Established for over 30 years, Viking International continues to improve its service and product offering with major developments in all areas of the business to ensure customers receive the very best quality of service throughout 2009.
Rikki Kane has recently been appointed as Sales Director for the company. Rikki has worked for the Axle Group, which includes National Tyres and Autocare, National Fleet and Viking, for twenty years and during this time has held various positions, most recently as Operations Director for National Fleet’s Dealer Division.
Rikki’s foremost tasks throughout 2009 will be a renewed focus on training and development for key customer service personnel in order to provide a more proactive and efficient service for customers. Sales office staff have already undergone a major training exercise which has provided an enhanced ordering service for all customers.
This has been supported with a complete redevelopment of Viking International’s online ordering facility last year with significant improvements to speed, navigation and product search options as well as the addition of product information and images. The site provides statements, invoices and full order history enabling customers to manage their entire account online. Featuring tyres, cats and exhausts, the site has seen a five fold increase in the number and value of online orders since its redevelopment.
Rikki also retains responsibility for Dealer Division, which will transfer from National Fleet to Viking International, to provide an improved dealer service experience. Viking International has already increased its share of the dealership market by offering a one stop shop solution which which includes manufacturer approved tyre fitting and balancing equipment, consignment stock, daily deliveries and access to fleet markets. The company is looking to further develop this market over the next twelve months.
Viking International continues to offer a comprehensive tyre range to suit all customer requirements from budget to premium. In response to customer demand and market trends, the past few years have seen a significant increase in both the premium and 4x4 tyre ranges. The launch of the Millennium ultra high performance range has proved a great huge success, and to satisfy the budget end of the market Viking International introduced a new ultra budget range of fast moving sizes at extremely competitive prices. A full range review is carried out quarterly and any new sizes or patterns that are pertinent are sourced and added to the range.
Warehouse operations are continually reviewed to maintain and improve service levels. This includes reviewing warehouse layout, procedures and van runs, and continually increasing storage capacity. The move to a new, purpose built warehouse in Edinburgh at the start of this year doubled storage capacity for the region. These developments have resulted in both improved delivery accuracy and frequency for all customers and there are further plans to improve operations.
In conjunction with operational improvements, Viking International plans to review its service offering and provide a more tailored service to different groups of customers as well as continuing to focus on marketing, promotions and their e-commerce facility.