Networking kit manufacturer TP-Link, which produces a lot of affordable broadband routers, WiFi extenders and smart home devices for ISPs and consumers, has this morning announced the opening of its “largest” UK and Ireland National Distribution Centre to date in Newbury.
The new 72,000-square-foot warehouse is said to be “double the size” of any previous TP-Link facilities, boasts a 50% increase in storage capacity allowing faster deliveries, greater stock availability and improved service for business, retail and ISP customers. The company hopes this will help them to meet the demands of customers more effectively.
“By streamlining logistics, the new facility reduces goods handling time by 62% and cuts resource usage by 66%, making operations significantly leaner. It means customers can expect shorter lead times and enhanced supply reliability, while ISPs benefit from new service opportunities like direct fulfilment and pre-configured product deliveries,” added the announcement.
Looking ahead, TP-Link said they have already provisioned two additional expansion phases to help meet the growing demands, although they didn’t specify what this would entail.
Nelson Qiao, MD of TP-Link UK, said:
“At TP-Link, innovation is not just about technology but also about delivering a better customer experience for our partners and customers. This new facility allows us to work faster, stock more and support businesses, retailers and ISPs like never before – helping them stay ahead of constantly changing market demands.”
The company has come a long way over the past few years, and their kit tends to be fairly capable. But over in the USA there have been reports of investigators at the Commerce, Defence and Justice departments opening probes into TP-Link’s routers, due to alleged ties to Chinese cyberattacks. Some members of Congress have even called for a ban on the sale of their kit (Independent).
On the flip side, TL-Link has denied the claims, said it is unaffiliated with the China company and that its products are assembled in Vietnam. “Contrary to claims of widespread vulnerabilities, comparative data places TP-Link on par with, or in some cases ahead of, other major industry players in terms of security outcomes,” said a spokesperson for TP-Link.
All routers can and do suffer from security vulnerabilities, although not all manufacturers are as effective at patching these as others. But we’ve also seen how some similar security fears about Huawei and ZTE ended up being followed by bans in other countries.