At Krueger National Spare Parts and Service, it’s about much more than having an extensive list of products. High levels of customer service and a trusted national support network are all part of the package.
Krueger is best known for its quality trailers, which it’s been producing for over 45 years, however over the past few years, it’s been making a name for itself in the parts domain too. It stocks items both for its own brand of trailers and all other makes of trailers too.
Krueger National Spare Parts and Service carries around 15,000 product lines and has access to thousands more. It stocks big brands such as Jost, BPW Transpec, Hendrickson, Fuwa K-Hitch, SAF-Holland and more.
“Our stock levels are second to none. We carry stock on the shelf, rather than having to source it from a warehouse. This means we can quickly access parts when customers need them. It speeds up the process of getting them what they need, when they need it,” said national spare parts manager at Krueger Transport Equipment Ben Raudino, who has over 30 years of experience in the parts industry.
Though it’s the customer service that really sets the business apart, he says. “We’ve obviously got a wide range of parts for all makes of trailers, but it’s the service that differentiates us from our competitors. We offer as many deliveries as we need to – there are no set morning and afternoon runs. We also have a wealth of knowledge of the parts industry. There are a lot of our staff here who are ex-mechanics and many who have been with us for 30 years or more, so they know our product backwards and know the industry inside out.”
Krueger has been able to grow its parts business by continually adding to its range. Under Raudino’s leadership, he’s helped to increase the product portfolio five-fold in the past five years.
Krueger National Spare Parts and Service has its own workshops in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and a network of dealers in other capital cities. “The entire country is covered via our own network and our partner network,” added Kevin Dennis, group CEO at Krueger Transport Equipment.
“One of our key partners is Brown and Hurley, which has been a very successful sales distributor for us. Over in Adelaide and Perth, we have enlisted independent dealers.”
Krueger also has field service vans at each of its locations, offering roadside assistance 24/7, 365 days a year.
Add to that Krueger’s rental fleet – available at each of its workshops – and it’s a complete service package. “We have 350 trailers rented out at any one time. It’s another level of service we offer our customers and it’s especially important if they have a trailer off the road or being serviced. Krueger can put them into another trailer set so they can stay on the road. It also means if a customer gets a six-month contract, they can rent the trailer for the period they need it, instead of having to one. Some of our signature rental customers include the likes of Toll and Woolworths,” said Dennis.
Extending on its service offering, Krueger launched an online parts catalogue around 12 months ago. Krueger’s national service manager David Grant explained, “It gives customers the opportunity to look at all the technical specifications and find out part numbers, then they can either order online or quote the part number and order over the phone. What we’re finding is that most of our customers will find what they need online and call us to place the order, which goes to show that this is still very much a relationships industry.”
Recently, Krueger has also put an apprenticeship program in place. “Like everyone in the industry, we recognise that there’s a skills shortage in Australia, so we’re willing to step up and sponsor those wanting to get into the industry through an apprenticeship program,” said Dennis. We’re always on the lookout for new talent across the whole business, with opportunities for boiler makers, heavy vehicle mechanics, light vehicle mechanics, spray painters and more.”
To view the online parts catalogue, please visit kruegernationalspares.com.au. For career opportunities, visit krueger.com.au/careers.