Certex centralises and ups training in line with demand

UK lifting equipment distributor Certex UK has centralised its divisions because it says changing customer demands no longer require local contact points for all of its five operations.

The streamlined company now operates five distinct divisions based in different parts of the UK: sales and product supply; servicing and maintenance; offshore; defence; equipment for the playground industries.

The end result, says Certex, is simpler ordering processes and faster response and delivery times, with the added convenience for customers of being able to source their product and service needs from a single point of contact.

"We were finding that most of our customers were no longer requiring direct access to their regional centres as Certex sales staff and engineers were visiting them at their own premises," said Charles Gillespie, Certex director of sales and marketing.

A new company-wide computer system also means that the company has been able to streamline product ordering, with stock now being controlled and dispatched from designated sources within the organisation, rather than being held in smaller quantities at the various regional centres.

"We are confident that this new divisional structure will make all our services more efficient and cost effective, which will be of ultimate benefit to our customers," said Gillespie. "The regional centre approach has worked well for us in the past but customer requirements have changed and we are keen to reflect this in our working practices."

* Certex UK has also launched a series of free training seminars designed specifically for those working in the rigging industry.

Run in conjunction with Crosby, a leading UK manufacturer of lifting equipment, the one-day course offers a comprehensive review of best rigging practices and inspection knowledge when using slings and rigging hardware.

The seminars are free of charge to Certex customers who purchase Crosby lifting equipment and will be held across the UK.

This latest initiative coincides with the appointment of new Certex training manager, Adrian Kirkham. He takes over the role from George Coull, who retired from the company after almost 20 years' service.

Kirkham started his career at Bridon Ropes, where he became quality assurance and technical manager and then moved into specialist steel manufacturing. Two years ago he joined Certex, initially on the manufacturing side, before being recruited to join the training team.