In light of Sealey introducing the renowned Worksafe range to its product family, PMM took the opportunity to speak with Managing Director Mark Sweetman about the brand.
PMM: What is Worksafe? And, how did Sealey come to supply the brand?
Mark Sweetman (MS): Well, Worksafe is actually already a well-established brand within the hire and construction industry, and has recently been added to the Sealey product portfolio. We believe that the Worksafe range will enhance and strengthen our offering, whilst at the same time opening up the rest of the Sealey range to Worksafe customers. The name will remain the same as it has an excellent reputation in the market for good quality products, complementing the core principles that the Sealey business represents.
The addition of the Worksafe brand particularly benefits our PPE range for all trades, including the automotive sector. It has given us access to new suppliers who we are working closely with to help broaden and strengthen both the Sealey and Worksafe product range. This has already proved very successful considering the additional demand for PPE due to the current position the UK finds itself in.
PMM: Why should automotive technicians be interested in the range?
MS: With the addition of Worksafe, Sealey now offers one of the largest ranges of safety equipment and consumables in the automotive industry. Whatever it may be, technicians can be confident that we have their well-being and safety in mind. And, this is all backed up by our service levels that I believe are second to none, as well as affordable prices from a trusted brand.
To give you an idea as to what is included within the range, take the Worksafe collection of safety gloves. They offer an excellent range of hand protection, from general purpose gloves, to anti-cut, anti-vibration, anti-slip, as well as shot blasting and welding gauntlets.. Face masks, ranging from single-use nuisance masks, to FFP3 valved cup masks, are also of exceptional quality, providing a very high level of protection considering they conform to stringent certified EN standards.
We are proud of our reputation for being able to supply items quickly from stock, and as part of the essential supply chain during these difficult times, have continued to operate normally with many staff members working from home. Sealey has been helping the Health Care Services to source certain PPE products for frontline staff, including items such as SSP55 latex gloves which are usually sold by Sealey into the automotive market.
PMM: The range includes workwear. Is this new ground for Sealey? What makes this workwear different?
MS: PPE clothing has been a part of the Sealey range for a while now, but with the addition of the Worksafe range, we are now able to expand the offering with additions like the competitively priced Sealey 5V heated jacket and gilet, which, through clever design, can be charged through a 2A power bank, avoiding the need for a more costly 12V battery (as typically used on competitor’s products). There is also hi-vis clothing, which is ideal for the roadside technician.
The inclusion of Worksafe in the larger Sealey range will mean the product group will see huge benefits from the company’s expert technical department. There is on-hand assistance with product choice, offer advice and any questions a customer may have. This has always been what sets Sealey apart from the rest.
We are also renowned for our high stock availability, currently operating with over 99% of our range available and ready to go. Technicians can be confident that they’ll get their order fast and efficiently. Indeed, we aim to dispatch all orders placed by our dealers before 5pm the same day.
PMM: The previous company to own the Worksafe brand was predominantly involved in the hire and construction industry, so how does this translate to automotive?
MS: In that sector and very much like the automotive industry, employee safety is paramount. The addition of the Worksafe brand to the Sealey range continues this commitment, improves our product offering and helps to strengthen our market position, providing motor vehicle technicians with an even greater choice.
PMM: Is there a particular product in the range that you see as a best seller?
MS: As you would expect, PPE, in particular masks, gloves and face protection, is in huge demand in all walks of life, not least the automotive sector. We now have a very good offering for the technician, but we will continue to be proactive in sourcing good quality and compliant products from trusted supply partners.
