For Vekta USA, for our customers, suppliers, and the whole world, 2020 was a challenging year! For us, our strength as a global team was tested as we worked all hours to stay connected and support our US customers. In 2021, the pandemic is still causing chaos, with lumber shortages, supply chain issues, and even the little things like those masks.
However, for Vekta USA, the theme for 2021 has been “Strengthen and Rebuild.” Over the past ten months, that is exactly what Vekta USA has focused on and achieved!
In January 2021, Aaron Bahner joined Vekta USA in the role of General Manager. Aaron has brought with him several years of experience in business leadership in the Design, Manufacturing, and Automation industries. Over the past ten months, Aaron has been familiarizing himself with Vekta’s products, customers, suppliers, and the team. Already he has been pivotal in the rebuilding of Vekta USA and implementing changes that have strengthened every aspect of our business.
Strengthening and building up our distribution channels for parts and supplies has been a focus for Vekta USA during 2021. With supply chains struggling during the pandemic, we have actively engaged with new suppliers and focused on strengthening our relationships with current suppliers. For our customers, this means that spares and parts are always available and ready to be shipped when needed.
Essential for customer service are Field Service Engineers – we’ve hired, we’ve trained, and we’ve got them on the ground! To provide the expert support that Vekta USA customers expect and deserve, we’ve strengthened our support team with three new engineers: Steve Southworth, Jeff Torola, and Dan Huddleston. Our service and support team members are ready to work with our customers over the phone, via email, and on-site. Supported by the Australian and New Zealand teams, Vekta provides 24/7 coverage ensuring our customers are always able to get support and service when needed.
During 2021, Vekta USA has spent time listening to our customers and understanding the challenges and victories from the past 18 months. While the team has been on-site installing Vekta Razers, PackFeeders, and Direct Delivery Systems, we’ve taken the opportunity to strengthen our relationships. An immediate benefit – we’ve been able to better understand what our customers need, enabling our Engineering team to stay busy devising customized solutions.
In July, I installed our first Vekta Rotator – an option to be used with the Multiple Kick Off Station Outfeed system. How does it work? The Razer outputs the components and then, depending on where they are needed, the Rotator can either allow the component to pass straight through or rotate it 90 degrees to travel upwards to the correct Kick Off station. Information for the final destination of each member is tracked along the system, ensuring they arrive at the correct location. This means that all your team needs to do is be at the Kick Off location ready to start the assembly process.
Perhaps the biggest change for us is that Vekta USA has moved the office and factory to a new location in Bloomington, MN. The new factory has been a cornerstone of our commitment to strengthening and rebuilding. Our new warehouse will allow us to grow as well as provide a showroom for customers to visit and see the impressive array of Vekta machinery.
Over the past ten months, we’ve focused on setting a vision for the future growth of Vekta USA and fortifying our foundation to make sure we are a true representation of the quality, engagement, and value of Vekta Automation. As we approach 2022, we look forward to sharing our passion for strengthen and rebuild with your company too.
Vekta USA will be at this month’s BCMC show in Omaha, Booth #1133 – Please come by to say Hi and find out more about what we can do for you!