Supply chain solutions provider SBS Worldwide is expecting a boom in volumes from its portfolio of tablet and smartphone accessory providers following tomorrow’s launch of the iPad 3.

SBS Worldwide provides its accessory producer customers with a range of air freight services between Hong Kong and China, and the USA, UK, South Africa, Dubai and Canada.

Steve Walker, Group Chairman, SBS Worldwide, said: “We are anticipating a sharp increase in volumes following the launch of Apple’s iPad 3, which will hit the shelves tomorrow.”

Walker explained the market for tablet and smartphone accessories is extremely demanding – if the product isn’t on the shelf when the consumer is browsing, they’ll choose another product, which means a lost sale.

Walker added: “Therefore, a fast, reliable and efficient supply chain is extremely important to this industry.

“Our ability to offer such a global service backed up by our network of offices across USA, Europe and Asia has proven to be a winning formula for the market.

“Our buying power on the key East-West trade lanes also means we are able to offer customers an extremely cost effective operation.”

Apple announced the date for launching its latest iPad late last week. The device will be available in the shops on 16 March and features include retina display, 5 megapixel camera and 4G LTE capability.

Accessories for the hotly anticipated iPad 3 have yet to be fully designed as designers don’t have access to product specifications before it goes on sale, but many will be well advanced in their design process making it a race to the retail finish line.

“Therefore there will be a huge rush to design and put products on the shelves following the launch,” Walker said.

“But SBS Worldwide’s flexible approach to supply chain solutions means we are ready to cater for that demand.”