Demand for hardtops drives auto company’s HQ expansion

Dudley-based Truckman, the manufacturer and supplier of hardtops and 4×4 accessories, has invested in additional warehousing and distribution space at its headquarters to meet growing customer demand.

With order levels increasing and to adapt its stock control of a selection of its manufactured and imported products, Truckman has added an additional 19,000 sq ft to its warehousing with the creation of a new mezzanine floor.

Having previously rented additional temporary warehousing in 2020 at a facility close to its Dudley factory, the company has now expanded its permanent stock holding capability to over 135,000 sq ft.

Most of the additional space will be used to hold Truckman’s range of hardtops as well as roller tonneau covers and drawer systems, ahead of distribution to motor dealerships, commercial fleet and retail customers around the country.

The company said the expansion also creates additional capacity for increased stock holding of imported vehicle accessories to prevent any gaps in supply as a result of congestion in the shipping sector caused by the coronavirus pandemic and Brexit.

Mike Wheeler, executive chairman of Truckman, said: “We have seen increased demand for our product range, and in particular our range of hardtops, which are market leaders in both commercial and leisure markets and has led to the need to further expand our warehousing capacity.

“With a strong order book, we have increased interest from sectors including the utilities market and construction, as a result of an increased focus on infrastructure projects, as well as leisure customers who are investing in their vehicles for staycations.”