Business News
Heidelberg to service Ireland direct with 180 strong technical team
Thursday 01. July 2010 - Heidelberg is to extend its direct sales and service operations by supporting Republic of Ireland customers from the UK following the closure of graphic arts agency Millers.
“Millers was Heidelbergs agent in Ireland for a number of years and we are sorry that they have not survived the difficult market conditions. We have decided not to service Ireland through an agency in future because we believe that today printers require an even more comprehensive and responsive service and that customers will benefit by working more directly with the supplier,” says George Clarke, managing director of Heidelberg UK.
Initially Heidelberg engineers working out of Northern Ireland will respond directly to calls in the Republic, backed up by the UKs 180 strong UK technical services team. Sales and service co-ordination will be provided by the companys Northern Division, based in Tamworth near Birmingham. Spares can be ordered through its headquarters in Brentford, West London. There some 40,000 parts are held in stock but most parts will be shipped direct from the World Logistics Centre in Heidelberg.
Service Director Ian Wilcock says: “Heidelberg today provides prepress, press and finishing equipment, CIP 4 workflow connectivity and consumables. Its a comprehensive package and this requires the strength and depth of knowledge of an extensive technical support team. We have 35 prepress, 110 press and 35 finishing staff in technical roles, specialist Help Desks and sophisticated technology, including: hand held PDAs with customer- and product-specific information and remote access support.”
The Northern Division management team will support the Irish market and customer visits are now being planned. Key contacts will be: Mark Summers (divisional director), Phil Buttress (sales manager), Jim Allen (service manager) and John Stewart (field service manager).
“We would love the opportunity for face to face talks with our Irish customers,” says Mark Summers. “We welcome their comment and feedback and are at pains to reassure them that in moving to service them directly we are hoping to enhance the support they receive. All existing warranties on new Heidelberg equipment will be honoured.”
Heidelberg supports about 200,000 customers through its 250 sales offices worldwide.