In this interview, we speak to Bunzl in-house expert Ross Dillon about his work with custom hotel fit-outs within the Catering Industry.
Tell us a
bit about your background.
I initially worked as
a sales rep marketing tableware products to the hospitality industry, but I
kept being drawn into the larger hotel market which required a whole new
plethora of product, expertise and challenges. Fifteen years ago I made a
career change and became involved in the OS&E [operating supplies and
equipment] hotel fit-out process.
How would you describe the work of the National Projects Team?
National Projects works with owners, operators and/or FF&E [furniture, fixtures and equipment] and OS&E procurement companies to assist in the selection of operating products within the budget parameters provided.
What sort
of products are we talking about?
We specialise in
tableware; kitchen and bar utensils; hollowware and buffet programs; in-room
dining and banquet equipment (including mobile cooking stations); front- and
back-of-house trollies; bed and bath linen; cleaning and hygiene equipment;
guest room amenities and consumables… and more!
For a hotel, what’s the advantage in using your team for a fit-out?
Bunzl becomes a single source in the many product categories we specialise in where our clients can “look, feel, touch” our extensive range. Our clients are then able to make considered decisions and select their requirements with our help and guidance.
We have a very experienced team in place behind the scenes that facilitate the end to end project management and complexity of order placement, supply chain management, receipting, consolidating & packing by outlet in preparation for delivery to site.
We also allocate resources to be on site at time of delivery to assist in the receipting process so that any issue that may arise is rectified quickly, including risk assessments and liaising with builders and union representatives.
We’re able to assist in implementing staff training to ensure that the product ordered is well maintained and used as specified. We’re also able to provide ongoing replenishment programs with online platforms for easy resupply of catering and consumable items.
Can you tell us about a recent project?
Yes, the newly opened Star Mountain Plaza Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. We invited the hotel’s general manager as well as Hilton’s Interior Designer and the Project Manager to our Sydney Innovation Centre. In one day we selected the majority of all of the operating equipment to open and run this hotel, which we consolidated in our Enfield warehouse and then delivered in containers to PNG. This was a seamless process, with the absolute best desired outcome for all parties. The supply program was delivered within budget and on time, which has led to additional fit-out projects with Hilton.
Contact Ross with your custom fit-out requirements, email: Ross.Dillon@bunzl.com.au
