Pelican Bus + Coach has begun constructing a new National Parts Distribution Centre, expanding its aftermarket support infrastructure for Yutong bus and coach operators across the UK and Ireland.
The purpose-built facility will provide 40,000 square feet of warehouse space and is expected to hold more than 7.5 million GBP worth of Yutong parts when it opens, with capacity to increase stock levels as the fleet grows.
The new distribution centre is intended to improve parts availability, reduce vehicle downtime and support the expanding number of Yutong buses and coaches in operation throughout the UK and Ireland.
More than 2,500 Yutong vehicles are currently in service in the region, with the fleet continuing to grow. The new facility has also been designed to accommodate future demand, including support for the introduction of Yutong electric trucks.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by representatives from both Pelican Bus + Coach and Yutong to mark the start of construction.
Chris Waine, Head of Aftermarket Parts at Pelican Bus + Coach, said:This investment represents a major step forward in strengthening our aftersales operation and our commitment to delivering exceptional service for our customers. Our new warehouse will significantly increase our parts capacity and allow us to respond even faster to our customers’ requirements.
With more than 2,500 buses and coaches currently in service and increasing at a rate of 1,000 per year before we take into account the arrival of the Yutong electric truck, this new PDC will future proof our parts operation, strengthen operational excellence and ensure we can continue to deliver the high levels of support and responsiveness our customers expect.
The new warehouse will stand 12 metres high and has been designed to achieve a BREEAM Excellent environmental certification. It will also include a large vehicle yard, Yutong-branded architectural features and space for future expansion.
Pelican said the development forms part of its wider investment strategy, which includes expanding UK-based infrastructure and strengthening long-term support for customers.
The project is also expected to create additional skilled roles in warehouse operations, logistics, inventory management and customer support.
