Guest article: Handicare launches innovative series of events for partner network
Stairlift provider Handicare has launched ‘Handicare in Motion’, a new series of events aimed at sharing information with its partner network about its evolving business…
As part of the global accessibility leader Savaria Corporation, lift supplier Handicare is accelerating exciting and ambitious strategic plans to grow and strengthen its network of trusted partners.
The company has launched ‘Handicare in Motion’, a new series of events for its European and rest of world partner network aimed at sharing information about its evolving business and expert teams from R&D to service.
The Handicare in Motion tours of its UK site in Kingswinford are facilitated and managed by experts from departments including R&D, production, training and service.
The sessions lift the lid on the manufacturing processes with the aim of creating better communication with and collaboration between partners and the teams at Handicare. In addition, partners are invited to question the teams on any topic during the tour.
Its inaugural event in October 2023 was well attended with representatives from UK partners learning about the impact of Handicare’s recent investment in manufacturing equipment for rail production from UK Operations Director Richard Saunders.
State-of-the-art technology
Over £1m has been invested in the last 18 months to improve safety, quality and throughput at Handicare’s UK manufacturing facility, with additional benefits for partners in product reliability and ease of install.
New state-of-the-art equipment includes 3D scanning technology, a bending machine, milling and deburring machines to aid production of the twin-rail 4000 series. While tube-to-tube welding processes and the powerpack production line have also benefitted from additional investment.
Richard originally joined Handicare as UK Quality Manager over two years ago and is now Director of UK Operations, responsible for quality and compliance for all Savaria’s European sites.
He welcomed the opportunity to speak directly with trade partners about his team’s drive for excellence.
“I know the whole team were excited to share some of the new daily factory floor management practices which have been implemented this year.
“Giving trade partners the chance to actually see our manufacturing and quality inspection processes promotes greater understanding for everyone about the importance of collaboration and feedback, which is what Handicare is all about,” he said.
“We’re launching a new Quality Charter to help us all stay quality-focused so we can work together towards our shared goal of delivering products and services to meet our customers’ needs on time and to the expected level of quality. It’s a clear statement of the standards we all commit to meet.”
“Right first time” installations
In addition, UK R&D Manager Paul Sykes provided an update on the 4000 series twin-rail curved lift, including the newly available 4000-HD with a weight capacity of 160kg.
Designer Amy Suffolk from the Applications Team explained the importance for “right first time” installations of Handicare’s best-in-class survey tool, PS4D, which now also includes prices. Amy described how information included in the PS4D measurements submitted to the rail design team can make a difference to how they approach each project.
She recounted a story about a customer who wanted a stop mid-stairs in order to water plants on a window sill, demonstrating that custom solutions don’t always necessarily relate to the staircase only!
Paul Stockdill, UK Sales and Marketing Director for Handicare, said: “These events offer partners a chance to get closer to our business and our people, in a real-time working environment.
“We’re absolutely committed to collaborative relationships, and we believe sharing an inside view of how a stairlift is made, right from the beginning of its journey, will go a long way to build and strengthen connections with key and newer partners.”
The Handicare in Motion event received enthusiastic feedback from partners who appreciated the chance to see first-hand behind the scenes and direct questions at key team members.
Handicare in Motion will run throughout 2024, providing European partners with the opportunity to visit the UK site and learn about the latest product and service offerings. Anyone interested in attending an event should contact their local Business Development Manager or call TPS on 0844 225 3121.
Testimonials
“Handicare made us feel a part of their family and not just a dealer. When we were invited to the Handicare in Motion event, it was made very clear that they are here to help us as a company, along with supplying great stairlifts. The event was a real eye-opener and helped us see the work that goes on behind-the-scenes from everyone and the vision for where they are moving forward. It’s an exciting time ahead for this industry and Handicare are leading the way.”
Adam Williams & David Cartwright – Directors, Devon Stairlifts
“We were very lucky to have four members of our team attend the event. We have all come back with the same thoughts, that the day was incredibly valuable for us all and made us realise we are one large team working together to achieve the same end (customer satisfaction).
“The whole day was well run, inclusive and informative and I’d strongly advise anyone to take the time out of their day to go to the next event Handicare holds.”
Richard Cole, Head of N-Able
