From humble beginnings

How quality and service drives LianXai forward into the future

1993

September – 20

Mr. Vichai

It was Mr. Vichai Ketsomboonsak’s first experiences of working in Japan that lead him to see that quality service was the way to create and build a future company in Laos.

So in 1993 he opened LianXai Lohakit, the first high quality steel store in Vientiane Lao PDR.

Together with his wife, Ralin and 2 members of staff, (nb. are they both still working for LianXai?), they sold quality steel products and backed it up with a quality service, continuing until 1996 when they started the next phase of development.

1995

timeline-2

1995

The terrible Hanshin Earthquake which hit many Japanese cities, including Kobe, created great uncertainty in steel supply and pricing. Recognising the need to hold onto quality services and supplies, Lianxai found opportunity in this time of uncertainty and started planning the opening of a new and bigger store.

1996

May – 14

New larger Store

Expansion

Their new larger store gave then the opportunity to add “nuts and bolts” literally, and steel folding doors and accessories.

Then the Tom Yam Kung (Bangkok Post spelling) crisis triggered by excessive lending by banks in Thailand allowed LianXai more opportunities to expand their market by ensuring stability of supply and pricing with a new warehouse extension in 1997.

2001

Jan – 14

Picture of first Makita Fayre?

Partnerships

2001 saw the next phase of LianXai’s business vision developing, with a partnership with Makita from Japan, selling internationally branded quality tools, followed soon after with Puma and later …..

Picture Puma logo

Now the future of LianXai was becoming clear, the No.1 store in Vientiane for supplies of quality steel, hardware, fastenings, hand tools, power tools and of course the “nuts and bolts”.

Picture of Milwaukee with you and staff or at a show

By building a partnership with Milwaukee, they extended their special relationship partners, so their support for sales and maintenance service is second to none.

Together they grow our businesses as their customers grow theirs

2002

Picture conference

Next Steps

Having a representative at Maquita Conferences across S. E. Asia meant that LianXai was continuing to learn, and develop new ideas for new business.

LianXai began training company workers in how to use their tools efficiently and safely, began to become a general consultancy and advisor to companies on tool choice, tool efficiency, stock and replacement systems and of course, safety, there is always a need for safety.

Staff

Of course not only does LianXai value its customers it also values its staff.

Picture conference

Ms ? has been a valued member of staff for over 30 years and to show their appreciation of her dedication she was awarded a brand new car.

“Ms has been with us from the beginning, always with a smile and her unique knowledge of all our products means her service is invaluable to our customers. ‘So how can I help?’ always comes with a smile!”