To combat price rises to the aftermarket, Klarius has relied on its UK stock of exhaust systems, components and accessories; however, as well-reported, the continuing rises in global energy costs are now being compounded by direct sanctions on trade with Russia, which is also pushing up raw materials costs for the manufacturing industry. This means price rises are set to continue – but are being kept to a minimum:
“Conflict has translated into energy and raw material supply issues, which is causing price rises across all markets,” said Klarius CEO, Mark Brickhill.
“For industries particularly reliant on energy, like steel, this has caused an exponential rise in prices. As we use highquality steel and aluminium to produce our type-approved aftermarket exhausts, we are directly affected, which means we are raising prices, but only by a small proportion compared to the energy and commodity markets.”
Strong position
Klarius said its position as a UK manufacturer has allowed it to absorb the worst of commodity price rises. Less reliant than the European Union market on energy exports from Eastern Europe, the UK has avoided the worst effects of supply issues with natural gas and oil.
Furthermore, large stockholdings of raw materials and finished products at Klarius ensure that it is not as badly affected by global logistics issues, offering robust localised production.
Klarius reported that its lean manufacturing principles optimise material usage and enable economical production, with these cost advantages being passed directly to its customers.
Mark added: “As well as using our unique position to absorb the worst of energy and commodity market fluctuations, we are also working closely with our key suppliers to ensure we have exactly what we need. We are thankful to our trusted partners who are supporting us in minimising the impact of current conditions, which is also helping us improve vertical integration across our supply chain.
“Our customers can be assured they will still have access to the quality, availability and nextmorning delivery that defines our service. We are closely monitoring the situation and will react accordingly to safeguard our customers as market conditions stabilise.”
“At our Staffordshire manufacturing base, we have extensive warehouse capacity, holding over 130,000 items ready for immediate dispatch. The complete range covers over 11,000 parts and provides solutions for over 24 million vehicles on UK roads,” said James Ellison, sales director at Klarius.
Stock levels for both popular and niche components are maintained through demand driven manufacturing – in short, they are topped up as needed. This ensures total availability across the entire range and the same short lead times for every part – whether you’re after an exhaust for a modern Renault or an old Saab!
Klarius possesses exhausts, catalytic converters, diesel particulate filters and bespoke mountings available to fit vehicles of almost any make, model and age.
Next day delivery times are possible thanks to the company’s in-house logistics operation, AutoLogistiks. It can distribute stock to customer facilities nationwide, thanks to a dedicated van fleet.
Regular new-to-range updates
This range of aftermarket exhausts is constantly growing too. Klarius is continually introducing new components for the latest models, sometimes on a daily basis, with a handy list of new to range parts released every month.
All products are developed and tested in-house, with every applicable part independently type-approved with the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) in the UK and the TÜV in Europe.
Doug Bentley, head of research and development at Klarius, said: “Rigorous quality standards mean that every part in range matches or exceeds the performance levels of the original equipment manufacturers’ item. All Klarius products (are) available with a two-year warranty and a fit first time guarantee as standard. Our customers not only get speed and choice, but exceptional quality too.”
