Greenwood, MS (March 17, 2014) – Viking Range, LLC (Viking) has recently made strategic business decisions to strengthen and best position the company and brand for long-term growth. As a result of these restructuring efforts, today Viking has more employees than a year ago at 944 compared to 875 in 2013.
As of February, 2014, Viking completed the acquisition of all its distribution in the United States and Canada. These acquisitions were critical to the future growth of the company as it allows Viking to directly control its distribution channels. Viking has also expanded its international distribution channels by leveraging Middleby Worldwide Distribution. By utilizing the well-established Middleby channel, Viking now has its own global service and sales force in more than 40 countries.
Prior to this reorganization, Viking used independent distributors domestically and worldwide to promote, sell and service its products. As of March 1, 2014, Viking manages and directs these channels by distributing through its own sales force worldwide.
The new business model has required Viking management to review various business functions and eliminate redundancies and maximize efficiencies Many positions in regard to technical service and call centers will be redeployed from Greenwood to distribution centers throughout the US and Canada. Many other areas including marketing and training will be streamlined as a result of this consolidation, effectively eliminating many duplicated positions in Greenwood and other locations.
Viking has analyzed the complexity of the product line and continues to do so. Many low volume models have been eliminated to improve manufacturing efficiencies. New products currently being launched have been engineered with a renewed dedication to product performance and quality.
Investments are being made to Viking’s refrigeration manufacturing facilities and product line. Middleby has made significant investments in the Viking operations. An additional $10 million investment in 2014 for upgrading the Viking refrigeration plant to meet upcoming 2014 energy requirements has been approved by the Middleby Board.
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Viking Range, LLC originated ultra-premium commercial-type appliances for residential use, creating a whole new category of home appliances. Committed to innovative product design, unrivaled performance and peerless quality, Viking is headquartered in Greenwood, Mississippi, and is a subsidiary of The Middleby Corporation, a long-time leader in commercial kitchen technology. Viking appliances are recognized globally as the foremost brand in the high-end appliance industry and are sold through a network of premium appliance distributors and dealers worldwide.
For additional product information, to locate a Viking dealer in your area, or to request a quote, please visit www.vikingrange.com. VIKING is a registered trademark of Viking Range, LLC. Viking products are sold under the BRIGADE brand in Canada.