Hardy Italy Srl, now a European established company of Hardy UK Ltd, has recently opened a new EU warehouse in Santa Croce, Italy, marking a significant milestone in the company’s expansion strategy. This expansion underscores the company’s commitment to fostering international partnerships and brings a wide range of benefits that promise to contribute to both local and global economic landscapes within the leather community. The decision was driven by the opportunity of being closer to their existing customers in Italy and the rest of Europe, providing local stock with the quickest delivery. This mirrors the warehousing and stock that is already available from the UK as well as in Hardy warehouses globally across the Americas, Asia, Eastern Europe and Middle East.
Peter Oxspring, President of Hardy Italy Srl, stated:
“The decision to open an EU warehouse was an obvious step for us to take as we navigated through the post-Brexit landscape. It is a prudent and progressive strategy that positions Hardy as industry leaders in an increasingly competitive market that provides tangible benefits to our loyal customers. Customers and stakeholders can expect a seamless integration of operations, with the new warehouse focusing on delivering unparalleled quality and service”
Hardy Italy also further strengthened their position within the EU market through the acquisition of Hardy Italia a long-standing Italian distributor, being a well-established firm recognised for its local market specialisation and warehousing capabilities.
Peter Oxspring, MD of Hardy UK, stated:
“This acquisition is a testament to the vision of the management team to create a robust, globally competitive entity that can navigate the challenges of an ever-evolving market”
Hardy UK has a strong track record in corporate social responsibility, and this establishment contributes to the development of environmentally friendly practices and the pursuit of sustainable solutions that the leather industry is constantly striving to achieve. Recent investment in solar technology, achieving Silver Medal award from the EcoVardis platform and the imminent awarding of the internationally recognised ISO14001 environmental management system, further demonstrate the organisation’s commitment to ensure proactive measures are taken to minimise their environmental footprint, comply with relevant legal requirements, and achieve sustainability objectives.
By storing and dispatching products from within the European Union, Hardy Italy Srl can significantly minimise the tariffs and documentation that would otherwise be incurred when importing goods directly from the UK. Additionally, utilising an EU warehouse allows Hardy UK to strategically position inventory closer to key markets. This proximity facilitates faster delivery times, lowers transportation costs and greatly reduces CO2 emissions associated with road haulage, all of which contributes to an enhanced customer experience and reduced carbon footprint.
In conclusion, Hardy UK Ltd’s decision to open a new company in Italy is a testament to its forward-thinking approach, global vision, and commitment to excellence.