Electrical equipment distributor Hagemeyer UK has abandoned its plans to consolidate the Newey & Eyre and WF Electrical brands by establishing different market positionings for the two companies.
Hagemeyer UK has been restructured into two divisions with a new UK chief executive and divisional directors.

Angus Fraser joins as chief executive where he has been given the task of driving Hagemeyer to be the UK's leading supplier of electrical products and services. Fraser was formerly chief executive of Premier Farnell Europe and Asia Pacific.

Hagemeyer UK now comprises two divisions: the Contractors and Installers division, which includes the Newey and Eyre and WF Electrical businesses; and the Industrial Distribution division, including the Parker Merchanting brand.

John Hudson will lead the Contractors and Installers division as managing director. Matt Nichols heads up the Newey and Eyre business as director and general manager while Richard Edwards has the same role at WF Electrical.

Hagemeyer has been busy rationalising the more expensive overheads of both WF and Newey over the past year. The aim is for reduced costs and improved profits.

"We have invested significantly to create a powerful, co-ordinated infrastructure for these businesses and can now provide product and supply chain solutions to our customers," said Angus Fraser. "We believe we have now created the support which all of our UK customers, regardless of which brand they are dealing with, will feel."

Hagemeyer claims that WF and Newey have "differing but complementary positionings". Newey and Eyre will focus on major electrical contracting operations while WF is pitched at small to medium sized contractors. WF remains committed to delivering a high service ethic; Newey aims to compete more on a high volume basis.

"Hagemeyer realises that investment in combining administrative, buying and logistics functions for all the group companies brings benefits to their customers," said WF's Richard Edwards. "However, it also recognises the importance of retaining and developing the distinct brand values associated with each company.

"WF Electrical was founded on an unusually high service ethic. Customer satisfaction, reliability of deliveries and availability of stock have all contributed to WF's reputation for quality service. This is something we shall continue to nurture."

The Industrial Distribution division will be headed up by Ken Johnson.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor