MILWAUKEE TOOLS

WEB: milwaukeetools.co.nz

NZPC: Hi Nicole, how long has Milwaukee Tools been in operation in New Zealand?

Nicole: Although Milwaukee Tools has been around globally for 90 years, it has only been in New Zealand for around 25 years. Since 2005, with the launch of lithium-ion in power tools, the cordless range has really grown in the New Zealand market.

NZPC: What is Milwaukee’s mission statement, and how does it work towards that mission on a day- to- day basis?

Nicole: Milwaukee’s ambition is to have all of its tools on every job site and in every tool box. We work in a way that allows our Job Site Solution team to visit tradies on the job site, analyze the tools being used, and provide them with information that would make their job easier and more cost effective. We don’t sell direct, but have a very strong channel strategy in the way we come to market, enabling loyal customers access to sharp promotional pricing and a wide range available.

NZPC: What has Milwaukee done to stay ahead of the game and adapt to the needs of local New Zealand tradesmen and DIY folk?

Nicole: Milwaukee has a strong position to provide the best-in-class performance for the industrial and commercial tradesman. Products have been developed by analyzing and testing with tradesmen, enabling us to have end user–demanded solutions. Products are built from the ground up, keeping in mind the ever-changing marketplace, and the idea to have the right tool for the job. Products are ranged in a way to enable tradies to buy into a voltage system that is suitable for the job, once a battery is owned, it enables the user to add to the system with ‘bare tools’, therefore being more cost effective.

NZPC: What are Milwaukee’s policies on parallel- imported products and factory- refurbished units?

Nicole: Milwaukee New Zealand operates and runs as a global brand and works very fast to bring products into the New Zealand market which are suited to end users. As a company we develop and work very closely with NZ regulations to make sure all safety and regulation standards are met and registered. Unfortunately there are parallel importers who think it is best that they bring in a limited range without providing the full service that Milwaukee New Zealand offers, and think they can get away with it. Milwaukee New Zealand does not warranty or service products that are not sold through authorized Milwaukee retail stores. We can clearly identify which products are purchased through parallel importers.

NZPC: Does Milwaukee offer any sort of extended warranty for its locally sold products?

Nicole: Milwaukee has a strong trade warranty in the marketplace, offering five years on cordless tools, two years on batteries and three years on corded tool products.

NZPC: Thank you so much for talking with us Nicole, we really appreciate your time.