PMM catches up with Shaftec to find out why the company’s growth shows little sign of slowing down in the year ahead.
It has taken over 20 years of dedication for the Shaftec brand to be recognised as one of the leading suppliers of remanufactured components in the UK. Now it has achieved this distinction, the company wants to use 2016 to further enhance its reputation as well as improving its offering to the IAM.
Although Shaftec was formed in 1995 the company had originally been founded many years before this (albeit trading under a different name) where it was best known for supplying private label products to industry suppliers.
With the launch of the Shaftec brand before the turn of the century, a strategic plan was put into place to set up a distribution network across the UK. This has borne fruit in recent times with supply agreements established with many of the UK’s major buying groups and independent motor factors, to whom the company is supplying its range of remanufactured steering racks, steering pumps, driveshafts & brake calipers, as well as new CV joints & boots, driveshafts, steering pumps & steering gaiters.
Customer confidence
Quality is at the heart of everything Shaftec does. This is highlighted by a warranty offering that exceeds that of an original replacement, giving customers the confidence that the product is right for the job. All remanufacturing is carried out in-house, ensuring the company has full control of product quality and every driveshaft, brake caliper, steering rack and pump is handled personally by an experienced team of engineers. This is vital to ensuring consistent quality and continuity of product supply.
Understanding that high quality product counts for nothing if it fails to meet current market requirements, Shaftec’s range development programme means that it can offer one of the most extensive ranges of products in the aftermarket, available for models new and old. And, after successfully completing a move from nine individual sites to one 42,0002ft warehouse last year, the company is aiming to streamline its operation and further increase production capacity over the next 12 months.
According to Tom Curtis, Sales Director, the company’s vision for the future is clear. He says: “Customer service and support for our motor factor customers will continue to be our major priority, so that they in turn can offer the garages the very best service. In addition, investment in range development to ensure our customers maintain a competitive edge over their competition is also vital.
“We intend to maximise our digital capability in 2016, and early in the year will have a dynamic new website up and running. We’re dedicated to ensuring our catalogue is as comprehensive and accurate as possible by strengthening the existing catalogue department team and offering this service via the new website. Our technical support department will also expand further, offering only the highest and most knowledgeable advice to our customers if a problem occurs.”
He continues: “In terms of stock holding, we’ll continue to have what our customers want, when they want it and, of course, the quality will be on par with the best available at a very competitive price.”
