Now, in the present day, long established company Viking, one of 3M’s leading tapes, adhesives and abrasives distributors, is emulating its predecessors by expanding its trading horizons across one of the fastest-evolving heartlands of the UK manufacturing sector.
With a solid commercial footing across West, North and East Yorkshire, Viking is now mounting an ‘assault’ on neighbouring South Yorkshire, with its sights firmly set on further penetration into Lincolnshire and North Derbyshire.
The company, started in 1989 in Keighley, West Yorkshire, is, in conjunction with 3M Tapes and Abrasives, opening its first branch office in Century Business Park, Manvers, between Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham, on January 1, to coincide with the dawning of its milestone 25th anniversary year in business.
Viking’s managing director Colin Bennett commented: “We have identified a gap in the market in this part of the world for a specialist tapes, adhesive and abrasives distributor and our aim is to provide the region’s rapidly expanding manufacturing industry with quality products and cost-effective solutions.
“Our new South Yorkshire operation will be supported by two Viking technical salesmen and two 3M technical specialists. As part of our launch programme, Viking and 3M will be promoting the new low-cost range of VHB tapes for signage and metal fabrication, and the new range of 3M industrial sealants.”
Viking pioneered the use of the internet, tailoring its www.vikingtapes.co.uk site to provide a safe passage through the maze of available adhesive products. An online helpline manned by experts deals with hundreds of enquiries a month and some 15% of online turnover is export business.
Colin, who himself has over 40 years’ experience in the industry, explained: “We already have a significant number of online customers across South Yorkshire, but no matter how comprehensive an internet service may be, there is still a requirement for face-to-face contact – another reason we are taking an on-the-ground presence there.”
He paid tribute to the help and advice received from both Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, and Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO), Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council's regeneration arm.
“They have proved invaluable in helping us to locate our new South Yorkshire premises and in opening up access to a generous business support package,” Colin added
Viking has been dealing with 3M since 1989 and remains a strategic partner of the global technology giant, notably in driving forward its growing e-commerce business. The company remains the leading online supplier of 3M products in the UK and ranks among its top three performers overall.