Collaboration Key to Supply Chain Success, says Ibstock

THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY is playing a significant part in Britain’s economic survival through the pandemic crisis. However, the huge surge in demand for building products means closer supply chain collaboration is vital to ensure sustained and achievable growth.

As demand from developers and merchants increases, manufacturers are having to gear up production speed accordingly.

Full production

Tim Wright, Managing Director of Ibstock Concrete’s building products division, said: “The buoyant housing market, fuelled by stamp duty cuts, is great news for everyone involved in the sector.  However, this increased pressure on the supply chain, at a time when manufacturers are adapting to new ways of working, has led to some availability challenges, so it’s never been more important for effective collaboration.

“At Ibstock Concrete, supporting our developer and merchant customers and working in partnership with them is our number one priority.  So, we are pleased to announce that our nationwide network of facilities is now back up to full production following lockdown, and we are working extremely hard to ensure our customers have access to the levels of stock they require to help get Britain building again.”

Ibstock Concrete is a manufacturer of concrete building products, supplying a range of solutions into the market from its Supreme, Forticrete, Anderton and Longley brands.  This includes concrete fence posts, beam and block flooring, roof tiles, cast stone, walling stone and architectural masonry products for the residential and commercial markets.

Tim continued: “The construction sector has a vital role to play in Britain’s economic recovery.  Whilst the industry quite rightly remains cautious despite the current property boom, there are positive signs the supply chain as a whole is adapting well to the new normal.

Supply chain communication

“What’s important now is that we continue to work together and communicate effectively to ensure this growth is sustained.  Coronavirus has ultimately changed the face of the construction sector but this can only be a good thing.  For many, this has meant assessing and reviewing business operations and looking at ways to work better and smarter.

“At Ibstock Concrete, not only have we been working in close collaboration with our customers and in line with Government guidelines on hygiene and distancing, but we’ve also looked at how we can become an easier company to do business with.  Some restructuring has had to take place, but we believe these changes ensure we are now well positioned and prepared for the future.”

Part of Ibstock Concrete’s succession planning includes a number of senior appointments, with Chris Piper taking up the position as Ibstock Concrete’s Sales Director for Housing, and Gavin Hoe being appointed as Sales Director for Merchants.

Tim concluded: “Chris and Gavin’s roles are integral in overseeing Ibstock Concrete’s extensive range of solutions for the housebuilding and merchant sectors respectively.  Our aim is to give our customers a single point of contact for multiple product solutions, adding value to the service we provide through a more integrated, market-led approach.”