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 “We have found that ISO certification has benefited us from a sales and marketing standpoint.”
Pirtek is a derivative of the tire and rubber giant Pirelli Technology. Specializing in on-site replacement of all types of hydraulic and industrial hoses and fittings, Pirtek mobile units provide customers with an expert service that’s available 24/7. With an E.T.A. of one hour, each rapid response van is manned by a trained service technician carrying a full range of hoses and fittings. Products are also available over the counter at the retail hose service centers that serve as home base to the mobile fleet, and can be assembled while you wait.
The franchise started in Australia over 21 years ago, arriving in the USA in 1996. It currently does business in 14 different countries worldwide and turns over annual sales worth more than (U.S.) $80 million.
Ken Adair has run the operation in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, since 1998 and recently opened a second location in South Holland. In March 2004, looking for ways to improve quality whilst at the same time reducing costs and increasing sales, Ken found that achieving ISO9001 through IMSM was not only quick and easy but also delivered real savings.
He told Quest, “With two locations it became even more important to set procedures down in writing. Not only do we have everyone on the same page on day-to-day procedures but we have a monthly plan for review of the different aspects of the business. Experience is a great teacher, but evaluated experience really changes what you do. We are now proactive in our approach rather than just reacting to circumstances as they occur. This has reduced stresses on our people, customers and the bank account.”
www.hoseguy.com
19/03/06
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