Thorntons WMS Implementation: Productivity Gains and Cost Savings

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WMS

Thorntons WMS Implementation: Productivity Gains and Cost Savings

Case study of Thorntons replacing legacy WMS with Manhattan Warehouse Management to support growth without added labor.

Published

June 4, 2026

Read time

3 min read

Source

Manhattan Associates

Thorntons, a UK confectionery manufacturer and retailer, implemented Manhattan Warehouse Management to modernize operations at its 140,000 sq ft Alfreton distribution center. The project replaced a 20-year-old system, integrated with Oracle manufacturing and custom ordering platforms, and went live ahead of peak season. Results included 11% volume growth, £100,000 annual savings, and faster temporary staff onboarding with no increase in permanent headcount.

Key takeaways

Replaced obsolete WMS with Manhattan solution integrated to Oracle and bespoke ordering systems

Handled 11% turnover growth from £180M to £200M without additional permanent staff

Achieved £100,000 cost savings in first year through productivity improvements

Reduced temporary worker training time by eliminating shadowing requirements

Implemented in six months with go-live timed for 40% seasonal volume peak

Market overview

SCR methodology note

Vendor landscape

Leaders

Implementation considerations

Important consideration

Original Source

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