Trekinetic's Mike Spindle in front of GTE Mk II chair

Following the closure of its Scottish retailer, Trekinetic’s MD Mike Spindle has confirmed the company is searching for new dealers and is implementing changes to its management structure to help it expand its network, both domestically and overseas.

Having first entered the industry in 2000 with the goal of reinventing the conventional powerchair, Trekinetic launched its K-2 model in 2006, a lightweight, carbon fibre chair that used a Monocoque chassis, dramatically reducing the device’s weight.

Last year, the company released its latest powered model, the GTE Mk II and in June 2019, Trekinetic launched an amputee-specific cushion to accompany the new chair.

Advertisement | Continue story below

Discussing the new GTE Mk II, Mike told THIIS: “Weighing in at 34kg and with its inbuilt all-terrain and, crucially, everyday ability, the Mk II powerchair must be the or amongst the lightest available worldwide. Comparable performance chairs can weigh in at 100kg more!” claimed Mike.

“The GTE now folds down without removing the wheels, meaning it can be power hoisted into a small SUV or 4WD car, without dismantling at all. The new cushion widens our audience and means more people can feel that little bit less restricted.”

Traditionally, the company has focused on reaching customers through a direct-to-customer model, working with a limited number of retail partners, however, Mike says the GTE Mk II has been created with dealers more in mind.

Now working to develop its dealer network and the support it offers, Mike explained: “Later this year, we will be changing our management structure and bringing at least one person in at managerial level to drive sales in the UK, Americas and Middle East. Key to this will be the development of our UK dealer network and social media presence.

“It’s the dealer network that we need to pay more attention to. Since launch, our order book has always full and we have ignored supporting our dealers for too long and it is this that will be addressed.”

Alongside the GTE Mk II’s lighter weight and unique design elements, Mike emphasised that particular effort was spent making the chair more commercially attractive for mobility dealers, emphasising that the success its select dealers have enjoyed so far with the new model.

“With the ultra-low folding Mk II, we have improved not just the products durability and practicality, but dealer margins too,” he continued.

“We have just signed up John Preston in Northern Ireland and their first GTE order came in soon after.

“Trekinetic, whilst under many dealers radar, are quietly changing the way wheelchair users live and feel about themselves. It is the GTE Mk II that has brought this change about. Ask any of our most successful dealers, Recare for example, and they will tell you that our customers truly love the product and say they would never go back to anything else.”

Mike verified Trekinetic is now looking for more dealers, particularly in Scotland where he says the recent closure of one its dealers has meant a number of end-users are willing but unable to purchase the distinctive chair.

“We really need dealers of John Preston and Recare’s calibre, particularly in Wales, the North East and Scotland,” he finished.

“Unfortunately, our Scottish dealer Pyxis was enjoying great success with our manual and power range, but circumstances beyond their control forced them to cease trading. So, we now have this situation with six people wanting to place Trekinetic orders and no dealer to service them.”

THIIS ROUND-UP
Join the 3,750+ mobility professionals who stay informed with THIIS' twice-weekly industry updates.
We respect your privacy
https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/trekinetic-2.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/trekinetic-2-150x150.jpgCalvin BarnettNewsroomRetailer NewsSupplier Newsdealer network,GTE Mk II,John Preston Healthcare,Mike Spindle,Monocoque,powerchair,Pyxis,Recare,TrekineticFollowing the closure of its Scottish retailer, Trekinetic’s MD Mike Spindle has confirmed the company is searching for new dealers and is implementing changes to its management structure to help it expand its network, both domestically and overseas. Having first entered the industry in 2000 with the goal of reinventing...News, views & products for mobility, access and independent living professionals