Coronavirus: Truckman adapts to ensure stock availability

Truckman has increased its warehousing capacity to manage imported stock during the coronavirus lockdown.

With more than 900 hardtops and accessories already in its long-lead supply chain prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the West Midlands-based supplier of hardtops and 4x4 accessories has adapted to ensure the stock is secure and available when restrictions are lifted and orders are placed.

The stock, which is being transported from the Far East is being stored in 12,000 sq ft of temporary storage space in Dudley to provide additional capacity alongside Truckman’s existing 112,000 square feet of warehouse at its nearby headquarters. 

Truckman’s main warehouse is also used to store its UK-made hardtops manufactured at its production facility.

It is expected the additional properties, which are on short-term leases, will be vacated approximately six to ten weeks after the easing of the lockdown as the company begins to fulfil new orders.

Mike Wheeler (pictured), executive chairman of Truckman, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has created several challenges for businesses, including managing supply chains. 

“We have had six weeks of stock coming in the UK with minimal sales demand as a result of the lockdown, which is why we have had to adapt and respond quickly with temporary warehousing space. 

“Our orders for these products were placed in the months before the pandemic, and it was important that the stock was stored safely whilst we wait for demand to return.

“We are confident that demand will return for our products, both from the commercial sectors we work with such as off-highway industries where activity is beginning to resume, but also from private customers when an increase in vehicle sales begins.”