How we became one of the leading suppliers of stainless steel pipeline products
Established more than 30 years ago, Nero has rapidly diversified from a multi-metal stockholder into a major UK supplier of stainless-steel pipeline products. Operations Director Darryl Spencer-Hicks reflects on the company’s success and how a recent investment is meeting the demands of the heating and plumbing sector.
Formed in 1988 in the West Midlands, Nero originally specialised in the supply of multi metals but as demand grew for stainless steel products, our focus soon shifted. However, one thing that has remained the same is our commitment to providing industry-leading customer service.
Online one-stop-shop
This commitment is underlined by several major investments in recent years, all aimed at meeting the changing demands of our customers. The first saw the launch of a new e-commerce website in 2018, which is fully integrated into our sales system. This enables customers to check current prices, availability of more than 5,000 products as well as access technical data sheets.
We have also rapidly increased our stock levels, which led to us acquiring new and larger premises in 2015 and expanding our workforce. Our priority was to maintain off-the-shelf deliveries, which in turn has enabled us to offer exceptionally fast despatch times - customers who order stocked items before 4:30pm are guaranteed to receive their order the following day.
An unrivalled choice
Continuously investing in our stock means that Nero now stocks more than 15 product ranges, including screwed fittings for both low and high pressure, valves, compression fittings, flanges, pipe and tubes. These are supplied to a diverse range of commercial and industrial environments as well as the water, power generation, pharmaceutical and marine sectors,
Most recently, we have added to our extensive product range with an investment in new press fittings, which can be used by installers for both domestic and commercial applications in the heating and plumbing sector. These add to the 15 product groups we already offer, providing customers with enhanced choice across a broad range of applications.
The stainless-steel Press Fittings range includes elbows, couplings, bridges, adaptors, tees, valves and reducers, from 15mm up to 108mm. With no need for welding or soldering, the fittings can be assembled in situ, offering a safe, fast and cost-effective solution.
The products have a maximum operating pressure of 16bar and a temperature range of -35°c to +135°c, although higher temperatures can be achieved using optional FPM seals. All the fittings come with a blue press indicator which will break off once a full seal has been achieved.
The Press Fittings range is 316L / 1.4404, WRAS / DVGW approved and complemented by tubes in all sizes to fit. It can be used for installing building services in all types of properties, so is ideal for construction projects across sectors.
Maintaining our commitment to customer service and fast despatch times, we have also acquired new storage space to accommodate this range and ensure the highest levels of stock.
Continuous improvement
Our unrivalled stock levels, overnight delivery service and competitive pricing makes Nero the distributor of choice for a variety of projects nationwide. But we’re not resting on our laurels. We recognise that our customers’ have changing needs and that we need to evolve too. That’s why we’re continuing to add to our range and will go the extra mile to source bespoke products as and when required. By keeping one step ahead of the industry’s requirements, we are confident that we can maintain our position as one of the UK’s leading stainless steel stockholders.
For further information or to place an order, call one of our sales advisers on 0121 665 3900