Expansion was the name of the game for Marathon Warehouse Distribution in 2018. PMF visited the company’s national distribution centre in Redditch to see what changes have been made, and what the plans are for this year.
“2018 saw some big changes to the independent aftermarket, with consolidation occurring faster than ever. This consolidation is likely to continue for some time yet, which comes with huge challenges for suppliers,” says Marathon’s Director of Sales & Marketing, Colin Fisher “Suppliers need to ensure that their products continue to get to market – just because we have business today, does not mean that the same business will be there tomorrow.”
For a distribution company, making sure customers have the products they need requires several things, and very high on the list is having a range of in-demand brands in stock, ready to be delivered in the shortest time possible. So, for an independent wholesale distributor like Marathon, keeping on top of a growing market means that ever-constant expansion is vital.
Making space
In 2018, Marathon opened two new warehouses at Warrington and Gateshead, and most recently, expanded the site of the company’s national distribution centre in Redditch, which has been grown from 150,000 to 170,000ft2 through the extension of two mezzanine floors in the larger of the two warehouses on site. In real terms, this has enabled Marathon to consolidate all of the 300,000+ exhaust units held at Redditch into one warehouse, thus freeing up space in the second warehouse for additional racking, enabling them to stock new brands and additional products.
New names
Reputable brands Dayco and Kilen Springs are just two examples of the recent supplier partnerships Marathon has entered into. As of November 2018, the company began distributing Dayco’s belt kits, tensioners, idlers and water pump kits. Kilen’s full spring range was launched on 1 January of this year.
The full list of recently added brands includes:
- Kilen Springs – Coil Springs, Leaf Springs, Gas Springs
- Dayco – Timing Belt Kits, Water Pump Kits, Belts & Tensioners
- Trico – Exact Fit & Flex Ranges of Wiper Blades
- WAI – Rotating Electrics, Window Regulators, Wiper Motors, Ignition Coils & MAF Sensors
- NK – Braking Components, Wheel Bearings, Shock Absorbers
- GT Automotive – Torsional Vibrational Dampers
- Dunlop – Air Suspension Components
Colin makes the point that the list is ever growing, and that we can expect to see more in 2019. He continues, “Our huge, growing customer base and service offers aftermarket manufacturers substantial exposure and business opportunities on a daily basis.” The latest components are catalogued on Marathon’s Empower system, searchable via part number or vehicle registration.
Out the door
It’s all very well having products in stock, but having a quick and efficient delivery system is the final piece of the puzzle.
Marathon added to its delivery network – which now comprises over 1,800 motor factor and accessory shop delivery points across the UK – and fleet in 2018, and will continue to do so this year. “We are now able to offer a fast and frequent same-day service to motor factors within a delivery area covering 85% of the total UK population, via 14 strategically located regional distribution centres,” says Colin.
When asked about additional distribution centres, Colin says that whilst nothing has been confirmed, there are advanced discussions taking place on at least two more warehouses, in the South-West and in Scotland.
