Aluminium fabricators are already faced with a wide range of imported systems, and Russell Yates, Managing Director at AluK, argues that increasing reliance on overseas supply is adding unnecessary complexity to the sector.
He highlights that while multi-sourcing may make sense in large commercial projects, it is becoming less practical in the trade sector, where simplicity and efficiency are critical to maintaining margins.
Yates said: “I appreciate that the market is challenging and that the promise of cheaper product from lower cost overseas environments can be tempting, but the best way to stay competitive when you’re under price pressure is to simplify your supply chain – not to complicate it.”
He points to rising imports of aluminium products into the UK and suggests that some fabricators are now working with multiple suppliers, increasing exposure to supply chain disruption and operational inefficiencies.
According to Yates, managing different lead times, shipping processes and order requirements can add cost and complexity, particularly when products are sourced internationally.
He said that quality and service issues can also be more difficult to resolve when products are manufactured overseas, potentially affecting delivery performance and customer satisfaction.
Yates added that cost pressures should instead be addressed through operational improvements such as adopting new technology, tightening cost controls and improving cashflow management.
He said working with a single UK-based systems company can simplify procurement and provide a more consistent and accountable supply chain.
Yates also outlined AluK’s approach to simplifying its product portfolio, focusing on core platforms that allow fabricators to reduce stockholding while maintaining flexibility across different project types.
By Russell Yates, Managing Director, AluK
