thyssenkrupp Materials UK, while it started as a materials distributor, it is now making a mark in the industry with the integrated ‘Materials as a Service’ strategy.

“The ‘Materials as a Service’ strategy means getting closer to our customers and partnering with them in any way that they need us to. Our results indicate that we are on the right path to becoming even better suppliers to our customers. That is the main driving point behind our success and that's exactly where we need to focus moving forward,” says Billy Kingsbury, CEO.

One of the sectors benefitting from the distinct strategy of thyssenkrupp Materials UK is aerospace. The company offers a comprehensive global supply chain package, including logistics and transportation solutions, demand aggregation, planning, warehousing and storage, ensuring seamless operations for aerospace original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) across Northern, Eastern, and Western Europe, as well as South and Southeast Asia.

Working closely with customers, thyssenkrupp Materials UK starts by understanding client needs regarding material, logistics and transportation requirements. For some customers, thyssenkrupp Materials UK manages a general 3PL service, supplying all material requirements and handling logistics and transportation needs. Going the extra mile for others, it extends service to 4PL, managing warehousing either in its own facilities or within customer premises. This comprehensive service encompasses the management of material inflow from various suppliers and the outflow to customers’ stores and their end customers, ensuring efficient supply chain operations.

Operating from eight strategically located service centres nationwide, thyssenkrupp Materials UK facilitates next-day deliveries to 95 percent of the UK. With comprehensive tracking, efficient driving practices and widespread service centres, thyssenkrupp Materials UK ensures its clients receive seamless and cost-effective transportation solutions.

On a mission to serve clients in the best way possible, thyssenkrupp Materials UK understands that many customers face significant challenges with data utilisation. To address these challenges, the company offers a comprehensive control tower solution—a centralised data integration and analytics platform. This platform optimises the inflow of data from customers, their subcontractors and clients, empowering better management and optimisation of customers’ supply chain operations based on integrated data insights. By aggregating demand and enhancing management of the entire supply chain, this system addresses the common challenge of data transparency in 3PL and 4PL.

Kingsbury points out the company’s extensive expertise in supply chain management, honed over many years, as a significant advantage for customers. “We leverage this expertise to offer not only material supply but comprehensive logistics management. This approach ensures that customers benefit from a holistic solution that addresses all aspects of the supply chain,” he says.

The client engagement practice of thyssenkrupp Materials UK involves a workshop methodology, which ensures they receive the ideal service offerings. It assembles a team of experts from various domains within the organisation and conducts an in-depth workshop with the customer and all relevant stakeholders to map out the current supply chain, identify pain points and brainstorm potential solutions. This collaborative approach relies on complete transparency and open data sharing from the customer.

Not just that, thyssenkrupp Materials UK’s global network is a crucial asset. This network enables the company to provide solutions worldwide, ensuring customers receive consistent and reliable support regardless of location. By combining global reach with deep supply chain expertise, thyssenkrupp Materials UK delivers robust logistics and supply chain solutions that meet the diverse needs of its customers and improve overall efficiency.
As part of thyssenkrupp Materials Services’ global commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, the company has announced a significant investment in three hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) Mercedes-Benz trucks. This strategic move highlights thyssenkrupp Materials UK’s dedication to accelerating sustainability efforts and sets a new benchmark within the materials distribution industry.

Transitioning from a traditional materials distributor to a service-oriented entity, thyssenkrupp Materials UK not only meets but anticipates customer needs. This evolution marks its stature as one of the world’s largest materials distributors in the Western world and a forward-thinking, service-led organisation committed to enhancing supply chain efficiency for its clients globally.