Product category:
Cleaning media and cleaning systems
News Release from: Enviro Tech Europe | Subject: Surface finishing
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 02 February 2006
Surface finishing - meeting the
challenges
Surface finishing by its very nature involves a chemical process and with it the responsibility of safety, environment and waste disposal, writes Derek Carpenter.
Though many people fail to acknowledge it, the Surface Finishing industry adds quality to people's lives every day Whenever they buy manufactured goods for pleasure or comfort, Joe Public looks for the best finish at the lowest price
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 7 Apr 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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At a time when raw materials, process and labour costs are increasing in the UK, its little wonder that finishers see themselves sandwiched between high customer expectation and reducing profitability, not to mention EU Regulation and fierce competition from home and abroad.
Anyone remember the days of a level playing field? Its more likely our day begins with the thought: "What challenges are likely today?" Surface finishing by its very nature involves a chemical process and with it the responsibility of safety, environment and waste disposal.
A response to such issues depends on whether a chemical is hazardous or non-hazardous.
Further reading
Be vigilant when making degreasing choices
While users are keenly interested in the advantages of process cleaning, they can be confused by the amount of misinformation that seems forever presented to them, writes Derek Carpenter.
Aerospace again favours solvent cleaning
Rigorous performance testing has enabled a solvent cleaning product to become the favoured choice for former aerospace manufacturing users of the carcinogen trichloroethylene.
Updating the use of trichloroethylene in factories
On the regulated use of trichloroethylene in European industry, Derek Carpenter writes that he had never seen more confusion resulting from the guidance given to users.
Over the last 20 years a good number of chemical choices have been removed and this has meant change.
Change demands thought and action and often those companies who do better than others attribute their success to seeing and responding to it as an opportunity.
One characteristic they seem to have is a desire to keep up to date with the trends of the market and invest wisely in their future.
They see customer satisfaction rather than reduced quality as the desire of the majority.
They look for ways they can give added value and recognise some essential principles: View the Internet Products, suppliers and competitors all make information available to us on the web.
What is happening outside your door is available on screen with answers answered quickly.
Want literature? Want to consider an application? Need someone to call to see you? Want to see the services your competitor offers? It's all at your fingertips.
Set aside time for it.
Make sure your own site is fresh so visitors will come back to see your news and progress.
* Branding - if you have no added value or you don't shout about it its not likely anyone will take an interest in you.
Companies that are successful are well known in their own market.
Being known for quality at realistic prices and knowing how to justify the benefits in your price is vital.
Decide what your target audience is.
Ten at GBP 1000.00 each or one at GBP 10,000.00 or a mix.
The answer is entirely personal but never forget that business without profit benefits no one.
Get endorsements from happy customers to confirm your value.
Look at and contribute to trade magazines in effective ways.
Stand out from the crowd.
Suppliers * Never doubt their usefulness to your business - choose the right ones with energy and ideas.
They should have specialist skills so get them to review your application methods and make suggestions for improvements.
You may have used multiple tonnes of their products for years.
Newer products or changes in methods may reduce chemical use.
This has the same effect as a price decrease since you spend less.
Offer them the challenge.
If they are reluctant, find another supplier.
Often, it is the smaller companies who give real attention and new ideas.
Never turn them away.
Whatever you agree as your goal have it confirmed in writing before actioning the plan.
Always have a yardstick to measure progress and do reviews.
* Offer 'total solutions' - customers want suppliers to give them a complete service.
Not offering it makes you vulnerable.
Find out what people want and need and offer it.
Total solutions bring added value and increased revenues.
* Staff - good staff helps a company thrive.
Those who balance customer care and profit are essential.
They are a key investment area.
Take time to attract the best and support and develop them.
Every staff member needs a 'smiley voice'.
Get this wrong and you ruin any good you achieve elsewhere.
No company can become an island.
Finding good partnerships with customers, staff and suppliers is necessary.
It produces opportunities and efficiency.
My background is predominantly the chemical industry.
The days of domination by the 'big names' has gone.
Smaller companies are setting new standards and growing quickly.
They are more responsive and more aware.
They also listen and contribute more.
They have real value to finishers.
Independent companies endeavour to tailor solutions to fit your real needs, not their own objectives.
That is a real partnership.
Its tough in business but you will succeed by being alert.
Business begins and ends with customer satisfaction.
After all, without customers there is no business.
* About the author - Derek Carpenter is with Enviro Tech Europe. Request a free brochure from Enviro Tech Europe ...
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