John Parker launches ‘Direct from Dock’ steel purchase service

The service enables buyers to purchase their steel supplies direct from Parker's new stockyard, at the port of Shoreham in Sussex, eliminating the cost of transporting steel from dock to warehouse has enabled Parker to drive down operating costs and offer purchasers large discounts on standard steel prices. Structural steel section is available in 6 to 18.3 m lengths and shot blasting and painting, including automated production of unpainted top flange lengths, is available on site. Using the Direct from Dock service, buyers can check steel stock and up to the minute prices online and order supplies by phone, fax, email or online. Payment is made by account or by credit card. Steel supplies are delivered by Parker's own 60-strong vehicle fleet, with delivery notification provided by email, text and online vehicle tracking. Guy Parker, managing director of John Parker & Son, said: "With Direct from Dock, purchasers don't need to negotiate to get the lowest price; they simply buy at the price shown on the screen at the time. The ordering process is quick and straightforward and buyers can select the delivery and service levels that suit their schedule and budget. The service revolutionises the way structural steel is currently purchased and offers buyers significant savings in terms of time, money and effort." The Shoreham project represents a significant investment for Parkers. The 12 acre site, which includes a 200,000 ft² processing centre, will have taken six years and £20 million to develop. Ships dock alongside the stockyard, which is equipped with high speed cranes and advanced lifting equipment. The processing centre is still being constructed and will be completed very early in 2012.