Pipe and bar distributor doubles cutting capacity

In 2006, a specialist tube, pipe and bar distributor completed a major investment programme in Middlesbrough, UK, reorganising its warehousing space and doubling cutting capacity.

Specialist tube, pipe and bar distributor Van Leeuwen Wheeler has responded to an expanding customer base in the North East by opening a new sales office at its Middlesbrough, UK warehouse.

Last year, the company completed a major investment programme in Middlesbrough, which saw the reorganisation of its 100,000ft2 of warehousing space and doubling of its cutting capacity.

In addition to its existing ranges of bar and pipe for the hydraulic and pneumatic, mechanical engineering and special welded tube markets, Van Leeuwen Wheeler also created a dedicated facility for the fluid power industry.

This includes the addition of two new dedicated cutting machines designed to cut hardened materials for hydraulics applications.

Orders for the North East were previously handled by the company's Bury sales office, but substantial growth has prompted the creation of an additional sales office specifically serving customers in the region.

Sales manager Dave Abernethy explained: "The whole purpose of the reorganisation in Middlesbrough was to boost customer service in the North of England and Scotland.

One result has been a substantial growth in our customer base in the North East which we have responding to by creating a local commercial presence.

This will enable us to build on our service levels by aligning our regional sales operation more closely with our stockholding facilities to focus exclusively on our coverage in the region.

Van Leeuwen Wheeler offers deliveries of product from its UK stocks within a turnround maximum of three to five working days, with the additional capability of calling off product from its parent group's major stockholding facilities in the Netherlands.

In addition, the Middlesbrough warehouse offers a fast flexible service for local customers who can place their order and collect within 24h.

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