In this article
A longstanding partnership built on progress: ERIKS and Steel & Alloy
Steel & Alloy’s relationship with ERIKS stretches back nearly two decades — and in that time, both businesses have undergone significant change. Through evolving service contracts and shifting industry dynamics, the partnership has remained a constant, adapting to meet new challenges while continuing to deliver long-term value.
The specialist steel processor operates across four sites, supplying strip steel and aluminium to sectors including automotive and construction. With capabilities spanning press blanking, slitting, de-coiling, and shearing, they serve a wide range of UK-based OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers — a demanding customer base that places a premium on speed, precision and reliability.
ERIKS provides its OnSite service at three of Steel & Alloy’s processing locations, helping to manage stores, supply chain, and engineering spares via the Paragon Stores Management system.
The partnership is underpinned by close collaboration: a dedicated onsite team works alongside Steel & Alloy staff, while regular monthly and quarterly service reviews ensure the relationship continues to evolve in line with the business’s operational and strategic needs.
Managing Director Paul Whitehouse is clear about the benefits of this setup. “Instead of having lots of people looking into different areas, ERIKS provides access to a variety of specialisms from the same source,” he says.
“Logistically, it’s incredibly helpful — calling in items from ERIKS’ Fulfilment Centre is quicker and far more efficient than sourcing individually.”
In a business where margins are tight and uptime is essential, visibility and efficiency are vital.
Many production consumables are held on consignment, helping to support cash flow, and the stores system gives real-time visibility over inventory, spend and savings.
This is supported by clearly defined KPIs, including monthly management reviews and strict turnaround times on nonconformance reports.
But the relationship goes well beyond day-to-day supply. Steel & Alloy has also drawn on ERIKS’ technical expertise — most recently commissioning a compressed air survey, which led to equipment upgrades and energy savings. Plans are already underway for further support in areas such as motor performance and hydraulics.
As Paul explains, “The good thing about these surveys is that they really help us control and optimise internal operations. We’re keen to explore more.”
That appetite for progress extends to sustainability too.
Joint discussions have helped shape proposals for major investment in solar integration and thermal heat exchange systems at key sites — each project valued at around £500,000.
It’s the kind of forward-thinking development that can only come from a relationship grounded in mutual trust and deep operational knowledge.
Even under pressure, ERIKS has delivered. Paul recalls a critical breakdown of a blanking press during the holiday period, when ERIKS’ Kieran Howard personally coordinated the import of multiple spares to get the machine back online. “The time period was critical,” he says. “Kieran went above and beyond.”
That blend of strategic alignment and day-to-day responsiveness continues to define the partnership. “We can be a demanding customer,” Paul reflects. “But we’re all in it together — and that’s what makes it work.”
For more information on ERIKS OnSite Solutions, contact your local ERIKS Service Centre, who will be happy to discuss your options.
#ERIKS #LetsMakeIndustryWorkBetter #SteelAndAlloy #MRO #OnSiteSolutions #SupplyChain
Author
Share the article
Are your stores keeping you awake at night?
Use ERIKS supply chain and inventory knowhow to release time and capital caught up in your indirect or maintenance, repair and operations.
