Insight

In spite of the challenges distribution companies are facing, Apex Stainless has been committed to working closely with its customers to offer a high-level service, a wide product range, and competitive pricing, which it states has been fundamental to its success.

David Vahter, managing director at Apex Stainless Fasteners Ltd, explains: “From a logistical point of view, just like for everyone else, these past two years have been a bumpy ride. We have mitigated the risk by not putting ‘all our eggs in the same basket’, which is something we avoid thanks to having sufficient volume to distribute across our supplier base. Having said that, of course we had had our challenges which has had an impact on our stock levels.”

Apex Stainless is one of the UK’s largest wholesaler of stainless steel fasteners and one of the leading specialist stainless steel fastener sources in Europe. The company has in excess of 4,000 tonnes of inventory and offers A2 (304) and A4 (316) stainless steel fasteners in metric, unified and imperial thread form, including non-standard products and sizes.

“As a wholesaler you can imagine the market challenges we are currently facing, which have created a very uneven demand and shortages at the very same time. Where we would have had well equipped stock of certain ranges, we would then see sudden splurges as others in the trade has run out, and vice versa. Couple that with lockdowns in countries where certain ranges are produced and there’s a proper shortage,” points out David. “However, thanks to its sales team, which is one of the most experienced, dedicated and efficient in Europe, we have been able to provide the best service possible to ensure customer satisfaction.”

David continues: “However, we need to be frank. There is not a chance that a business can absorb record high-levels of nickel, energy and an inflation at its highest level in 40 years. We try to be as sensible as possible but at some point, it all boils down to increased market prices of, as in our case, stainless steel fasteners. Our consistency and strength of growth has been firmly rooted in our knowledge – penetrative knowledge of the product, its raw materials and its global supply base – as well as our transparency with customers, with both proving crucial over the last two years.”

Another key part of Apex’ development that has enabled it to stay at the forefront of the industry has been its focus on ‘offering more’ to customers. “This is underlined by our focus on digitisation and sustainability, which are big topics in the market right now,” reports David. “At Apex we are committed to the SBTI targets and as such one of our goals is to reduce our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emission to zero by 2031,” proudly states David.

To reach this goal, the company has changed the way it packs its goods, using more recycled materials and paper-based materials. Its first electrical company car has also been ordered, along with a commitment that its electricity comes from clean sources without the use of any coal or oil. In terms of digitalisation, Apex is also currently working on several projects including one implemented in its warehouse, which has increased its capacity by 20% while reducing laden time by up to 50%.

“Looking ahead to the future and there’s quite a few things in motion for us at the moment. As far as the market goes, I believe we have started to see a trend of European manufacturers wanting their supply chain in closer proximity. Those heavily reliant on Far East sourcing only will start to reconsider their strategies and move to a different split going forward,” concludes David.