Modern technology has played a huge part in the transformation of vehicles and machinery in recent years as the days of using a spanner and vice grips to fix a mechanical problem are well and truly gone.
These days, mechanics or technicians as they are more commonly known must be highly qualified in electronics in order to carry out their daily duties.
However, electrical components have been part of an engine in all vehicles for many, many decades; it’s just that more parts are electronically controlled these days.
When it comes to sourcing these parts, customers should look no further than Dublin based Electro Maintenance Ltd whose experience in the rotating electrical industry is surpassed by no one.
Established by Frank Sanfey in 1965, this family run business has certainly moved with the times and is now a leader in its field of expertise.
For this month’s edition of Irish Tractor & Agri, we profile the company that is headquartered in Baldoyle Industrial Estate and speak to managing director David Sanfey about the success of the business and the services that they provide.
When David’s father Frank first set up the business, all types of repair work was carried out on a wide range of vehicles and machinery, but David revealed that the company began to diversify in the late seventies.
“My father was travelling around Europe and the Far East when he saw an opportunity to get into the rotating electrical market. The core of our business is now the distribution of starter motors and alternators and other electrical components,” said David.
“We would cater for cars, vans, trucks, machinery, marine equipment and any other industry that a vehicle would be used and we are main distributors for leading brands such as Mitsubishi Electric, Denso, Bosch, Magnet Marnelli, Prestolite Electric, Letrika, Unipoint and LED Autolamps to name just a few.”
Electro Maintenance Ltd are the stockist of the largest range of electrical components and are the most innovative Distributor in Ireland for the Rotating Electrical Industry.
“Product development is always to the forefront with us to ensure that the customer gets the best product at the best rate. This is all supported by a comprehensive all makes programme for Units and Components exclusively from the major Manufacturers. Of course none of our success would have been achieved without the hard word of our experienced staff, some of whom have been with us 25 years. They are a dedicated and loyal workforce.”
Having specialised in the distribution of rotating electrics and ancillary components throughout Ireland since 1965, Electro Maintenance Ltd has built up a large customer base.
“We would be supplying to about 300 companies on a regular basis, 90% of which would be in Ireland, with the rest coming from abroad,” added David.
Having established relationships with the major manufacturers throughout the world, the company aims to provide price, availability and quality to the most competitive industry standards.
“Our aim is to provide a reliable and efficient service to our many customers and regardless of the size of their business; everyone will be treated with the same level of courtesy.
“Combined with established industry experience and clear long term strategy we are dedicated to being your preferred partner/supplier in the supply chain for the Rotating Electrical industry.”
Of course, all customers want and need their parts as soon as possible and Electro Maintenance Ltd strives to ensure that customers get what they want.
“We would have a 92% pick rate, given the wide range of stock at our disposal and we distribute nationally to the trade on a next day basis to 6pm and provide an on demand service for U.K and Mainland Europe daily.”
With regards attracting new business, David admits that a more cautious approach must be taken unlike in the past.
“We are fortunate to have a great working relationship with all of our customers, many of who have been with us for years now. We have had no problems with them whatsoever and as long as we provide the service that they have become accustomed too, then there is no reason for those relationships to end.
“With regards to new customers, it is something of a double edged sword as it is always great to get new business, but these days, given the current economic climate, it is essential to do credit checks and build transparent relationships.”
For the past 20 years, Electro Maintenance Ltd has had a sister company in the form of Autelco (Ireland) Ltd, which is based in the Axis Business Park, Clara Road, Tullamore, Co Offaly.
“Autelco is a small manufacturing plant that we have in Tullamore and they specialise in the rebuilding of alternators and starters and this is mainly through government contracts that we do this work. Autelco now offer motor factor facilities which is proving to be hugely popular.
As stated, Electro Maintenance Ltd is a family run business and Frank is still involved in the day to day running of the business almost 50 years after starting the company, while apart from David, his other son Ken is Sales Director, while daughters Suzanne and Julie-Anne are Financial Controller and Office Administrator respectively.
So what does the future hold for this innovative Irish company? “WE are always looking to expand our product range and I would visit many of the manufacturing plants in the Far East regularly. We are pleased with the service that we provide, but are always looking at ways to build on that.”
Electro Maintenance Ltd
58A Baldoyle Industrial Estate,
Baldoyle,
Dublin 13,
Ireland.
Phone : +353 1 8394875 (8 lines)
Fax : +353 1 8394879
E-Mail: [email protected]
Autelco Ireland Ltd.
Axis Business Park,
Clara Road,
Tullamore,
Co. Offaly
Tel: 057 93 23224
Email: [email protected]
Taken from Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 2 No 3, August 2014
