Grad-in signs important cooperation agreement with VVS Norway

Grad-in, a niche player in radiators and convectors, has just started and kicked off the largest agreement in the company’s history. VVS Norge with 200 partners has signed a cooperation agreement with Grad-in AB.

The new owners of Grad-in see a similar development in both Sweden and Norway where goods with greater values are moved from wholesalers to niche players. Wholesalers will certainly remain on small items with lower frequency and low values, all in the pursuit of getting down in price and handling cost, items will be moved from wholesalers. What happens in plumbing remains to be seen.

– We at Grad have adapted the company to a new role in the value chain, says Carl-Tore Bengtsson CEO.

“With over 20,000 radiators in a variety of designs in stock, we have the Nordic region’s widest range of water-borne panel radiators, with both surface-mounted and integrated couplings, of course matched with accessories. We have a unique product called VKM8 with as many as 8 connection points, which can handle most connection problems that an installer may encounter. With our impressive stock and our deep knowledge in plumbing, we can offer high quality solutions with fast delivery.

The objective is simple; to simplify for the installer. We achieve this through low overhead, simple systems and low overheads, which makes us competitive with the leading installers in each location. Our product is relatively simple and we do not want to burden the price with a lot of extra things that are not needed for the installer to do a good job.

Sales Manager Patrik Johansson says that the company has been reorganizing for a year, clearing out the leaven, building the organization and loading the cannon.

The first major agreement has been signed with VVS Norge, which brings together a total of 200 installation companies under one roof: Comfort, Bademiljö and a new Proff chain. Grad is appointed as an object supplier and the premiere takes place today at the chain’s VVS fair at Gardemoen Oslo.

– “We are very pleased that we have been able to get this major agreement in port and expect to get additional niche agreements in both Sweden and Norway with our new concept. Both countries are undergoing a structural transformation similar to the journey we have made in construction in Sweden. We have received strong signals from the major players that they want to move niche products from wholesalers to direct purchase,” says Carl-Tore Bengtsson.

– “We expect to sign further agreements in both Sweden and Norway during the year,” says Patrik Johansson.

About Grad-In

Intaga AB is a family-owned group that has four different legs.

Plumbing in the form of the niche player Grad-in AB. Cremo AB, plastic industry with Crescent boats and other fiberglass products. Manovi Varberg AB, a mechanical workshop with a unique overall concept
And a real estate part. The main owner is the Carl-Tore Bengtsson family, together with the management of the various companies. Group-wide functions in administration, warehousing and transport mean that cost efficiency and low overhead are achieved. The Intaga Group is expected to have a turnover of SEK 150 million in 2020 with strong growth in all subsidiaries.

Grad-in was founded in 1997 and is based in Varberg 6 miles south of Gothenburg. With its excellent geographical location, it serves all of Sweden and Norway with daily deliveries. Grad-in represents Czech Korado, one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of radiators, and their subsidiary Licon, a niche player in customized convectors. Accessories from well-known players such as IMI, Danfoss, MMA and Sigarth are available in a wide range in stock.

Both Patrik Johansson and Carl-Tore Bengtsson have long experience from Järn & Bygg. Patrik has previously worked in Setra Bygg-Gross, Optimera and most recently in the Derome Group where he and Carl-Tore have made a fantastic journey from SEK 100 million and one plant to 45 plants and 3.5 billion in turnover. Carl-Tore has a background from various Volvo dealers, Black & Decker throughout the Nordic region, Luna Verktyg & Maskiner, Unipet and Derome over the past 17 years. He is now leaving as Deputy CEO of the Derome Group and will concentrate on the family group together with his children and partners.