SMIC Autoparts is set to become the UK’s newest component distributor.
The new venture will be based from an office in Knightsbridge with a central warehouse in the Midlands. From there, the plan is for SMIC to use a warehouse distribution model to leverage an established distribution network in the Middle East, Europe, North & South America and the African continent via its sister offices in the UAE and India, with expansion in to the U.S planned for later in 2022.
READ: £5.8m additional funding for wall charger startup
READ: Supplier Update: Rossmore Lubricants to distribute Gulf range
This plan is backed by parent company Sona Mandhira, an India-based component manufacturer, noted for its range of steering and suspension parts.
Announcing the start-up, the founder of SMIC Autoparts and CMD of Sona Mandhira, Ms Mandhira Kapur said: “I believe in daring to be different so I’ve moved our global headquarters to London because I believe the UK’s automotive aftermarket industry is an exciting place to be and a natural gateway to our European and North American expansion. We’ve also opened a sister office in Dubai to amplify our MENA links. We’re bringing a start-up, entrepreneurial approach to launching our new product line here and eventually helping resolve the availability crisis deeply affecting the industry.”
The Sona Mandhira brand is known in India mainly for aftermarket steering and suspension products on cars and LCVs, but also produces parts for motorcycles and heavy commercial vehicles.
Don’t miss out. Get the latest stories directly to your inbox with the CAT Newsletter
Go to comments