Meiko could possibly be the UK’s leading supplier of warewashing and food waste handling solutions for a number of reasons, two of which in particular stand out.
Firstly, the latest state of the art Mi-Q rack and flight machines deliver possibly the lowest running costs of any comparable machine; and the introduction of GiO reverse osmosis water treatment technology across the full premium machine range of front loading and pass-through glass, dish and utensil washers. These are ‘firsts’ within the industry, delivering unrivalled levels of reliability and wash quality to the customer.
Secondly – but most importantly – Meiko UK’s Customer Service is regarded by all employees of the company as the most important aspect of the business.
Recognising Meiko’s commitment to delivering the best customer service in the UK, CEDA (the Catering Equipment Distributors Association, representing the majority of professional catering equipment distributors in the UK), awarded Meiko UK its Outstanding Customer Service Award yet again in 2013 for the fourth time – a remarkable achievement.
Pictured Group Sales Director Nick Falco
“Customer service is instilled in everybody throughout the company,” says Group Sales Director Nick Falco. “No department shines out more than the others in this respect – everybody is committed to developing lasting, valued relationships with our customers.
“It starts with that first contact – it could be via email, over the phone, face to face at an exhibition or when one of our Regional Sales Managers pays the customer a visit for the first time…but the first thing we do is listen to what the customer is asking for.
“Our approach is to offer total transparency. We know we offer the most technically advanced choice of warewashing equipment solutions in the UK and, rather than trying to foist a pre-determined solution on the customer, we will communicate; listen, ask questions and then tailor a system to meet exactly what is being asked for.
“The customer includes people who we sell directly to, usually for the larger specialist rack and flight systems (such as hospitals, airline caterers and rail operators) and also catering equipment distributors, who typically handle sales of our smaller undercounter, hood-type and rack systems to all types of caterer, from restaurants, hotel and bars, to schools and universities.
“Time after time our transparent, honest ‘eye for detail’ approach wins the business. Our customer retention levels are unsurpassed, because we are able to build up a rapport with the customer, gaining their confidence and trust and proving, through the delivery of our service, that Meiko really is the best product on the market.
“We are extremely mindful to specify what we believe is the correct equipment for the purpose and support our conclusions with accurate, proven data relating to issues such as energy, water and chemical consumption.
“Yes, Meiko equipment is premium quality, but we are not the only supplier of top level equipment. For us, it is the added value we can offer throughout the life-cycle of the machine, that really sets Meiko apart.
“Meiko added value gives the customer the confidence to invest in the highest quality, because they know they will get a return – and more – for that investment.
“Our distributors, for example, tell us that our three and five-year warranties are “some of the best product support ideas we have ever seen”. The ‘no-bills guarantee’ that comes with these warranties ensures no further costs for the customer, offering complete peace of mind with their purchase. Incidentally, we can only offer this level of service thanks to the introduction of GiO reverse osmosis built into our machines now, as standard. GiO has boosted reliability and wash quality to such an extent, that we believe we are the only supplier in the UK capable of making and delivering such an offer.
“Another area where Meiko stands apart from its competitors is service and maintenance. Warewashers are the hardest working pieces of equipment in the kitchen – problems do occur and machines do need regular maintenance to ensure wash quality, reliability and efficiency.
“Meiko UK has invested heavily on our in-house engineers to ensure that our service delivery remains consistently running at 96% or above. All service engineers carry spare parts stock in their vehicles and as a minimum they hold the top 50 parts for front loading and hood machines and the top 30 parts for larger rack and flight machines, ensuring they can be fitted to a customer’s machine as required and maintaining our targeted first time fix goals.
“We are so confident in this respect, we are tasked against penalty to achieve what we claim and you can’t get more transparent than that!”
H&C News comment – We would like to wholly applaud the focus on service at Meiko and couldn’t agree more that it is the single most important element in any business.
For further information contact:
Meiko UK Limited, 393 Edinburgh Avenue, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 4UF
01753 215120