Putting the Tech into garage equipment

Tech Plus Ltd has represented all the leading players in the garage and tyre equipment sector for more than a decade. Managing director Brian O'Neill gave Irish Trucker a tour of the company's impressive showrooms and training school.

The company's impressive facility

Based at Motor City, Kylemore Road, Dublin 12, Tech Plus Ltd specialises in the supply of tyre changers, wheel balancing equipment, wheel alignment systems, compressors and air line accessories, trolley and bottle jacks, tyre repair materials, two and four post lifts and scissor lifts throughout the Republic.

The company's customer list reads like a veritable "who's who" in the garage, tyre and motor factor sectors. Year on year the company has added to this base through its attention to detail, customer orientation and willingness to go the extra mile in delivering an all-encompassing service.

The company represents Snap-On Equipment in Ireland, which embraces leading industry brands such as John Bean, Hofmann, Mondolfo Ferro, Tech, Werther International, Zippo and Haweka. The company also supplies tyre regrooving tools and blades.

Tech Plus Ltd's success has been built on representing quality brands at the top end of the market, combined with high levels of customer service, competitive pricing, and its ability to offer both high levels of product training.

"People are becoming more conscious of the need to have properly equipped workshops" - Brian O'Neill

A point blank refusal to compromise on quality has been one of the hallmarks of the company's enduring success, stretching back to its inception in 1993. That, and a positive 'can do' attitude, which permeates the business has seen Tech Plus blossom into one of the leading exponents of the trade in the country.

Product knowledge is another core strength at Tech Plus. From the directors, to the sales team and service engineers, the depth of product knowledge is almost palpable.
"I have 30 years experience in the business, while Hugh Brady (sales director) would have at least 15 years experience. So there is an awful lot of experience in the company," Brian remarked.

Operating in a highly competitive sector, Tech Plus feels it has the edge over the competition in a numbers of key areas. "We offer a high quality range of products, and we back that up with high levels of service and training. We do all of that at competitive prices," he enthused. Brian added: "We also offer a 'next day' delivery service for consumable goods, which is another important selling point."

Tech Plus supplies a wide range of consumables

The company's extensive stock of 'capital' equipment - tyre changers, wheel balancing equipment, wheel alignment systems, compressors and air line accessories, trolley and bottle jacks, tyre repair materials, two and four post lifts and scissor lifts - is also another important factor in the company's ongoing success. In the wholesale business extensive quantities of stock are a prequisite.

Brian elaborated: "We are well known for our quick lead-in time from when the order is placed until installation. We are renowned for our speed of response. We can offer a speedy response because we carry an extensive stock of 'capital equipment."
Similarly, the company carries a complete stock of garage, tyre and motor factor consumables, which can be dispatched by courier for 'next day' delivery with the minimum of fuss.

The breadth of the company's product portfolio is also another important selling point for Tech Plus. "We try to be a 'one-stop-shop for our customers. The products we represent, fit well together and complement each other. They are all linked to the gargage and tyre trade. Within each category of product we can offer the customer a considerable choice."

He continued: "Some people have their own individual preferences so it is important to be able to offer the customer a list of options. "
The company's premises at Motor City, which was previously occupied by Smithfield Truck Centre, is the nerve centre of the company's operations and houses extensive showrooms and a training school.

'We have an awful lot of products on display at Motor City. Our customers are free to drop into us at any time and browse around and look at what we have to offer. Visitors are always welcome." Brian noted.

To ensure Tech Plus's customers get the very best out of its extensive product range, the company offers high levels of product training. Brian confirmed: "Training is all-important. We are one of the few companies that would have a training school. We also train on site. It would depend on what the customer required," he affirmed.

To facilitate the smooth running of the company, Tech Plus Ltd has a team of four sales representatives, backed up by three service engineers who call on garages, motor factors and tyre depots throughout the 26 counties. The company's sales representatives are always on hand to offer expert advice, while its team of service engineers conduct installations and repairs.

Established in 1993, the company has long since developed a loyal customer base. However, the company has seen an upsurge in activity over the past two years as garages got equipped to meet the requirements of the EU block exemptions, which came on stream in January of this year.

"Business has been bouyant in the past two years. People are becoming more conscious of the need to have properly equipped workshops from the point of view of health and safety. The block exemptions have also boosted business," Brian enthused.

Looking to the future Tech Plus is confident of continued success on the back of representing high quality brand names, offering high levels of customer service, competitive pricing and in depth training.
Tech Plus can be contacted by telephone on 01 460 0077/8, fax 01 460 0079, or by email at techplus@iol.ie. It’s new website www.techplus.ie is well worth a visit.