Aftermarket March 2022

A n interview with Mike Schlup, Managing Director of Kalimex, the UK distributors of JLM Lubricants products and Quiksteel, and the manufacturers of K-Seal Coolant Leak Repair. How has the global pandemic affected Kalimex? As a business that depends on global supply chains to source components for manufacturing and to deliver finished goods to international customers, the impact of the pandemic on our global logistics has been significant. Of course, we were not alone with this problem as many businesses have experienced the same pain. Despite always maintaining buffer stocks in the event of unexpected problems we could not in our wildest 38 AFTERMARKET MARCH 2022 TECHNICAL www.aftermarketonline.net We speak with Mike Schlup, Managing Director of Kalimex on why things are looking up for the aftermarket THE FUTURE: LOOKING GOOD nightmares have foreseen the massive impact the pandemic with its knock-on effects, would have on our business. Not just the initial impact either, but the length of time it has continued. What became clear was that the logistics’ channels were operating a fine balancing act and it only needed something like the pandemic, combined with the extra issue of the Suez Canal blockage, to expose the multiple cracks and weaknesses in the system. That is mostly behind us now thankfully and we’re rebuilding our buffers. However, global shipping will become more costly, especially if it is to become more resilient, and able to manage the downs as well as the ups. Every one of us in the automotive aftermarket supply chain from distributor to stockist, mechanic and motorist is going to have to share this cost if we want to enjoy a regular supply of all products in the future. Above: Mike Schlup in his JLM Racing gear