Interview With: Andrew Coldicott
Brendan Perring talks to Andrew Coldicott, business development manager at Tecman, about the latest developments in adhesive technology and how the firm has grown over the last 20 years
Friday, 14 Sep 2012 08:22 GMT
Andrew Coldicott, Tecman, business development manager
From the start we have been absolutely focused on supplying the most effective bonding solutions to our customers. The sign industry is constantly evolving, and subsequently requirements and applications become more challenging. Because of this we too are continually developing, making it a very interesting and rewarding industry to be in. We have unquestionably established ourselves as a major adhesive tape converter through a clear understanding of our customer’s requirements and an in-depth knowledge of adhesive chemistry.
Our extensive in-house conversion facilities allow us to provide the flexibility and exceptionally fast delivery service that our customers require. We can also offer bespoke products perfectly suited to our customer’s requirements. It is very satisfying to be able to say ‘yes’ to the most simple or demanding requirements.
In such a competitive sector, what is it that your company brings to the table for the sign trade?
Our technical knowledge and years of experience within the sign trade brings huge benefits to our customers. This enables us to provide the most effective solution from the start, avoiding very expensive mistakes later on. After all, it is more than the sign that is being held together by our products, it is also our customer’s reputation, which we take very seriously.
We are not simply tape stockists, we are adhesive specialists and we excel in our field. Our Bond44 range of products has been developed predominantly for the sign industry, offering top level bonding performance at very competitive costs.
Our adhesive technicians are constantly sourcing and trialling new products, ensuring Bond44 remains progressive and cost efficient to meet the extreme demands of the sign industry”
We recently launched Adhesive Selector, which is an online tool created to assists sign-makers in finding the best product for their bonding application. Available on our website www.tecmansm.co.uk you simply enter the details of the application which Adhesive Selector analyses and then provides the most effective adhesive or adhesive tape product for your requirement.
What are the latest cutting edge developments in adhesives, and how are you incorporating them?
The rapid development of the foamed acrylic tapes is one of the most exciting development areas for us. The latest generation of Bond44 Vhpb tapes offer the absolute highest performance at the most cost-effective pricing. These high performance adhesives replace traditional rivets and spot welds with obvious design and assembly advantages; they are increasing in popularity as they become more affordable, opening up their use to a greater variety of applications. Tecman’s range challenge any other similar product on performance and price, because of this I can honestly say we’re seeing a large number of customers switching to Bond44.
We also have a new cold weather adhesive available from autumn, which is a fantastic breakthrough for any sign-maker fitting outdoors in winter”
Being at the forefront of the company, how are you ensuring it stays competitive with the ensuing economic climate?
Through hard work. Even though the economy is still slow and we know our customers have to be careful with costs and spending during these tough times, we’ve seen significant growth over the last financial year. This increase is due to us offering genuine value based on exceptional service and products that our customers trust and have confidence in.
We’ve recently seen an increase in new customers, many being referrals from other companies. We have worked closely with many of our customers over the last year to balance cost efficiency with product performance, reviewing usage and helping to streamline purchasing arrangements to save costs without compromising the end result.
You also have a big conversion wing, tell me a little more about that.
Flexibility is at the heart of our company and our conversion department is vital to maintaining this. Our commitment to on-going investment in our conversion capabilities underlines our objective to remain a major player in the field. We are the chosen conversion partner for some of the leading global adhesive tape manufacturers and we provide a service that upholds and enhances the very best reputations.
We have extensive in-house conversion equipment within our UK manufacturing facility. This includes rapid slitting, wide-format laminating, sheeting and high precision die-cutting. Tecman is trusted by some of the world’s largest blue chip corporations across a multitude of industries based on our absolute commitment to quality of product, professional support and on-going customer care.
