Varta and Manbat in Distribution Deal

Varta Automotive Batteries has made changes to its product distribution, extending its agreement with major supply partner Manbat Ltd.

The new distribution arrangements for both Varta and Freedom branded batteries have been introduced to provide improved levels of service to Varta’s network of more than 150 independent agents and support the long-term co-operation with Manbat. Critical to the new arrangement was the agreement of automotive buying group Group Auto Union in accepting Varta and Manbat as joint suppliers.

Manbat has been a major Varta customer for three decades and has developed a regional distribution capability to achieve nationwide coverage of the UK market through a number of strategically-placed warehouses.

The decision to switch from single centralised distribution to a more focused regional infrastructure is seen by Varta as critical to its long-term support of the UK aftermarket.

“The transfer of responsibility for distribution began in April,” explained Varta managing director Paul Matarewicz, “and the feedback we have been getting from our customers already demonstrates a significant improvement in our ability to respond to market forces and satisfy demand for our products.

“We are looking to improve our distribution capability through a number of our specialist wholesalers and Manbat’s experience has obviously given us a foothold into the next level of distribution through an experienced and competent distributor.”