Electronic trading part of Optimal UK’s evolution

Optimal UK has implemented electronic trading with customers into its business as part of its plans to grow substantially in the automotive aftermarket in the next few years.

As a PACT-enabled supplier – the joint electronic trading initiative between eparts & TecAlliance – Optimal UK is currently communicating with distributors electronically, allowing them to make enquiries and place orders.

Geoff Jones, Optimal UK managing director, said: “Electronic trading is part of our evolution as an aftermarket business. Garages must have an almost immediate parts supply from motor factors in order to meet motorists’ demand. Electronic trading offers considerable time savings and successfully meets this demand.

“Already, since its implementation, we have seen business increase as it removes any barriers and ensures hassle-free ordering.

Optimal UK supplies a number of automotive product ranges, including wheel bearing kits, steering & suspension parts, shock absorbers, brake systems and ABS Sensors. All products are of the highest quality and comply with European and international standards for the aftermarket, e.g. the manufacturer’s standards TS 16949, QS 9000, ISO 9001:2008 and in particular, the block exemption regulation no. 1400/2002.

The company began trading in 2010 with a 6800 sq ft warehouse and relocated to Halesowen, West Midlands in 2015, almost trebling its storage facility which has already undergone work with mezzanine racking system giving additional storage.

Each product group has its own dedicated catalogue, which features an image of each item, making it possible to quickly find and compare detailed information. All product information is linked to the electronic cataloguing system, TecDoc.

Jones added: “In 2018, we are delivering on our commitment to invest in all areas of the business, such as new products, people, technical support and service. Electronic trading offers us an ideal platform to grow with our motor factor partners and support them more effectively.”

Peter Hollowood of PACT said: “Optimal UK is a success story for the automotive aftermarket and built on the solid principles of delivering quality from all areas of its business. We’re delighted that it has fully embraced electronic trading and look forward to seeing it continue to thrive in the coming months and years.”