The move is an integral part of Canons channel strategy, designed to deliver the companys stated objective of consolidating its No1 position in key markets. In order to grow its market share of Multifunctional Printers (MFPs) from 20% to 30%, Canon is strengthening its commitment to its Regional, Corporate and Reseller channels.
The existing Regional sales & service operation will be transformed into Canon Business Centres, serving customers within a radius of approximately one and a half hours driving time from each Centre. The Centres will operate within guidelines established by Canon Europe, a model that is already working successfully in France, Sweden, the Netherlands & Spain. There will be no reduction in head count in the UK as a result of the new structure.
The Canon Business Centres will remain part of our UK organisation but their structure means that decisions can be made quickly at a local level, comments Managing Director, Lars-Erik Kennbert. The Centres will be supported by our already centralised, cost-efficient and professional back-office operation, freeing-up our sales and service people to spend more time with customers.
Canon also plans to grow its share of Reseller business by continuing to give support to its current dealer partners, whilst expanding the number of dealers offering Canon products through the reseller channel.
From Canons point of view, our most important priority is to ensure that we have a channel operation that mirrors our customers needs. We understand that many customers have strong relationships with dealers, so we work closely with our dealer partners to enable them to provide a level of service and support that we ourselves would be proud of. For customers who prefer to buy products and services directly from the manufacturer, Canon Business Centres will give them the benefit of a local contact point, support from a service team voted Best in the Industry by Winmark, with the full back-up of the national Canon organisation. concludes Kennbert.
Final numbers have not been confirmed, but Canon plans to have around 10 Centres by the end of 2005.
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