Frequently Asked Questions
Find out more about Woodfords Managed Services, products we supply and more – here are some frequently asked questions, and our team is always on hand to answer any other queries you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Woodfords Managed Consumables Services. Can't find what you're looking for? Call us on 01932 851 444 or fill in our contact form and we'll get back to you the same day.
What exactly is Woodfords Managed Consumables Service?
Our Managed Consumables Service is a fully managed supply programme where we take complete ownership of your consumables supply chain. We agree the right stock levels for every product category, then our dedicated service engineer visits your site regularly to check stock and replenish products — so you never run out of what you need.
There are no purchase orders to raise, no stock checks to carry out, and no emergency orders when something runs out. We handle all of it, so your team can focus on what they do best.
Does the service cost anything to set up?
In most cases there is no upfront cost. We aim to provide the initial stock setup at no charge, and our pay-as-you-use model means you only pay for what your team actually consumes. We are always transparent about any costs involved and will discuss everything openly during your free initial site visit — there are never any surprises.
Are your product prices higher than buying direct?
No. We do not inflate our product pricing to offset the cost of the service. Our pricing is competitive and fully transparent — we will always be open about what you are paying and why. Our focus is on delivering outstanding value through the service we provide, not just on product price alone.
How is Woodfords different from just buying from a catalogue supplier?
The difference is fundamental. A catalogue supplier waits for you to place an order. Woodfords proactively manages your stock — we know what you use, when you use it, and we make sure it's always there before you run out.
We are also local. Your dedicated Woodfords service engineer visits your site in person, gets to know your operation, and is available when you need them. That personal relationship is something no national catalogue supplier can replicate.
Is there a minimum spend required?
No. There is no minimum monthly spend to access our managed service. We work with businesses of all sizes — from small subcontract machine shops to large multi-site manufacturing operations.
If you use consumables regularly, we can manage them for you.
Is there a contract or minimum term?
We are flexible on contract terms and would always rather earn your long-term business through outstanding service than lock you in. We discuss terms openly during the initial consultation and find an arrangement that works for both parties.
GETTING STARTED
In most cases we can visit your site within one week of your initial enquiry. Following the site visit we will prepare a tailored supply plan, and setup is typically completed with minimal disruption to your operation. We are designed to be fast and non-disruptive from day one.
How quickly can you get us set up?
In most cases we can visit your site within one week of your initial enquiry. Following the site visit we will prepare a tailored supply plan, and setup is typically completed with minimal disruption to your operation.
We are designed to be fast and non-disruptive from day one.
What happens at the initial site visit?
Your dedicated Woodfords service engineer visits your site to understand your business, your team, your product range, and your current supply challenges. There is no cost and no obligation.
We use this visit to build a bespoke supply plan tailored exactly to your operation.
Can I add or remove products after we get started?
Absolutely. The service is fully flexible — products can be added or removed at any time. We do recommend an initial three-month period to allow usage patterns to settle, but we are always responsive to changes in your requirements whenever they arise.
What types of consumables do you manage?
We manage a comprehensive range of industrial consumables including:
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Cutting tools — drills, taps, dies, milling cutters, turning inserts
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Abrasives — grinding wheels, cutting discs, flap discs, sanding products
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PPE — safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, workwear
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Lubricants and coolants — cutting fluids, oils, greases, rust inhibitors
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Adhesives and sealants — threadlockers, structural adhesives, PTFE products
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Fixings and fasteners — bolts, nuts, washers, rivets
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Welding consumables — MIG wire, electrodes, nozzles and tips
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Workshop supplies — hand tools, cleaning products, janitorial supplies
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Measuring equipment — verniers, micrometers, gauges
If you use it regularly in your operation, we can almost certainly manage it for you.
What if I need something unusual or specialist?
One of the key advantages of working with an independent business like Woodfords is that we are not tied to a fixed catalogue. If we can source it, we will supply it.
We have established relationships with a wide network of suppliers and manufacturers, and we will always go the extra mile to find what you need.
What brands do you supply?
We supply consumables from many of the world's leading manufacturers including 3M, Bahco, Bosch, Castrol, DeWalt, Dormer Pramet, Draper, Guhring, Henkel, Loctite, Makita, Mitsubishi Carbide, Ryobi, Sandvik, Sealey, Shell, Stanley, TotalEnergies, Tork, Tyvek and WD-40 among many others.
What areas do you cover?
What sectors do you serve?
Our primary service territory covers Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, Middlesex, West Sussex and East Sussex. We operate from three sites — our head office and main warehouse in Woking, a satellite site and trade counter in Redhill, and a distribution centre in Mitcham — with our own fleet of service vehicles giving us fast, reliable coverage across the South East.
If you are outside this area, please get in touch — our territory is expanding and we will be able to help.
We serve a wide range of industrial and manufacturing sectors including:
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Precision engineering and CNC machining
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Aerospace and MRO
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Automotive manufacturing
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Motorsport and racing
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Sheet metal fabrication
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Heavy manufacturing and structural steel
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Marine engineering
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Handling, logistics and ground support
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General engineering and subcontract machining
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General manufacturing
Do you supply large well-known companies?
Yes. Our managed service is trusted by some of the world's most demanding organisations including Gordon Murray Automotive, Lufthansa UK, Gulfstream Aerospace and Honeywell. These relationships were built on reliability, product knowledge, and a genuine commitment to keeping their operations running without interruption.
What happens if I run out of something between visits?
This should never happen — our managed service is specifically designed to prevent stock-outs. However, if an unexpected situation arises, we have next-day delivery capability via our own fleet and courier partners DHL and FedEx, and your dedicated service engineer is always available to respond quickly.
Can I see what stock I have and what is being used?
What if my requirements change significantly — for example if we take on a new contract?
Yes. We provide full usage and cost reporting so you always have complete visibility of your consumables spend — what is being used, by whom, and at what cost. This data is valuable for budget management, cost reduction, and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency.
We are built to be flexible and scalable. If your business grows or your requirements change significantly, we review and adjust your supply plan accordingly. We grow with you — that is the nature of a long-term partnership rather than a transactional supplier relationship.
Still have a question?
Our team is always happy to help. Call us on 01932 851 444, email sales@woodfordtools.co.uk, or fill in our contact form and we will get back to you the same day.
Woodfords provides managed consumables services to businesses across Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, Middlesex, West Sussex and East Sussex. We supply precision engineering companies, CNC machining businesses, aerospace MRO operations, automotive manufacturers, motorsport teams, sheet metal fabricators, heavy manufacturers, marine engineering businesses and handling and logistics operations throughout the South East. Our clients include McLaren Racing, Lufthansa UK and Gulfstream Aerospace. Head office: Woking, Surrey. Tel: 01932 851 444.