From left , Andrew Taylor, Osamu Murao and James Hylton.
World-renowned battery manufacturer, GS Yuasa, ushered in a new era as it unveiled its purpose-built headquarters and distribution centre in Swindon, UK. The facility is not only the beating heart of GS Yuasa Battery Europe Ltd., the group company which oversees six GS Yuasa sales companies and a manufacturing plant across Europe, but also the operational foundation of GS Yuasa Battery Sales UK Ltd.
The Japanese-themed inauguration held on Monday, 18th September, witnessed GS Yuasa Corporation President, Osamu Murao, cutting the symbolic ribbon amidst an esteemed gathering of 120 guests. The attendees, who included customers, company partners, local dignitaries, media and colleagues, immersed in an authentic Japanese experience, marked by a sake barrel smashing ceremony, a captivating performance by a Japanese artist, a sushi-making workshop, and a unique sake tasting session.
Spanning a vast 16,583 square meters, this technologically advanced facility promises a seismic shift in the battery industry with its cutting-edge warehouse equipment and sophisticated automated racking systems. With capabilities to house nearly a million batteries, the facility’s vast storage can accommodate a staggering 23,000 pallets. This 70% leap from their previous capacity stands as a testament to GS Yuasa’s commitment to ensuring a robust and efficient supply chain in the UK and abroad.
These systems not only ensure enhanced order efficiency but also position the battery manufacturer to elevate customer experiences in line with its ambitious growth strategy over the next two decades.
In a move that underlines the facility’s significance, GS Yuasa Battery Europe Ltd. will transition its base from Ebbw Vale, Wales to the Swindon facility. This strategic relocation aims to solidify operations across finance, supply chain, technical and IT. As the overseeing body for GS Yuasa’s seven European entities based across the continent, the shift showcases the company’s ambition to expand its market influence throughout Europe.
GS Yuasa Nordic are based in Jönköping, Sweden from which the company delivers exceptional localised service, support, supply and Original Equipment quality products for territories Nordic and Baltic. This localised presence allows them to serve industrial, motorcycle and automotive battery markets with high levels of availability, fast delivery times along with the high levels of customer service, training, finance and marketing for which GS Yuasa is renowned.
Andrew Taylor, Managing Director and CEO of GS Yuasa Battery Europe Ltd., expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Our investment in this new facility is a clear representation of our dedication to elevate our customer experience, service and supply in line with our ambitious growth plans over the next decade and beyond. With state-of-the-art equipment and increased storage capacities, we are more equipped than ever to cater to the growing battery demands across the UK and Europe.” From l
From left, Osamu Murao and Justin Tomlinson.