said owner Dariusz from PLUK Ltd
Dariusz Wlodarczyk started PLUK Limited importing and selling expanded metal mesh, primarily for the beekeeping industry. He soon discovered that there was also a strong demand for the product from the motor and DIY industries.
Initially, the business was run part-time alongside Dariusz’s full-time job. In 2024, an opportunity to become the UK distributor for Techtron, a manufacturer of a wide range of equipment for processing and extracting honey and wax, marked a major turning point for the business. Dariusz took on the Techtron distribution at the same time as leaving his full-time employment to concentrate on developing the business.
Since then, the business has continued to grow, with repeat customers and referrals playing a major part in its success. Dariusz is very enthusiastic about customer service and believes that the relationship with a customer does not end when a sale is made. “People buy from people, and all my customers get to speak to me when they order and are kept informed regarding the delivery of their goods.
“But it’s not just about selling the product; I believe the communication, support and service after the purchase are just as important. I have a very good relationship with all my customers.”
A rapidly growing business demanded more storage space
The business operates from a small business unit in Martham, near Great Yarmouth, which has limited storage space. The obvious answer, if the business was to remain at the site, was to increase storage space using a pallet racking system.
Dariusz applied for a Rural Business Capital Grant from Great Yarmouth Borough Council for financial support to install the racking and purchase an electric pallet stacker. The electric pallet stacker was essential to lift stock up and down from the higher storage areas. The pallet stacker could also be used to unload deliveries which was previously being done by hand.
The installation of 120 square metre of pallet racking has more than doubled the storage capacity in the unit.
Increased storage capacity has enabled Dariusz to provide a wider choice of equipment to his customers and quicker delivery. Dariusz estimates that the additional storage will easily enable his turnover to double within 12 months.
Dariusz commented, “The grant has enabled the expansion of my business to happen a year or two earlier than would have been possible. It has also enabled me to take on another UK distributorship for polystyrene hives with a Polish manufacturer BURNAT.”
New Anglia Growth Hub hosted by Norfolk County Council, has supported PLUK ltd trading as Techtron UK with the grant application. Growth Hub’s Business Adviser Sally Lomax, who facilitated the process, was pleased that the grant application was approved and said: “The increased storage that the pallet racking system has created will create dramatic growth for this business.”
Dariusz has been delighted with the advice and support he has received from the Growth Hub.
“The support has been great and not just for the grant application but also the fully funded training workshops that the Growth Hub provides,” said Dariusz.
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