As well as  its extensive product range, the bilstein group also gave visitors to its stand at Automechanika Birmingham a preview of its brand new state of the art UK and Ireland distribution centre which is due to go live at Markham Vale in Derbyshire early next year.

The new facility is totally purpose built and will bring together the febi, SWAG and Blue Print brands in one location in the UK for the first time. The 224,966 sq ft distribution create will also create some 400 jobs. 

The bilstein group, can trace it origins back to 1844 when Ferdinand Bilstein first established the company. Today it operates three high profile and highly successful global aftermarket brands from its German base in Ennepetal. This includes both a manufacturing facility and massive automated logistics centre, acknowledged as one of the most effective logistic operations in the market. This has provided much of the inspiration for the Markham Vale development.

Located just off the junction 29A of the M1 in Derbyshire the new facility will integrate distribution for the brands under one roof leading to improved services and economies of scale. The centre will used a computer optimised and highly automated process to provide customers in the UK and Ireland with their orders in the shortest possible time. It will be a 24 hour facility and when operational its efficiency will mean faster order turnaround and unparallel availability allowing customers to confidently develop their own optimum stock profiles.

The initial build on the site is now complete and the complex system of pallet and tote storage and automated conveyers is now being installed.

Paul Dodgson, Operations Director at Ferdinand Bilstein said, "Markham Vale offers excellent transport links for our distribution requirements. The new relocation will allow us to expand our company further and develop new opportunities.”