Sit Down with Bowker's COMAH Warehousing Director James Ganley

Bowker specialise in the storage and distribution of hazardous materials, working with some of world’s leading chemical manufacturers and distributors. As one of the UK’s largest independent 3PL chemical warehouse operators the portfolio of COMAH warehousing consists of over 70,000 pallet locations.

James Ganley, Director of COMAH Warehousing, oversees the operation and has accumulated a wealth of experience within the sector. We spent some time with him to find out how he got involved initially and establish what sets Bowker apart from the competition.

What experiences or factors influenced your interest in logistics and led you to explore this field further?

Supply Chain Management was an interest of mine at university, and I was very keen to learn about the processes behind it, and how companies maximise results from this. Ultimately, the sheer scale and efficiency required to manage large and complex operations showcased warehousing as a dynamic and challenging field, where precision and attention to detail were paramount. Through the years of being involved, there have been many challenges and changes, such as adapting to the new ecommerce environment and the ever-improving digital security standards. So, every day has always been different and has brought new elements to the services we provide, Bowker have always been very forward looking with the methods and technology we choose to invest in, so it has been a very enjoyable experience to be able to be able to learn the new skills required as well as growing with the company into my current role.

How does Bowker prioritise health and safety in the warehousing and distribution of ADR products?

At Bowker, Health and Safety is our number one priority. When it comes to handling materials which are subject to the various regulatory regimes, there's absolutely no room for compromise. We implement stringent safety protocols and ensure that all staff members undergo comprehensive training to handle these materials safely and efficiently. Our COMAH Warehousing facilities are equipped with a number of additional features which you would not see at a ‘normal’ warehouse, and we conduct regular safety audits to identify and address potential risks proactively. Our teams are well-versed in handling emergency situations should they arise. Additionally, we regularly review and update our safety procedures to stay compliant with the latest regulations and industry best practices.

We also maintain a fleet of ADR-compliant vehicles that are purposefully designed and equipped to transport hazardous materials safely. These vehicles undergo regular inspections and maintenance to ensure they meet the highest safety standards, and our drivers are trained beyond statutory requirements. We continue at Bowker to go above and beyond with our facilities, showing our commitment and dedication to offering the highest standard of service.

What sets Bowker apart from other 3PL providers when it comes to warehousing and distributing Hazardous Materials?

We invest significantly in our infrastructure and technology. Our warehousing facilities are purpose-built to accommodate hazardous materials, with safety measures integrated into their design. We utilise advanced tracking and monitoring systems to maintain real-time visibility of shipments, ensuring their safety and security throughout the supply chain.

Our commitment to personalised service sets us apart. We have always understood that each client's needs may differ, so we tailor our solutions to meet their specific requirements. This customer-centric approach has earned us long-lasting partnerships and a reputation for reliability.

How does experience play a crucial role in the success of Bowker's COMAH warehousing and distribution services?

Experience is absolutely key in our line of work. When dealing with hazardous materials, there is very little room for error. The extensive experience of our team allows us to navigate complex regulations, anticipate potential challenges, and proactively implement safety measures to prevent accidents or incidents.

Through years of handling various hazardous substances, we have fine-tuned our processes, making them efficient and ensuring the highest level of safety at all times. Our experienced staff knows how to identify and mitigate risks effectively, and this expertise contributes significantly to the smooth and secure operation of our warehousing and distribution services.

The Regulatory and Commercial landscape which sits around these kinds of materials, as we have talked about earlier, is constantly changing and growing with environmental safety and sustainability moving to the fore in recent years. This means our specialist experience and our acquired institutional knowledge is key in staying abreast of these changes whilst at the same time continuing to maintain the highest levels of safety and service.