cost-effective solution. This led them to seek a logistics partner to optimise their supply chain and enhance operational efficiency.

Nicholas Thompson, Managing Director for Antalis UK and Ireland, tells us more about this process:

During my search for a logistics partner, I engaged with several providers, but Gregory Group stood out. From our first discussions, it was clear we shared a strong cultural alignment - putting people and customers at the heart of what we do. Their commitment to health and safety, sustainable growth, and continuous improvement mirrored our own priorities. This synergy made them the obvious choice for a partnership built on shared values and a drive to deliver exceptional service.

Transitioning to a new way of working

Having previously managed the supply chain themselves, outsourcing their logistics was a major shift in business strategy. Added to this was the drive to better serve customers by consolidating some of their distribution sites. There was a lot to achieve as the new partnership began and Daniel Marshall, Supply Chain Director for Antalis UK, tells us more about those early days:

Initially there was a period where we had to understand one another from an operational point of view. Gregory Group had to learn our goals and we had to discuss what was possible and in what timescales. But we were quickly up and running and began transitioning sites across. All transitions went well, service levels remained high, and each project was delivered very successfully.
From the outset we worked hard to make our logistics as responsive to customers and as cost effective as possible. We worked in real partnership, consolidating smaller sites into larger entities, and all of these decisions resulted in a better cost to serve.

Nicholas recalls the first conversations that led to these efficiency improvements. Conversations that continue today in the same way.

At a senior level, the Gregory Group team took the time to truly understand our operations, challenging our approach and driving meaningful improvements. It quickly became more than just a business relationship - it became personal, in the best possible way. Gregory Group is not just a logistics provider; you’re a team of people who instinctively understand us. From day one, you’ve brought solutions to the table, not just problems, always offering a range of well-considered options rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Every discussion is open, never predetermined, with full transparency on costs. That level of honesty and collaboration has built immense trust - we know that at the core of everything you do is a commitment to our customers.

Always evolving the logistics solution

Our partnership with Antalis UK has continuously evolved over the years. The logistics solution we provide today is significantly different from the one we implemented in 2018. Beyond consolidating operations and driving cost efficiencies, we have introduced new technologies to further enhance efficiency. More recently, we have supported Antalis UK on their sustainability journey - a strategic direction that is increasingly important to both Antalis UK and their customers.

Dan gives us an overview of some of these projects:

We bought into the technology you use, and everything is integrated in terms of the SAP transactions. We also had some big system changes ourselves and the Gregory Group team were fully part of that process. As with any system change, there were some challenging times, but both teams worked together to deliver the ultimate goal.
More recently, you’ve brought the environmental impact to the table. We are now using LNG and Electric Vehicles. While this is only the beginning, it’s another example of our strong partnership. We have open conversations about all factors, including the cost. It’s very much a two-way street with open discussions to get to the right answer.

The key factors responsible for our successful partnership

To summarise, we asked Nicholas and Dan what they felt were the key ingredients that made our partnership such a success. Here is what they said:

Nicholas:

You genuinely want our business to be successful, and you know what is needed to make that happen. The honest and open conversations we have continuously drive positive change. I always hold our working relationship up as one of the best business partnerships I’ve ever had.

Dan:

There is an understanding at every level in terms of what needs to be achieved. I’ve always felt valued, and the operations teams feel the same with the engagement we have with your team. Gregory Group always listen and comes back with an answer. It is a partnership that works with respect and understanding on both sides.