The eyes of the world are firmly focused on London and Brussels as we await confirmation of the Brexit agreement that will shape the future of the UK in the foreseeable future. Brexit has preoccupied all our minds since the referendum, both personally, professionally and as an industry. As the 29th March draws closer, we are being increasingly asked by our customers what Soyang Europe’s plan is as we move into unchartered territory and the prospect of a no-deal Brexit.
The eyes of the world are firmly focused on London and Brussels as we await confirmation of the Brexit agreement that will shape the future of the UK in the foreseeable future. Brexit has preoccupied all our minds since the referendum, both personally, professionally and as an industry. As the 29th March draws closer, we are being increasingly asked by our customers what Soyang Europe’s plan is as we move into unchartered territory and the prospect of a no-deal Brexit.
Soyang are manufacturers of PVC and textiles and 65% of our range comes from our parent company; Soyang Technical Textile in China. These materials are imported under separate tariffs to EU produced material that may be affected by Brexit. We also import another 5% of our range from elsewhere in the world, such as BILD Print Media and AlumiGraphics, both of which are manufactured in the USA.
We’ve been keeping everyone up to date with the ongoing investment in its infrastructure over at Soyang Technologies since its new coating lines and the state-of-the-art factory opened in Haining, China in 2013. Since then, work has commenced on a dedicated logistics hub to increase its stockholding capacity to accommodate an increased factory production output. Couple this manufacturing capability with our own distribution centre here in Lancashire, which holds up to 1.7 million square metres of material, and we feel well equipped to deal with the unprecedented times that lie ahead.
In addition to securing our reach beyond trade within the European Union, over the last few months we have taken the time to liaise closely with all our European manufacturers to ensure a smooth transition as the UK leaves the EU and ensure our supply chain remains unaffected. Our Procurement Manager, Bryn Aspinall has been very focused on the task of Brexit-proofing Soyang Europe, to ensure we can meet the needs of our customers:
“In addition to securing our reach beyond trade within the European Union, over the last few months we have taken the time to liaise closely with all our European manufacturers to ensure a smooth transition as the UK leaves the EU and ensure our supply chain remains unaffected.
”
So, watch this space. It’s going to be an interesting few months, but be assured that whatever comes, we’ll be ready to keep every surface covered.
