Bowens Protects Builders from Cost Pressures

“Our major focus is with our customers.”

Victorian fourth-generation, family-owned timber and hardware company, Bowens, is actively managing the current fuel supply pressures and has chosen not to increase product or delivery costs to date.

As events in Iran continue to evolve, Bowens is working hard to protect its customers from rising costs amid the current fuel crisis. This involves absorbing the running costs of its fleet and price increases from importers, manufacturers and wholesalers.

Bowens’ Managing Director, John Bowen, said:

“Understanding the supply chain upstream is, of course, important for us, but our major focus is with our customers. We need to make sure we’re protecting them as much as we can.”

Bowens understands the frustrations and uncertainty this current situation can cause for businesses, and wants to reassure builders and trades that, for the time being, nothing has changed.

“We will resist change as much as we can, and that is a very important part for us to play,” John added.

Unfortunately, the impacts extend well beyond petroleum. As part of a broader supply chain involving both importers and local producers, the effects also include increased container rates and higher costs for petrochemical-based products and services. In addition, products such as urea, which is used in resins and adhesives, have seen prices double.

Bowens is actively working behind the scenes with suppliers to mitigate some of the price increases.

Jon Goudswaard, Head of Procurement & Merchandising at Bowens, said:

“We’re working with our suppliers every day to really try to minimise the impact on our customers. Our suppliers have asked us to look at our inventory and give them more time on orders so that we can have bigger loads and fewer trips.”

Initiatives like this can help reduce transport costs. Bowens’ sales team is working closely with customers to understand project requirements well in advance, minimising the number of deliveries to site. This not only helps builders save on delivery charges but also reduces pressure on supply chains.

The next steps will largely depend on developments in Iran. Given the uncertainty, all businesses need to prepare for the possibility that this disruption may continue.

“If this crisis continues, we will have to keep our options open.” John Bowen said.

Bowens will continue to maintain open communication to ensure all customers are informed of any changes that may affect them.

At this point, Bowens is doing all it can to relieve any immediate pressure on customers. For more information, feel free to contact your account manager or your local Bowens’ store.