Kineteco Appoints New Distributor to Drive Exports

Leading UK spring starter manufacturer Kineteco International has appointed a new European and Russian distributor to push its export sales above 70 per cent of turnover.

The manufacturer of hand-wound engine starter motors for the maritime sector has added leading Netherlands-based supply company Hatraco to its growing list of high-profile distributors.  

Hatraco has been tasked with increasing sales and raising Kineteco’s profile across continental Europe and Russia, aside from the Benelux countries.  Already more than 70pc of Kineteco's sales are outside the UK.

Kineteco managing director Karen Rhodes, who took over the running of the Kent-based business three years ago, said the distribution deal was the latest stage in its plan to grow the brand at home and abroad.  

It follows the earlier appointments of Atlantic Diesel Services (ADS) as UK distributor and Kemper en Van Twist (KVT) for the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.

Exports are seen as a key growth driver for the business. Kineteco currently sells around 1,000 spring starters a year and has set a target to grow that to 5,000-10,000 in the next five years.  

The Asian and North American markets are also on its radar. Karen said: “We are delighted to add the well-respected name of Hatraco to our growing list of well-established credible new distributors.

“We are looking forward to them raising both our profile and our sales and we’re already seeing a major impact from the efforts of our developing network. We haven’t finished growing that network yet, with Asian distributor appointments pending.

“The key to success is to show the marketplace that we have a great problem solving product and why they shouldn’t be without it.   

“Equally important is to be able to offer parts and servicing through locally based distributors who know and understand their country’s business culture and provide a responsive resident team, working hand-in-hand with Kineteco’s technical staff as back-up.”

Kineteco’s prime market is maritime, targeting leisure and commercial marine, as well as the naval sector. The Kineteco spring starter is aimed at marine engines ranging from one to 14 liters.   

Kineteco senior technical manager Max Sheppard says the company also has the potential to expand its sales further in agriculture, mining, oil and gas and general industry.   

He said: “Our hand-wound mechanical starter provides a genuinely cheaper, reliable and more efficient alternative to pneumatic, hydraulic and electric starter motors, whatever the application.”  

Based in Duiven in the Netherlands and with offices in Moscow, Hatraco is a European distributor of engine equipment made by world leading manufacturers and also a worldwide supplier of customized industrial products.

Jan-Wouter Hasselaar, President of Hatraco, said: “Kineteco is a very good partner and their products are a good addition to our product portfolio.   

“Their expertise of spring starters and our knowledge of the market in Europe is the ideal combination, sharing each other’s competences together to expand market opportunities for both of us.”

He added: “We have our distribution network in Europe and office in Russia and many potential customers that we will make aware of the Kineteco spring starter and its unique features.”