Independent battery distributor, Platinum International, talks through its move from batteries to the world of lubricants.
Established in 2002, Platinum International Limited has worked tirelessly to become reportedly the UK’s largest independent battery distributor. The company provides a unique distribution service for all of its customers. Using its 10 strategically located Customer Support Centres across the UK, Platinum is able to offer up to five deliveries per week, with no Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) or Minimum Order Value (MOV). A few years ago an opportunity presented itself to expand the business into the lubricants market, and in late 2016, the company began distributing engine oils. Shortly after, the business gained exclusive distribution rights in the UK for LUKOIL Lubricants.
Andy Brook-Smith, Sales Director: “You stock the range width in small quantities and let Platinum support you with our stock depth and fantastic delivery solution.”
LUKOIL is the leader of the Russian oil industry in exploration, production, refining and marketing of petroleum products, so the company claims. Oils and lubricants are an important part of the business. In 2005, LLK International (another name for LUKOIL Lubricants) was formed and lubricants became an independent business unit. The company is now reportedly one of the top 10 largest oil and gas companies in the world, refining oil in seven countries and exporting in more than 40 worldwide.
Today the manufacturer is a big player in the development and production of lubricants. Producing a wide range of products, covering everything from passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, motorbikes, agricultural machinery and industry specific lubricants, there is a product available to meet every requirement.
Why stock LUKOIL Lubricants?
LUKOIL wants to inspire its clients by providing the highest quality of products as well as solutions and additional useful benefits for the customers to generate profitability. With more than 400 OE approvals gained from the leading vehicle manufacturers and very competitive pricing, factors can offer their customers manufacturer-approved oil for a fraction of the price, with a brand which isn’t over-distributed in the aftermarket.
Another major benefit of stocking LUKOIL Lubricants through Platinum International is the distributor’s logistical excellence in delivering a Platinum experience, which could potentially allow customers to reduce the cash tied into their stock by up to 50%. Factors can order what they need, when they need it with no minimum order quantity, delivered in singles or cases via the next day delivery service. Traditionally, lubricants suppliers have had large minimum order quantities, with a three to five day lead time and a rigid structure meaning stockists had to buy full case quantities of product, even when they’re not needed. With Platinum, factors can order one LUKOIL 1L bottle and get it on their next delivery. Andy Brook-Smith, Sales Director of Platinum International, comments, “You stock the range width in small quantities and let Platinum support you with our stock depth and fantastic delivery solution.”
Platinum International believes its people are the real difference in its logistics solution, especially in today’s world of outsourced logistics services. The customer support centre teams and Platinum drivers are fully invested and committed to delivering the benefits of LUKOIL and a Platinum experience.
