One of the Worlds largest Castor and Wheel manufacturers, Wicke GmBh, have launched their new online ordering platform. Accessed via the main Wicke website at www.wicke.com, the Web-shop constitutes a major development of the Wicke Brand.
David Slawson, Wicke UK Manager: “An online platform was not really in our sights originally but, although the dramatic rise in domestic online ordering is well documented, it is remarkable how quickly the Material Handling sector has also taken it up. We could see that there was a requirement for customers to be able to access the Wicke range of standard products quite literally ‘at the push of a button’. We see this new development as a complement to our traditional access channels rather than replacing them as we will always value the personal cooperative approach that we are known for.”
The Wicke Web-shop is one of the many exciting developments taking place over the whole of The Wicke Group. The head office in Germany is building a complete new packing and despatch complex and over 22000 additional storage locations will be added. The production centres in China and Czech Republic are also receiving extra storage facilities as well as new Urethane and Rubber production.
The Wicke Group is one of the major Global manufacturers of Fork Truck Drive and Load wheels, Pallet Rollers and Stabilisation Castors. Wicke UK has undergone a stock expansion programme specifically of these parts in order to serve the burgeoning UK Distribution warehouse market.
The company has recently developed its new “Drivethane” material which offers the highest dynamic performances in Fork Truck Drive and Load wheels. Extensive development and testing has resulted in a OEM quality material that is cost optimised, giving extended service life and reduced maintenance costs.
Wicke has also a wide portfolio of Polyurethanes in different shore hardnesses depending on the environmental demand. As well as the standard 92 Shore hardness, alternatives are available ranging from 65 to 96 Shore. Furthermore Wicke are offering Anti-Static, High Speed and Non-Marking options. As well as improving operational characteristics, selecting the correct material for the application has a marked effect on the wheels lifespan and consequent maintenance costs.
The Global situation is bringing its own challenges says David Slawson: “Of course, Wicke are not immune to the price pressures for raw material and energy. We won’t compromise our quality so had to find other ways to cost-optimise as much as possible, We massively increased the stock levels in the UK and across the Group early in the year and the development of our own “Drivethane” material reduced our exposure and dependence on the traditional urethane markets. With the cooperation of our valued supply partners we have managed to “smooth out” these price peaks as much as possible. The important thing for us is to be open and work with our customers through this difficult period so we are coming to be the best solution together”
The applications of castors are as varied as the industries they are used in. Wicke castors are key components in the internal logistics of many major Automotive and Aerospace factories and are used on Missile launching trolleys for the US Navy, Road Sweepers, Tarmac laying machines … with quality engineering and imaginative design solutions the possibilities are endless.
To discuss your requirements: contact Wicke UK on 0121 5224488
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