“All suppliers can deliver products and basically everyone can do it at a good price. But being able to do that in combination with having knowledge, a strong supplier base behind us, our own brands and an organization with competence and know-how – these are the things that make us unbeatable.”

These are the words of Christer Wedin. He was recently named Key Account Manager of the Year at Alligo’s Crystal Gala, but he prefers to highlight others rather than himself.

His job can be likened to being an orchestra conductor: He gets everyone to play in sync in a complex deal, so that the finished result sounds equally beautiful in everyone’s ears – Alligo’s and the customers’. There are not many performing solos.

“There are many parts of the company that I don’t have a good grasp of, so I have to get help from others. Together we succeed. I have involved many employees in our efforts towards the end customer, and it has led to success,” he says.

He has worked within what is now known as Alligo for 23 years, including as sales manager for TOOLS. But Christer missed the contact with customers. So, a few years ago, he applied for the role of key account manager.

TODAY HE WORKS with the manufacturing industry, in particular, the growing green industry. One example is the well-known battery manufacturer Northvolt, which is a large and important customer.

“We have really shown our strengths in competences, solution orientation, ensuring efficient product flows and helping them with efficiencies. If we hadn’t done these things in the last two years, we wouldn’t be where we are today, and then we wouldn’t have had the chance to sign an agreement.”

If you want to buy a screwdriver, it will always be possible to find it cheaper in an online store. But if you think a little broader, success is about quality, sustainability and innovation. And of course, cooperation. Areas that Christer Wedin is passionate about.

“The total cost is what is important, not the price on the invoice for an individual product. For example, we have Smart Service, a concept for offering products in an economic, efficient and more sustainable way. But that’s only half the collaboration. The human contact is extremely important. I enjoy the interaction with other people, both internally and with customers.

“It is important to build trust and deliver what we promise. A good relationship with the customer is essential.”

It is important to build trust and deliver what we promise. A good relationship with the customer is essential. One example is the battery manufacturer Northvolt, which is a big and important customer.