[Atlas] Vierol : “We have maintained stability in our supply chains”

What are your 2020-2021 results?

Ibrahim Chahrour: Vierol AG was able to maintain a good supply of parts and was quick to rebuild safety stocks. Despite lockdowns and the decline in garage activity at the start of the pandemic, our activity has resisted well. A very good 2021 for us, with positive activity and the inauguration of our new Werk II logistics centre doubling our stock capacity. This will ensure our customers an even higher level of service and availability for 2022. These are sizeable investments to better prepare for our growth in the years to come. This will also allow us to continue our diversification into additional sectors.

Thierry Delesalle: These include new product families for LCVs, technical parts and the Green Mobility Solutions offer for hybrid and electric propulsion systems, and our new VAICO automatic gearbox maintenance concept. In recent years, the family business has consolidated its position in Germany with three premium brands VEMO, VAICO and ACKOJA . Our penetration strategy on several markets has been strengthened and is working, as confirmed by our successes in France and Poland.

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What projects for 2022?

I.C.: We have set some important milestones for the coming years, including setting up agreements with major purchasing groups, greater internationalisation and continued digitalisation. We have defined targeted projects that will increase productivity and customer focus in all functional areas.

Impact of the shortage of raw materials and their price inflation

I.C.: The sharp rise in the prices of raw materials such as magnesium – the basis of many aluminium products – or chemicals and plastics of all kinds is weighing heavily on the entire aftermarket industry. There are also sharp increases in logistics costs and container freight rates which can reach 75%.

T.D.: Despite the situation, the company continued to invest heavily in product availability and logistics. And we are optimistic about the possibility of further increasing stocks.

Do you believe in the idea of an energy mix?

T.D.: The change in mobility will not be limited to a single propulsion system. We cannot say today whether e-mobility will simply be a transition towards the more sustainable “green” hydrogen car. Electrification will give birth to new fields of activity. Electronic components must also be maintained and repaired. We will have to prepare for the proliferation of propulsion systems and the orientations of each market.

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