Volkswagen Group

Snows has been the approved supplier of print to the Volkswagen Group dealer networks for over 20 years. In November 2002 approval for the supply of documentation to head office was also secured via an in depth tendering process.

In November 2002 Volkswagen brand also launched their new VI (Visual Identity) which meant that as well as taking on the contract for supply, Snows were also responsible for implementing the new VI across head office and the retailer network, partnering with integrity, Volkswagen Groups VI Agency.

Snows' ability to work in partnership with other contracted companies such as design and creative agencies has ensured that time sensitive projects are completed on time and to the satisfaction of Volkswagen Group with very little need for their involvement. This was the case with the launch of the new VI as on the required day Snows sent a team of people to Volkswagen Group headquarters to remove all obsolete stock and replace with new VI stock.

Since winning the contract to supply the Group as a whole Snows has improved the processes throughout the supply chain and provided cost savings across the product range. In addition ordering mechanisms have been improved; e.g. all business card orders are now placed using the eprint online proofing and ordering system reducing the lead time to 5 working days.

Now in the second full year of the contract Snows has taken on the supply of all training material across the four brands Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT and Skoda. This major step forward has been as a result of the relationship with the Audi Academy.

The Audi Academy

In November 2002 Snows were appointed as the approved supplier to the Audi Academy for all training materials. Since winning this contract Snows has worked closely with the Audi Academy developing the training material to a level that is far superior in both quality and presentation to that which was in place originally.

The training material is now produced duplex, realising a 50% saving on paper. Using a Xeikon digital press ensures superb quality and accurate colour reproduction of diagrams and images. It is presented in a loop stitched booklet format and supplied with high quality binders, dividers and separate handouts where required.

All material is produced on demand one week prior to the courses running ensuring there is no wastage or stockholding required. The course material is then despatched to each of the venues with all ancillary items, pens, tent cards, evaluation forms, etc. The courses are then confirmed as delivered including the location of the course material at the venue, and this is reported back to the Audi Academy providing them with total peace of mind.

Dairy Crest

For over 25 years Snows has been working with Dairy Crest (previously Unigate). The relationship was founded on Snows ability to manage the individual requirements of each location to provide the documentation and equipment that allowed DC to carry out their business in an efficient manner.

Snows now provide over 175 items to the entire Dairy Crest network, the product range includes all printed stationery, thermal rolls, printer ribbons and manuals During 2003 Snows have successfully negotiated the inclusion of all processing and administration locations into the existing contract.

The working relationship has continued to evolve and Snows now assist with product development and liaise with other Dairy Crest suppliers to aid with the required upgrades in equipment and consumable supply. Online ordering and stock management is provided and Snows interface with the DC purchase order management system.

Today we receive and process all orders from the 153 locations. Goods are then called from stock and a bulk delivery is made to all locations on an agreed date each month. DC has passed the management of this function to Snows and thus is more able to concentrate on its own core activity.