[ Cover Story ]
Paul has made significant investments over the past two years , including a warehouse expansion to cater for his burgeoning cut-to-length tube business .
and focused . Ongoing investments in facilities and technology mean the workplaces are ergonomic , and orders are filled with minimal fuss . Automatic order-picking machines quietly assemble individual items into complete batches , ready for packing and dispatch . Overhead cranes gently cradle bundles of pipes as they are moved from the laser cutters to the packing station , and then on to waiting trucks . Paul has made significant investments over the past two years , including a warehouse expansion to cater for his burgeoning cut-to-length tube business . “ We opened the new warehouse space three months ago . It ’ s fitted with a storage and picking system which automatically moves pipes into the sawing department . Cut-to-length pieces have become a significant part of our business ,” he explains . The purchase of the new tube laser cutter has enabled the company to increase both turnover and quality for this popular service . “ As tubes and fittings are our core business , it ’ s important to have the latest technology to ensure top-quality products . I believe it ’ s a good idea to have more room than we currently need , so the facilities are very generously proportioned .” Two new picking machines were recently installed in the main warehouse to handle increased demand . A new forming machine will soon be accompanied by a co-bot , a simple robot that will take over cutting tasks .
As turnover has increased , more staff have been recruited , and today the company has 67 full-time employees . The company ’ s excellent reputation in the area means they have no trouble filling vacancies . Paul has also invested in his fleet of trucks , with four new vehicles added in the past two years . “ My father always said : when times are good , you should invest in the company . Over the past year , we ’ ve certainly followed that advice and invested a great deal !”
Building relationships Paul ’ s business is based on strong relationships . His first order was from a former colleague over thirty years ago . He enjoys telling the story from a time when fax machines were still in vogue , and the euro had not yet replaced the Dutch guilder . “ My friend called and said , ‘ Paul , I ’ ve contacted several suppliers to order our year ’ s supply of stainless products … but I don ’ t want to work with any of them !’ I knew the products and quality he required , so I agreed to supply the order for the same price he ’ s been quoted . Within one minute , I received a faxed confirmation for a 300,000 guilders ( EUR 157,000 ) order ! Since that moment , they ’ ve exclusively bought from us . It was a great way to start a business ,” he smiles . Paul sources products from all over the world as long as they meet his strict quality standards . “ When we are interested in a new producer , we visit their plant to see what they are making . Our first question is , what do you produce yourself ? Successful visits lead to longterm relationships with our suppliers , all of whom we know personally .”
The original green choice When our talk turns to the issue of ‘ green ’ steel in today ’ s market , Paul smiles . “ Over 90 % of the material content of the stainless steel we supply is produced from scrap . Stainless steel has always been a great example of a circular economy . Every piece will eventually be remelted and used to produce new material .” The company has always been concerned with environmental issues . The cardboard boxes used to ship small items are recycled from a local company ; Paul has no problem using
A storage and picking system in the new warehouse space automatically moves pipes into the sawing department to be cut .
10 Stainless Steel World April 2023 www . stainless-steel-world . net