Taking stock

STANDFIRST: We catch up with Dave Broxton, Managing Director at Bohle, who explains how customers are benefitting from the company’s decision to invest in higher levels of core stock product, available ‘on the ground’ in the UK.  

FEATURE: “10 years ago, our product range extended to 17,000 items, with 6,500 products available from stock,” says Dave Broxton, Managing Director, Bohle.

“Today, our customers can access 2,500 stock items. That might sound like we’re giving them less choice, but the reality is that our offer was over complicated. We had dozens of different types of profile and hardware, but it was all very cluttered. There’s absolutely no need for 17 different types of putty knife for instance – you only need one!

“By streamlining our range, and by increasing the amount of product we hold in stock here in the UK, we are able to operate much more efficiently, with vastly improved lead times and ultimately, that’s allowed us to deliver a far better service to our customers.”

Bohle’s decision to bolster levels of stock items at its UK distribution centre, stems from its extensive pre-Brexit planning and a decision to introduce direct supply from its European HQ in Hann, Germany, instead of relying on deliveries as part of a European-wide distribution.

By maintaining high levels of core stock in the UK, Bohle has not only been able to offer a more secure supply chain but it has reduced lead times from 3-5 days to a maximum of 48-hours.

That has proved to be key in supporting customers respond to the unprecedented levels of high demand over the course of the pandemic, particularly from the retail sector, and with products such as the MasterTrack internal sliding door system and VetroMount balustrading system.

Developed by Bohle specifically for the growing residential and light commercial market, Vetromount has been designed to simplify balustrade installation, eliminating the requirement for specialist tools and reducing fixing costs.

Launched in the summer of 2021, MasterTrack ST is designed around the same pioneering carriage and unique hydraulic damper system as the popular MasterTrack internal sliding door, but applies it to a shower cubicle system.

“Our customers have been very busy since the middle of 2020, homeowners have diverted huge amounts of cash into upgrading their properties and products like MasterTrack ST and VetroMount have enabled our customers to fully capitalise on that,” says Dave.

“They are both very high-quality systems, they’re both easy to install and crucially, we have been in a position where we have been able to maintain a strong supply of them!”

Bohle has continued to increase the volume of product it holds in stock over the course of 2021 and into 2022, with customers able to place orders online, 24/7, for a comprehensive range of hardware, glass handling, cutting, glazing, tools and consumables.

“Being able to supply from stock is especially important when it comes to the availability of consumables,” explains Dave. “Our customers have been under a lot of pressure over the last 18 months or so, they don’t need the stress of having to wait for a week, or longer, for things like sealants or adhesive.

“But because we’ve increased our stock levels, they can order 200 litres of cutting fluid and they can have it in 48 hours on a standard delivery – or by 10am the next day if they need it sooner than that.

“We’re not completely immune from raw material shortages,” he continues. “The global supply of silicone for instance is causing problems in multiple industries, but we identified this as a potential issue early on, investing in additional stock of hybrid polymer adhesives and sealants, and we’re now in a much better position to manage our supply chain.

“The 2,500 items that we now hold in stock, represent the vast majority of our order volume,” concludes Dave. “However, we also have the flexibility to expand our offer, to invest in additional stock if we identify a requirement for it.

“we will also capitalize stock on non-standard for customers if they have a need such as a long term contract. That gives them reassurance especially if they have contract penalties.”

“Ultimately, we’re expecting demand – and wider supply chain issues – to continue well into 2022. Our ability to supply customers from stock, on short lead times, will help to ensure they continue to be well equipped to take advantage of these market conditions.”

For more about Bohle’s product and service offer visit www.bohle.com  email info@bohle.ltd.uk or call the customer services team free on 0800 616151 for more information.