TVH electronic technicians have received extensive training in Italy.

SME, an Italian manufacturer of electronic controllers and related products for battery powered vehicles, will have a worldwide service centre through an alliance with Belgian accessories and parts supplier TVH.

From 1 January, all aftermarket customers seeking SME spare parts were redirected to TVH. While SME continues to focus on developing and manufacturing innovative solutions for OEM customers, TVH will be the global aftermarket partner for the sale of new parts and the authorised repair and remanufacturing centre.

SME says it is confident it will provide "better and faster" service to its customers globally through its alliance with TVH. Customers can expect to benefit by having local support in their local language.

According to a TVH statement: "This is an exciting development for both companies. Our skilled technical team has received extensive training and all parts and technical information to remanufacture parts have been handed over. Due to this new alliance, the remanufacturing and repairs from the SME facility in Italy will be transferred to TVH in Belgium."

Three experienced electronic technicians received extensive training in Italy, says TVH group communication advisor Debbie Manhaeve.

"This change will not affect SME employees as they will move to application and quality departments. The extra work this agreement brings for TVH will be absorbed by their 60-person electronics team."

The co-operation is expected to lead to higher availability, shorter lead times and improved technical support in different languages for customers.

According to TVH, this agreement aligns with its commitment to provide customers with a true one-stop-shop experience. It will also allow them to better meet the needs of the customers and give them an option between a new and a remanufactured part.