Their success has significantly contributed to an increase in the German-based Group's
worldwide sales of more than 12 per cent - six per cent higher than forecast, with
1,070,000 new Wanzl shopping trolleys sold throughout the world, during the year.
Wanzl's International sales director, Klaus Wende, said:
"Although we have regularly come close to selling one million shopping trolleys in
a year, this is the first time in our 51 year history of Wanzl that we have achieved this
significant milestone.
"The performance of our UK operation is particularly pleasing. Not only did they
double their sales of trolleys but they have increased both market share and market
penetration. They are now offering UK retailers another realistic supply option across the
range of our retail equipment."
Wanzl UK's managing director, Jason Cloke, said:
"Wanzl is continuing with its investment programme in the UK by developing
specific national product lines and by expanding our distribution headquarters in Warwick.
"Our recent success is due to a better understanding of the UK individual
customers needs and in our own ability to translate these requirements into solutions,
working with our colleagues at our vast R & D facilities in Leipheim."
He added
"Margins in the UK supermarket world are now being eroded and the life expectancy
of equipment is a major consideration. Our products are built to last. The Wanzl name has
become synonymous with quality and this has helped the UK sales grow."
Although best known for its ever growing range of trolleys, Wanzl has also seen
substantial growth across a number of other product areas including, shop fitting,
merchandising units, shelving and customer guidance systems.
Wanzl UK is one of Wanzl's fourteen subsidiaries in Western Europe. Although smaller by
comparison, it hopes to mirror the successes of its sister operations' within the very
near future.
