Headquartered in Vikmanshyttan, Dalarna, Sweden with operations also in the U.S. and China, CTEK Power Inc. was established in 1997 as a subsidiary of Creator Teknisk Utveckling AB.
CTEK and Creator have 120 employees; the firm specializes in designing, developing, manufacturing and marketing batteries, charging systems and related accessories.
Regional manager Matt Ingram recently responded to a series of questions about the global ignition industry and the latest technologies:
Q: What are some typical causes for a failed alternator, battery or starter, and how can those problems be avoided?
A: A failing or failed alternator can destroy a battery by not properly restoring the power and allowing the battery to sit at a discharged state for extended periods of time. A failed or failing battery can also destroy an alternator by overworking it. It is important that both the alternator and battery are in good shape to ensure the reliability of the system. CTEK offers our MUS 4.3 Test and Charge which boasts all of the superior charging and maintenance users have come to trust from CTEK, but also features modes for testing the batteries voltage, starting power and even the alternator.
Q: As a company that is based in Sweden, can you talk about some of the worldwide trends in the battery and battery charger market?
A: The battery and charger market does not have a whole lot of differences worldwide. A 12V battery is still a 12V battery no matter where you are. The differences come more from the way people think about treating their batteries in other countries. We have noticed that certain countries are more in tune with properly maintaining their batteries to ensure performance, lifespan and most important, reliability.
Q: Can you describe some of the newer battery technologies, such as AGM and the advantages of each?
A: Battery technology has come a long way over time. Not only in technology but also in manufacturing techniques. One interesting fact we have found, however, is that in some cases batteries are not lasting as long as they used to. We have determined that this is not the battery’s fault. Rather, it is the demand we are putting on the battery. Proper monitoring, charging and maintenance are now more important than ever.
When the demand on a battery is greater, AGM technology is a great choice. An AGM battery has many benefits including stronger resistance to vibration due to the fiberglass material between the lead plates. Most AGM batteries are also designed so they can experience a deep discharge and still be brought back to full capacity, whereas a typical flooded acid battery may not.
Q: What advantages can a distributor gain by stocking your battery chargers and accessories?
A: CTEK offers a unique, complete line of advanced battery care options. With a limited amount of SKU’s a distributor can cover all of their customer’s requirements and markets. The CTEK line can be a great high volume mover and can also be a great add on sale when marketed with batteries or other electronic accessories.
Q: Why don’t you offer a one-size-fits-all product?
A: Many of the CTEK products are actually a one-size-fits-all. We do offer different chargers designed for professional use or larger batteries, but most products are very universal. Take the MUS 4.3 for example. This charger features modes for smaller batteries such as lawn tractors and motorcycles, a mode for normal car batteries and also a mode for any AGM style batteries.
Q: What are some of the new products that CTEK has recently launched?
A: CTEK continuously launches new and innovative products. Most recently we have launched a new 12V Lithium charger designed for LiFe batteries. We also have the new CTEK MUS 4.3 Test and Charge and the CTEK MUS 4.3 Polar, which is specifically designed for cold climates.
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