DISTRIBUTOR
the books, I took a trip across the South Downs to Lower Dicker in East Sussex to see the glamorous new location.
Five years in the making Planning to move an entire operation is never an easy task, but trying to make that a reality on either side of a global pandemic adds a multitude of complexities. The Martlet Group had initially hoped to announce a move from its previous location in 2019. Fast forward to March 2020, and we all know how the
story goes.
Shortages of raw building materials, Covid guidelines and fluctuating costs were just some of the challenges the company faced, but the vision to relocate to an improved facility was maintained throughout. With Orro founded in 2014, the former headquarters in
Ditchling was not built to house a bike brand, explained Adam Glew, e-commerce and marketing manager for I-ride and Orro.
So with that side of the business continuing to accelerate, the decision to relocate was a no-brainer. “To continue our growth and provide the best service for our customers and facilities for our staff, it was a necessary move,” added Glew.
Orro manufacturers frames in four materials so increased storage was imperative
Upon arrival at the new headquarters, just off the A22 in Lower Dicker, access to the building is secured by facial recognition so staff members don’t have to worry about codes or passes. The technology continues inside with all doors featuring contactless entrances, allowing visitors and colleagues to seamlessly move through the site. Although in a post-Covid world, the decision to fit these was not driven by having reduced touch points. “It’s just a nice touch,” said Glew. Once through the main entrance, the space opens up into a modern, air-conditioned showroom featuring floor to ceiling windows, with the full Orro range of Venturi road, Gold endurance, and Terra gravel bikes on display. “We wanted a much larger showroom for our dealers to visit,” explained Glew. To the rear of the showroom is a display of Fulcrum wheels, alongside a bike fitting setup for local dealers to utilise so customers can get the perfect geometry.
Upstairs, Glew and his colleagues work alongside the owners and senior management team which makes communication much easier when compared to the previous site.
A bespoke design
The warehouse space at the back of the building is vast and kitted out with a bespoke racking solution, designed with daily operations in mind. “It’s quite impressive,” said Glew.
“The company who fitted it
takes the dimensions of the space, factors in the business and an algorithm tells you where the racking should go.”
With the Martlet Group having a hand in designing the facility, every detail has been considered to improve efficiency.
Large rolling doors mean an articulated lorry can reverse fully into the warehouse and unload pallets, protecting any products from inclement weather. All Orro bikes and products for distribution are now housed under one roof, and there is a large workshop area dedicated to seven full-time mechanics, and one part- time, with components an arms length away. With Orro one of few bike
28 | May 2023
www.bikebiz.com
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