Wincanton, a provider of contract logistics and supply chain services, has been awarded a new logistics contract in France by brewery company InBev.

In France, Inbev markets and sells brands including Leffe, Hoegaarden, Stella Artois and Jupiter. In line with the group's strategy to focus on its core business activities, InBev has opted to outsource its primary logistics activities in France.

Initially, Inbev's site in Armentieres will be retained, with a plan to develop a new facility by 2010. This new site will be based around 3km from the existing location.

Currently, 57 people are working at the site, which operates 24 hours per day, five days per week. Wincanton will be responsible for handling the loading and unloading of trucks, with tight turnaround requirements often as short as only one hour to handle a truck, with up to 150 trucks per day.

Jan Depotter, logistics director for InBev in France, said: "We selected Wincanton to manage our business because of their comprehension and capacity to listen to our requirements during the consultation process, as well as for their ability to anticipate future challenges."