Scores of kbb suppliers are returning to work as they open up their businesses anticipating a pent up demand as the government eases lockdown measures.
Much of the demand, suppliers say, comes from the construction industry as well as retailers.
All are stressing that safety of employees and customers is paramount and all government guidelines are being adhered to.
Just some of companies announcing a return to business include:
Caple – Normal communication resumed and delivery services reinstated from May 4.
“The safety of our employees and customers is paramount during this time,” said managing director Danny Lay (pictured). “So, we have been working hard behind the scenes, to put special measures in place, which will enhance health and safety for all. We want to reassure our customers, from house builders and kitchen retailers to architects and designers that you can gain full access to our entire portfolio of kitchen furniture, appliances, sinks and taps from Monday. We are in a very good position to meet the needs of every customer as we have plenty of available stock.”
Ideal Bathrooms – Running a reduced delivery service from its four depots from May 4.
“Since hitting pause on March 27t we have been closely monitoring the ever-changing situation and following government advice we have been able to make an informed decision as to when it was right for Ideal Bathrooms to begin trading again,” said commercial director Danielle Lillis. “Our sector plays a vital role in stimulating the economy and we recognise that many merchants and retailers are now increasing their activity levels and so we are pleased to once again open our doors and support our customers.”
JJO – Operational from May4, deliveries from May 11, allowing time to confirm or amend pending orders.
“We have an unchallenged reputation for supplying kitchen and bedroom furniture, complete from stock within as little as 48 hours,” said managing director Stephen Greenhalgh. “Due to the uncertainty of Brexit, then when the threat of Covid-19 started to appear, we acted quickly to acquire materials and component stocks. We are now ideally situated to supply from our £7M stock holding.”
Uform – Open from May 4 initially for ex-stock orders followed by painted orders which will be despatched from May 11 onwards.
“As the health and safety of our workforce continues to be our number one priority, particularly at this time, our re-opening will be on a reduced service basis,” said group managing director Simon Oliphant. “This will allow us to efficiently serve the needs of you and your customers. In order to ensure that we are able to do this, we are taking all the necessary steps in line with government guidelines which we continue to monitor daily. Through working with our premium supply chains, we have secured a strong level of stock and are ready to service your requirements.”
Mereway – Operating at a reduced capacity, started kitchen and bathroom production this week, with bedroom production resuming later this month.
“While we are delighted to be able to begin to fulfil orders from our retailers, our overriding concern and priority is the health and wellbeing of our staff, customers and suppliers,” said sales and marketing director Mark Mills. “We are confident the measures we have put in place will ensure safety and not impact on local resources. It seems a lifetime since we were at KBB in March launching our new Q-Line Kitchen and meeting our industry colleagues, and I sincerely hope it isn’t too long before we can all meet again, fit and well.”
RAK Ceramics – Fully operational and operating a 48-hour turnaround on all orders wherever possible.
“It is crucial that we put appropriate social distancing measures in place before we were able to resume operations on anywhere near a normal level and our staff have worked tirelessly over the last few weeks, under difficult circumstances, to make this happen,” said said Alvin Biggs, managing director and vice president Europe.
“While our normal 24-hour delivery service is not possible at the moment, we are able to offer a 48-hour extended service. Social distancing measures have been implemented in our warehouse, with shift pattern changes put in place to help keep everyone safe and our operations as close to normal as possible. I would like to thank all our customers for their continued understanding and patience during this time as we work out the best ways to get through this together.”