Case Study: Optimising Combe’s Australian Supply Chain

How uTenant helped Combe review and run a tender process to optimise their Australian supply chain logistics partnerships.

Combe Asia-Pacific (“Combe”) is a privately-held family business that’s been in operation since 1949. Ivan Combe launched the company with the idea of making products that address the unmet needs of consumers in categories that either didn’t yet exist, or that big companies simply ignored.

Combe has a proven track record of successful category and brand development, having created disruptive brands including Clearasil, Odor-Eaters, Just For Men and Vagisil.

Business type: Global personal care product manufacturer

Industry: Fast moving consumer goods (FMCG)

Company size: 500 employees worldwide, with 150 located in White Plains, New York

Location: Global, with head office located in White Plains, New York

Background

In 2024, Combe engaged uTenant to manage a Request for Proposal (“RFP”) process and conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis for their outsourced national logistics operations. With a focus on domestic warehousing, management of domestic transport services, and export fulfilment, the objective was to assess the market and ensure Combe’s logistics strategy remained competitive and aligned with future growth plans.

The challenge

Combe required a comprehensive evaluation of their current third-party logistics (3PL) provider to ensure optimal cost efficiency, service levels, and alignment with business needs. Key factors included:

• Conducting a seamless RFP process while maintaining operational continuity.
• Finding a logistics provider that could offer scalable and cost-effective solutions.
• Ensuring compliance with high service level agreements.
• Addressing potential inefficiencies in warehousing and transport management.

uTenant's approach

uTenant leveraged its expertise in supply chain and logistics to design and execute a structured RFP process, ensuring competitive proposals from leading logistics providers. The process involved:

• Market research & supplier shortlisting: Identifying and engaging credible 3PL providers with proven capabilities.
• RFP development & distribution: Crafting a detailed RFP document that outlined Combe’s requirements, evaluation criteria, and desired outcomes.
• Supplier evaluation & analysis: Assessing proposals based on cost structures, service capabilities, operational efficiencies, and technology integration.
• Negotiation & decision support: Providing Combe with a data-driven comparative analysis to inform the final selection.

"We are a lean team and thus really needed, not only supply chain subject matter experts, but the support and resource to efficiently manage the process. uTenant delivered on all of this and more. Efficient and easy to work with, I recommend them highly."

– Mark Davis, Director & General Manager APAC - Combe.

The outcome

Following a rigorous evaluation process, Combe elected to renew its contract with its existing 3PL provider. However, through uTenant’s involvement, Combe was able to secure significant improvements, including:

• Enhanced service levels: A more robust service level agreement (SLA) with clear performance metrics and accountability measures.
• Operational efficiencies: More streamlined processes for warehousing, transport, and export fulfilment.
• Cost optimisation: Competitive pricing negotiations resulting in improved cost-effectiveness for logistics operations.

Conclusion

By partnering with uTenant, Combe successfully navigated the complexities of evaluating and optimising its logistics partnerships. The process not only reinforced Combe’s commitment to operational excellence but also secured a logistics framework that supports its long-term growth objectives.

This case study exemplifies how uTenant’s structured approach to supply chain solutions can drive tangible business benefits, ensuring companies like Combe make informed and strategic logistics decisions.

Need to review your supply chain logistics? Partner with a someone who actually cares about helping optimise your business.

Published: 5 May 2025