HSS sets the ball rolling with 'super depots' initiative

Tool and equipment hire specialist HSS has signalled a change in its operation with the opening of a new 2,800m² facility in Manchester.

Chief executive Chris Davies said the company is to open a number of these 'super depots' across the country (although he wouldn't be drawn on exactly how many) with a view to improving access and service levels for customers.

Each of the depots will hold almost every item HSS stocks (some may not carry survey equipment) and will initially open to midnight through the week, before moving to 24-hour operation.

HSS opened its first and largest (7,400m²) depot at Heathrow, catering for the development at and around the airport. It now plans to roll-out a hub and spoke system across parts of the UK, with 11 locations either open or in the pipeline. According to Davies, the large depots will be situated in or near to areas of high population and will replace one or two smaller outlets.

"With something like 30 people in each super depot, we can offer customers a higher level of staff expertise and a greater breadth and depth of stock, as well as a delivery capability that is just not possible from a smaller branch," said Davies.

And he indicated that more super depots were on the way. "We're not half finished yet," he said.