The electronics industry has for many years been dominated by a few very large players and a host of smaller companies focused on providing products and services in a particular niche. Actum Electronics is a small company, but Actum is an exception as it purposely remains a focused player in the industry while addressing a broader section of the electronic component distribution market, holding its own by offering quality products and premium service.
After more than two decades of success, the founder of Actum decided to hang up his spurs in 2004. The company was then acquired by Greg Barron and Kevin Klaff, two entrepreneurs who have been working successfully together for years in various industries. The two businessmen saw the potential and good standing of the company and made it their goal to grow the business even further.
Barron and Klaff believe the timing is right to relaunch Actum to market as the electronics sector is set to grow along with the South African and global economies. The new owners took over in October 2004 and took the time to first get a grip on the company and the industry before beginning to steer Actum full steam ahead into 2005.
"A business does not last for 27 years if it does not take care of its customers," says Barron. "Actum has always made service a priority and therefore developed a great brand image in the market. Our goal is to embrace this commitment to the customer and extend it further with new products, new pricing models and even better service."
Better service, more products, satisfied customers
In a competitive environment, no company can stand still for long and expect to grow. Actum is therefore busy concluding new distribution deals with overseas partners to broaden its scope of operation and offer clients more than ever before. In addition, the company is constantly looking for new ways in which to shorten lead times and get product to customers as quickly as possible.
"We will always strive to do whatever we can to meet our customers' needs in every situation," adds Klaff. "If we need to look beyond our current product range, negotiate bulk buying discounts or bring in new products, or even partner with other companies to deliver a level of service above the norm, we will do it without hesitation. We believe the only way we will truly succeed with Actum is to make our customers our top priority."
As with any service company, to ensure the products that Actum distributes are well supported, the company has also ensured it houses the appropriate in-house competencies to assist customers with advice and technical skills.
"As a small, focused business, we have been able to keep relationships with our customers on a personal level," adds Barron. "Being able to establish and maintain these personal relationships means we get to know our customers and their requirements, and are therefore able to serve them better than larger concerns where an impersonal call centre operator is their only contact. We intend to keep our customers close."
Branching out
Part of Actum's new drive for customer service involves being closer to its customers and ready to respond to their needs in the shortest time possible. To this end, the company is looking at expanding into the KZN and Western Cape regions in the current year.
"We would like Actum to remain a trusted partner to all our customers in the electronics sector," notes Klaff. "We are reinvigorating the company with a new passion and drive to succeed, expanding our product portfolio and making it simpler to approach us with any request. We will be known as the guys that can deliver products with fast personal service excellence."
Actum Electronics' product portfolio:
*AAVID heatsinks.
* Steinecker relays.
* IREL relays.
* ELU fuses.
* Knitter-switch.
* Limitor overload protectors.
* Eurofarad capacitors.
* Micro-Parts Garry IC sockets.
* ERNI connectors.
* Panel graphic.
* Pudenz automotive fuses.
* EBG resistors.
* Binder connectors.
* Actum is also happy to source various products including circular connectors.
| Tel: | +27 11 608 3001 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.actum.co.za |
| Articles: | More information and articles about Actum |
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