FUTURE PROOFED: ISUZU PARTS WAREHOUSE MEETS HIGH AUSTRALIAN DEMAND

As the local truck market churns into another ground-breaking year for sales and registrations, Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) is well-prepared to meet surging requirements for parts and aftersales support.

Last year, Isuzu Trucks sold 13,360 units, marking a new record and its 34^th consecutive year of truck sales leadership. This year sees the upwards trend continue with sales increasing a further 22 per cent (983 units) for Isuzu through to the end of May 2023.

Supporting all new customers and an existing repeat pool with aftersales excellence is a priority for the nation’s favourite truck brand.

In this regard, IAL's 15,000 square metre National Parts Distribution Centre—housed within the IAL head office at Truganina northwest of Melbourne city—is playing a more important role than ever.

The state-of-the-art facility is recognised as one of the largest truck parts and component sites in the southern hemisphere and is a key asset in helping Isuzu maintain its reputation for efficient and effective parts turnaround.

Now in its fifth year of operation, the Melbourne-based super-site also incorporates the Isuzu Power Solutions operations and development centre, and IAL Administration, Sales, Engineering and Services.

SHIPPING FAR & WIDE

The IAL Parts Distribution Centre has expanded to process upwards of 16,000 items per day out to the dealer network by air, rail, road and even by sea for partners throughout the South Pacific. This requires people power of just under 50 staff on rotating shifts from 5am through to 10 pm each day.

IAL receive and process an average of 450, 40-foot shipping containers every year—a number that is growing with local truck and Power Solutions sales.

“We pick an average of 3000 lines of stock every day, which equates to over 600,000 every year,” said IAL Parts Warehouse Manager, Leanne Peterson.

“From that number, over 70,000 consignments are shipped-out every year to wherever they need to go. It is critical that we move extremely efficiently at this end of the supply chain so our customers can get out on the road again as quickly as possible.

“The Isuzu dealer network is digitally connected to the National Parts Distribution Centre which ensures access to view all National parts inventory, including peer dealers, maximising the dealer's ability to provide the best customer service possible.

“We hold about seven million items in this warehouse at any one time, which includes the smallest electrical components right up to replacement cabs, engines, and transmissions.

“Our calculations tell us that we pick, pack and ship around 7.5 million kilograms of parts every year.”

MEETING EVERY NEED

At any one time, IAL’s National Parts Distribution Centre holds in the vicinity of 35,000 lines of stock, distributing this across 100 + locations in the Oceanic region.

Isuzu Trucks offers parts and componentry under three key product ranges: Genuine Parts, Isuzu Approved Parts and its Second Tier Best Value Parts or ‘BVP’ range.

“Our Genuine Parts range is developed and manufactured to stringent Isuzu quality standards and testing, which ensures maximum productivity and a high level of performance for our customer’s trucks,” said National Parts Sales Manager, Joel Gledhill. 

“This also assists them to optimise the future re-sale value for those vehicles where Genuine Isuzu Parts are used. 

“Our Approved Parts range includes a number of leading brands such as Meritor, Fleetguard, Eaton, Hendrickson and Allison, to name a few, and provides a wide range of trusted products,” Mr Gledhill continued. 

"This ensures the ongoing reliability of an Isuzu vehicle and in many cases the parts can also fit other brands of trucks, which is beneficial for those dealerships and affiliated service centres who service a range of different truck brands.” 

Isuzu’s ‘BVP’ range comprises a comprehensive selection of service parts to suit older model Isuzu Trucks. Included are starter motors, alternators, drive belts, brake components, clutch components and filters, making it one of the most dynamic product ranges in the business, and one that IAL continually expands to keep up as customer requirements change over time. 

ALL BASES COVERED 

Isuzu offers a three-year warranty on all Isuzu Genuine and Approved Parts & Accessories when installed by an approved dealership or Authorised Service and Parts Outlet (ASPO). The BVP range is offered with a 12-month warranty, regardless of the installer.

“These generous warranty terms are offered to ensure support continues for Isuzu customers in the long-term and show that we’re proud to stand behind the quality of our products,” said Mr Gledhill.

The next 24 months is set to be an interesting period in Australian trucking history with the competing forces of high-volume sales, lingering supply chain issues and the manufacture of new battery electric technology to contend with.

Now in the process of designing an all-new model line-up, including its first EV platform expected to land on shore within this timeframe, Isuzu Trucks is geared for a busy time ahead, and Warehouse Manager, Leanne Peterson said the National Parts Distribution Centre is ready to assist in meeting demand.

“There certainly is growing demand but we have the facility, the technology and importantly the people to ensure Isuzu continues to be at the forefront in meeting the needs of our customers.”

AT A GLANCE:

• 15,000 Square Metre Facility - One of the Largest in the Southern Hemisphere
• 35,000 Lines of Stock Housed
• Process up to 16,000 Items Per Day
• 70,000 Consignments Per Year
• 5Million Kilograms of Parts Per Year Shipped
• Distribute Across 100+ Locations Throughout Oceania
• Process an Average of 450, 40-Foot Shipping containers Per Year