FIJI: Top quality Bormann tools now available
Spotting a gap in the construction market, Vishaal Sharma, owner of Genuine Suppliers Pte, set about securing a contract to supply quality hardware from Bormann Tools to Fiji. Now the official distributor, Vishaal doesn’t plan to stop there.
Bormann Tools – in case you haven’t already heard of them – is a German manufacturer of a huge range of industrial equipment and power tools covering almost all applications you could conceive of. Angle grinders, blowers, circular saws, drills, hammers, hot air guns, jigsaws, mixers, paint guns, power generators, reciprocating saws, sanders, screwdrivers, wrenches, air compressors, car equipment, cordless tools, digital scales, lifting equipment, pressure washers, pumps, vacuum cleaners, and workwear – and more.
Vishaal’s idea could only become a reality with a financial boost, and that boost came from Business Link Pacific in the form of a Business Support Grant, with the support of Business Assistance Fiji. Projects funded by BLP must satisfy at least one of five categories, and this project satisfied the ‘Growth’ category by expanding the products offered by Genuine Suppliers to include Bormann Tools. This, in turn, expanded the customer base to include commercial operators in the construction industry.
The funding was used to purchase a supply of Bormann tools to satisfy demand in Fiji. “We’re very thankful to BLP and Business Assistance Fiji for their support. The grant has been instrumental in helping us bring Bormann to the market.”
Positive feedback from customers who have already purchased and used the new product motivates Vishaal to expand further into the Pacific market. “We aim to target regions such as Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga, and other Pacific islands. We have already signed an agreement with the main supplier of Bormann, aiming to establish a strong presence in these new markets by the end of the year.”
Established in 2020, Genuine Suppliers has rapidly grown and adapted to market demands. In 2021 they expanded from a home office to a fully-fledged workshop and retail outlet in President Plaza, Suva, serving local customers and providing on-site repairs for larger machinery that cannot be transported to their service centre.
The move to President Plaza marked the beginning of a new chapter for the business. “We saw a significant gap in the market for reliable after-sales service and quality retail products. That’s what inspired us to start this business, and that is what keeps us thriving.”
The business continues to thrive today with a team of eight dedicated staff members, including two women. Focusing on quality products backed by excellent customer service has been the key to Genuine Supplies’ success in this competitive market.
BLP facilitates access to business advisory services and financial support. To start your journey with BLP, you can self-assess your needs by using the free online tools available to help small- and medium-sized businesses diagnose areas in their businesses that an advisor could improve.
The first step can be the online Business Health Check. You can also check your business’s resilience to respond to crises or climate change challenges on the Business Continuity Planner and the Climate Action Sensor. If you prefer to meet a local BLP representative in person to discuss your business, get in touch with our local partners to arrange a face-to-face Diagnostic.