FEATURE
Hitachi Power Tools set to fully rebrand as HiKOKI
STARTING in October, industry leaders Hitachi Power Tools will become HiKOKI as the year’s biggest industry rebranding nears completion.
The rebrand follows the acquisition by KKR, part of the larger parent company Hitachi Koki Co. Ltd.
Simon Miller, Marketing Director for Hitachi Power Tools, spoke about the company’s rebrand to HiKOKI and its future development of innovative, professional power tools.
MD Simon said: “Our owners, KKR, have an ambitious international growth strategy, but to do this successfully we need to create a brand that delivers our key message – power tools that are top quality.
Automatically adjusts voltage
“Although we produce high-end tools for professionals, the Hitachi brand has strong links with the consumer electronics market, which causes confusion. So, going forward, the HiKOKI brand will be known as a professional brand.”
After the rebrand, one of HiKOKI’s leading products will be their new and innovative 36V Lithium-ion Multi Volt battery packs. Compatible with 18V class cordless tools, the intelligent connecting technology can detect whether it is being used in an 18V or a 36V device, and automatically adjusts voltage.
With 36V, the BSL36A18 Multi Volt battery packs have a capacity of 2.5 Ah, and 5.0Ah with 18V.
APPRENTICESHIPS continue to rise in the consciousness of the nation and are regarded as crucial to redressing the engineer- ing skills gap. For many they are a great way into work and off er a career without the worry of a student loan and debt.
More and more young people are starting apprenticeships as an alternative to A levels and university, and some employers will sponsor their people to study for a higher qualifi cation once an apprenticeship has been completed.
The CEA has been involved in the development of apprentice- ship standards for some time ,working with the Land-based
HiKOKI also off er a BSL36B18 with a capacity of 4.0Ah and 8.0Ah with 18V; meaning the 36V battery packs have a capacity of more than 1000 Watts.
The 36V battery packs have more power than the similar sized 18V battery packs, but as the battery pack dimensions and weight remain almost the same, the Multi Volt battery packs are used with a range of 18V class devices.
Importantly, the warranties of any existing power tools will not be aff ected by the rebrand.
Maintain 100% compatibility
Simon added: “We’ll even look to extend and improve our warranties in line with the advances we are making to our tools. As a company, we will ensure we maintain 100% compatibility with existing Hitachi battery platforms.
“Not only will the battery platform continue, it will expand with higher end capability. As regards end-user support, we keep parts indefi nitely after a product is discontinued so existing owners don’t need to be concerned regarding any lack of support for current tools.”
HiKOKI will refresh and rebrand existing point of sale materials and want to support current distributors and merchants through this rebrand.
The Hitachi brand has spent over 70 years delivering award- winning innovation in the power tool market.
C.E.A. promote land-based Engineering Apprenticeship Standards
Training and Education Committee (LETEC). The CEA are delighted with the resulting two standards that have been approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships – Land-based Service Engineer (Level 2), and Land-based Service Engineer- ing Technician (Level 3).
Philip Burgess of the Construction Equipment Association’s Skills Advisory Panel said, “With these new apprenticeships being introduced this year by several training providers across England, the CEA’s attention now switches to their promotion to CEA member companies and their employees.
Covers raise £2,000 in memory of colleague
A TEAM of 33 colleagues from Covers Timber and Builders Merchants in Chichester ave raised an incredible £2,000 after taking part in St Wilfrid’s Hospice Moonlight Walk.
The team undertook the challenge in memory of their much missed colleague, Kev Starling, who worked at the company for over 40 years. Kev sadly passed away at St Wilfrid’s Hospice in January.
The team at Covers successfully completed the fi ve-mile overnight walk through Chichester, doubling their original target. All the funds raised will be donated to St Wilfrid’s Hospice.
Henry Green, Managing Director at Covers, said: “Congratulations to the whole team. It was an absolutely excellent eff ort on their part and a fi tting tribute to Kev, who is greatly missed by everyone here at Covers.
"We hope the money raised helps St Wilfrid’s Hospice with the incredible work it does for the community.”
28 TBH July-August, 2018
www.toolbusiness.co.uk
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