Founded in 1976 in Leeds, West Yorkshire, Service Metals specialises in supplying raw materials to the road transport industry in the UK and Ireland. Known for their dedication to quality and reliability, Service Metals offers a comprehensive range of products, from aluminium and steel to UPM’s WISA® plywood. The company focuses on understanding and meeting the diverse needs of commercial vehicle manufacturers.
“We serve as a one-stop shop, providing all materials a bodybuilder might need for anything from a single van to a fleet. They rely on us for quality materials that stand up to daily use,” explains Dave Hendley, Sales and Marketing Manager at Service Metals (Midlands).
Service Metals’ inventory includes steel for underframes, WISA plywood for vehicle floors, extrusions for vehicle frames, and more, providing comprehensive support for vehicle construction. The company also produces custom made up roofs, shutters and body kits, offering components made to customer specifications or developed through their design service.
Customers are served from one of Service Metals’ nine branches across the country.
“Additionally, we have our own transport fleet, which ensures speedy and reliable service throughout the UK and Ireland”, Hendley adds.
“WISA is the Rolls Royce of plywood”
When it comes to vehicle flooring materials, WISA plywood sets the standard, according to Hendley.
“We only do UPM; we don’t take in any plywood from other manufacturers. In my opinion, WISA is the Rolls Royce of plywood. It’s dependable and durable, the choice for anyone who wants a fit-and-forget solution,” he says, emphasising Service Metals’ commitment to offering top-quality products.
The collaboration between Service Metals and UPM Plywood dates back to the 1980s. Products such as WISA-Wire, WISA-Hexa, and WISA-Trans, offered by Service Metals, have long held a reputation for quality and reliability withing the UK transport industry.
“Thanks to UPM’s early efforts in the 1980s, WISA plywood has become a mainstay in fleet specifications for major transport operators in the UK, from blue-chip companies to specialised trailer builders,” Hendley notes.
Recently, UPM Plywood introduced WISA-Trans Mk2, an updated version of the classic WISA birch plywood panel. The next-generation vehicle flooring product features a unique slate stone pattern designed to improve durability and make it easier to recognise a genuine WISA product.
“The new design ensures our clients receive a reliable product that stands up to wear while maintaining UPM’s high standards,” says Hendley.
In addition to unique products, Service Metals and UPM Plywood’s relationship is built on mutual trust and support.
“Honesty and technical support are key. Both companies know the road transport industry in the UK inside out. We know we can rely on UPM Plywood for support, whether it’s product guidance or addressing a specific customer requirement,” Hendley says.