Delsol adapts business to meet Covid-19 challenges

North Wales-based logistics firm Delivery Solutions (Delsol) has reported huge growth in consumer deliveries, driven by companies either increasing existing online sales or launching e-commerce offerings.

New customers have included food producers, DIY and garden companies and craft beer makers, the company said.

A member of The Pallet Network, APC Overnight and Hazchem, Delsol has depots in Sandycroft and Caernarfon and is now investing in three additional haulage vehicles for its 120-strong fleet.

MD Dave Phillips (pictured) said Delsol’s 120,000sq ft of dedicated storage at its Sandycroft depot was almost at capacity following new customer wins, while Caernarfon-based haulier HF Owen Transport and Storage, which Delsol acquired late last year, is also busy.

“Like a lot of businesses, there was significant uncertainty when the Covid-19 lockdown first started in March," he said. "Since then, we have been extremely busy although the profile of our customers has changed quite a bit.

“It has been exciting to see businesses in Wales and elsewhere adapting to the demands of the crisis. We have been moving goods for all sorts of companies which have either stepped up their direct sales to consumers or launched new online sites.

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“Early in the crisis when garden centres were shut and people were stuck at home, we were delivering turf, top soil, gravel and DIY and garden products to people’s homes.

“There has also been a lot of innovation as well with the likes of micro-breweries, whose sales to pubs and restaurants declined but who pivoted to increase their direct sales to customers.

“It has meant our drivers have had to adapt as well. Where previously they may have been delivering mainly to commercial premises, now they are having to get used to new routes to residential addresses.

“It has also meant that we are often extremely busy at the start of weeks because people are doing their online ordering over the weekend.”

Phillips said the changing mix of customers was here to stay but that the company is continuing to invest in its people, operations and fleet to meet demand while keeping people safe.

“We are extremely grateful to our customers for continuing to put their trust in Delsol and also to our staff for rising to the unprecedented challenges presented by the pandemic.”