Isuzu parts warehouse meets high Aussie demand

As the local truck market churns into another record year for sales and registrations, Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) is well-prepared to meet surging requirements for parts and aftersales support.

Last year, Isuzu Trucks sold 13,360 units, marking a new record and its 34th consecutive year of truck sales leadership. This year sees the upwards trend continue with sales increasing a further 22 per cent (983 units) for Isuzu through to the end of May 2023.

Supporting all new customers and an existing repeat pool with aftersales support is a priority for the nation’s favourite truck brand.

IAL's 15,000 square metre National Parts Distribution Centre, housed within the IAL head office at Truganina northwest of Melbourne city, is playing a more important role than ever.

The state-of-the-art facility is recognised as one of the largest truck parts and component sites in the southern hemisphere and is a key asset in helping Isuzu maintain its reputation for efficient and effective parts turnaround.

Now in its fifth year of operation, the Melbourne-based super-site also incorporates the Isuzu Power Solutions operations and development centre, and IAL Administration, Sales, Engineering and Services.

The IAL Parts Distribution Centre has expanded to process upwards of 16,000 items per day out to the dealer network by air, rail, road and even by sea for partners throughout the South Pacific. This requires people power of just under 50 staff on rotating shifts from 5.00am through to 10.00pm each day.

IAL receives and process an average of 450, 40-foot shipping containers every year; a number that is growing with local truck and Power Solutions sales.

“We pick an average of 3000 lines of stock every day, which equates to over 600,000 every year,” said IAL Parts Warehouse Manager, Leanne Peterson.

“From that number, over 70,000 consignments are shipped-out every year to wherever they need to go. It is critical that we move extremely efficiently at this end of the supply chain so our customers can get out on the road again as quickly as possible.

“The Isuzu dealer network is digitally connected to the National Parts Distribution Centre which ensures access to view all National parts inventory, including peer dealers, maximising the dealer's ability to provide the best customer service possible.

“We hold about seven million items in this warehouse at any one time, which includes the smallest electrical components right up to replacement cabs, engines, and transmissions.

“Our calculations tell us that we pick, pack and ship around 7.5 million kilograms of parts every year.”

At any one time, IAL’s National Parts Distribution Centre holds in the vicinity of 35,000 lines of stock, distributing this across 100+ locations in the Oceania region.

Isuzu Trucks offers parts and componentry under three key product ranges: Genuine Parts, Isuzu Approved Parts and its Second Tier Best Value Parts or ‘BVP’ range.

“Our Genuine Parts range is developed and manufactured to stringent Isuzu quality standards and testing, which ensures maximum productivity and a high level of performance for our customer’s trucks,” said National Parts Sales Manager, Joel Gledhill.

“This also assists them to optimise the future re-sale value for those vehicles where Genuine Isuzu Parts are used.

Isuzu’s ‘BVP’ range comprises a comprehensive selection of service parts to suit older model Isuzu Trucks. Included are starter motors, alternators, drive belts, brake components, clutch components and filters, making it one of the most dynamic product ranges in the business, and one that IAL continually expands to keep up as customer requirements change over time.

Isuzu offers a three-year warranty on all Isuzu Genuine and Approved Parts & Accessories when installed by an approved dealership or Authorised Service and Parts Outlet (ASPO). The BVP range is offered with a 12-month warranty, regardless of the installer.

“There certainly is growing demand but we have the facility, the technology and importantly the people to ensure Isuzu continues to be at the forefront in meeting the needs of our customers,” said Mr Gledhill.