[ Cover Story ]
[ Cover Story ]
Learning culture The Hart team has a high level of technical knowledge and a strong learning culture . This is reinforced with ongoing training to enable them to meet customer requirements and handle complex and challenging projects successfully . “ Repeat training is both an opportunity to bring new staff up to speed on our processes and to update the knowledge of the long-term staff . It ’ s an opportunity for us to learn from each other , so we make time every week to address a different aspect of the business .” A new back-office manager has streamlined operations in that department , and several new staff members have complemented the sales team . “ Change brings opportunities ; everyone who joins brings something new to the table , which is incredibly refreshing and creates an evolution in our business practices ,” smiles Lizette . “ Everybody has a unique approach , and this is what we call the ‘ heart of Hart ’. We have a diverse group of nationalities and personality types , which helps motivate people who are open to learning . It ’ s very stimulating for our company as a whole .”
Uncompromising quality “ Quality is essential in the nickel alloys business ,” Lizette explains . “ We source products from approved and renowned manufacturers , mainly from Western Europe , the United States and Japan . Our supplier relationships are hugely important ; we can trust them to consistently deliver what we order . Annual reviews with each supplier are learning moments to discuss possible improvements . These are an important part of our learning culture , where we share experiences of the past year and identify any points for improvement . It ’ s a valuable opportunity to provide feedback from our clients to our suppliers , which is greatly appreciated .”
Increase in specs & testing Hart has the in-house technology to create added value for its customers with a variety of services . These range from cut-to-size pieces , bevelling and colour coding to additional marking , and the company is PED certified to remark materials . It also performs a wide range of materials testing , and Lizette explains that demand for testing is growing yearon-year . In addition , Hart b . v . is Aramco approved .
Attention to detail and uncompromising quality typify service at Hart bv .
“ For some time , we ’ ve noticed that customers are demanding more checks on materials , additional verification that the information on certificates is correct , and adding more specifications . One of the reasons is that some applications have become more demanding and complex , so additional assurance is required that materials will perform as expected . Another reason is the increased number of nickel alloy manufacturers globally . While many mills produce quality materials , others do not . When end users encounter material failures , the standard response is to apply additional specifications to avoid future problems . We emphasise that dealing with the right supplier minimises the chance of something going wrong . The concept of quality has to be an intrinsic part of your work philosophy . Most end users believe that quality comes first and price second . However , there is often a conflict between what engineers want and what buyers can afford . It ’ s a challenging balance , especially when prices are as high as they are now .”
Facts & Figures
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Hart bv
Loyalty of clients With its wide product range and extensive in-house materials knowledge , Hart has built up a loyal customer base . “ We aim to unburden our customers from any concerns they have regarding nickel alloys . Today , a key concern is a lack of personnel , with companies across Europe experiencing staff shortages . They now rely on trustworthy suppliers who understand their needs and are willing to work closely with them . Many customers have been with us for years , through good times and bad , and we ’ ve looked after each other . Ultimately , this business is about people ; many companies supply alloys , but the relationship between the supplier and the customer makes all the difference .” “ We will go the extra mile for our loyal customers , finding the best solutions for them . Reliability is important ; our customers know they can trust us when we say we have the material in stock or quote a delivery time . With Hart , what you see is what you get , and our customers appreciate that .”
Nijkerk , the Netherlands
Master distributor of nickel alloy piping products
Products : Seamless pipes , fittings and flanges .
Alloys - ( seamless ): 200 / 201 , 400 , 600 , 625 , 825
Info :
- ( seamless & welded ): C276
www . hartbv . nl
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