This new range of radar and pressure transmitters is the culmination of four years of research, inspired by direct feedback from the most important element of the supply chain - the people who use the equipment.

John Leadbetter is Managing Director of VEGA Australia. He passionately defines VEGA's ethos as being much more than simply manufacturing and delivering equipment.

"VEGA Australia is dedicated to fostering relationships with the people who use our products, making sure they feel valued and supported," said Mr Leadbetter. "This approach is at the very heart of our company's culture.

"Honesty is among our core values. We don't make promises we can't keep.

"Every member of our team strives to understand customer needs and objectives, not just VEGA's.

"Our success depends on customer loyalty, something we never take for granted. Everything we do is focused on repaying that loyalty by developing a relationship as a partner, making sure people see VEGA as an integral part of their team.

"Our new product range was developed from the relationships we have with our clients, listening to their feedback and supplying the equipment they need."

VEGA was founded more than 60 years ago in Germany. Family owned, the company's global headquarters are based in Schiltach, Black Forest.

Today, VEGA is active in more than 80 countries, employing almost 1,500 worldwide.

The company supplies measurement technology to the mining industry, used in a wide range of applications including water management and bulk materials handling.

"In the mining industry, VEGA is known for handling heavy-duty, bulk solids," said Mr Leadbetter. "Our equipment is used to measure water levels.

"VEGA has earned a reputation in the industry as a reliable service provider, particularly with the major mining companies in Western Australia(WA)."

The family who founded VEGA still work for the company and John believes this culture is one of the many qualities which sets them apart from other suppliers.

"VEGA is a family-owned company," said Mr Leadbetter. "Our ethos is simple - we're here to service the market.

"VEGA reinvests profits in the company. We built and own our new Australian headquarters.

"Worldwide, we own all our property and vehicles. This principal of complete ownership is important to us, as it gives confidence to our staff and the people we service that the company is run properly."

VEGA's new Australian headquarters are based in Caringbah, 30 kilometres south of Sydney.

The facility was part of a strategic focus on developing relationships with the people who use VEGA's products and services.

"Our Caringbah facility is designed around three buildings - administration, warehouse and a training centre," said Mr Leadbetter.

"The training centre is important as it ensures clients are equipped with the knowledge of how to use our equipment to its full capacity.

"In the past, we provided onsite training. I've personally delivered more than 200 training courses for mining companies including Rio Tinto and BHP."

Training people to use VEGA's equipment reinforces the company ethos of establishing and developing relationships with clients to ensure they remain fully supported.

Courses are run over eight hours and up to 40 people can be accommodated at the new Caringbah training facility. VEGA can provide flights and accommodation if required.

"I started as a technician and understand the value of training," said Mr Leadbetter. "Our courses are hands-on and provide time in the classroom as well as practical training.

"It gives clients confidence that they are getting the best use of the technology we provide.

"Feedback has been very positive. Operators demonstrate competency and it also provides companies with the reassurance that their teams know how to operate the equipment."

This approach was the inspiration behind VEGA's latest product range, launched in January this year.

"We recently launched an expansive range of entry-level products, following consultation with our clients," said Mr Leadbetter.

"The equipment retains the quality, performance and accuracy of our other products, but offers more entry-level functionality.

"This allows clients a choice between more basic equipment and products which provide complex solutions.

"We listened to feedback and created a tailored range of products. This range took four years to develop and demonstrates VEGA's commitment to working with clients to supply the equipment they need."

VEGA is aware of the logistical challenges in providing support to clients across Australia.

"Communication is a critical part of the service we provide," said Mr Leadbetter. "We have a 24 hour helpline.

"Waiting on equipment can affect operations and we place great importance on getting clients what they need as quickly as possible, often overnight with orders for standard stock.

"Our clients know they can speak with the VEGA team and that we're easy to deal with.

"Deadlines are sacred in the mining industry and VEGA understands our role in the production chain."

Australia plays an important part in VEGA's global operations.

"I like to bring colleagues from Germany and other countries to help them understand the challenges our clients encounter when operating in Australia," said Mr Leadbetter.

"Heat, dust and environmental conditions are just some of the factors which have to be considered when designing products around customer needs.

"From Australia, we also service clients in Papua New Guinea and offer our expertise in mining applications to colleagues around the world. Being part of this global network benefits clients."

So what are VEGA's plans for the future?

"At VEGA, we are always looking to the future," added Mr Leadbetter. "We are working to improve data retrieval from our products, making it easier for clients to monitor performance remotely.

"Applications on a mobile phone make it easy to monitor instruments and our teams will continue to look for ways to enhance this process."

Vega Australia
34 Cawarra Road
2229 CARINGBAH
NSW
Australia

Tel.: +61 2 95426662
info.au@vega.com
www.vega.com/au