"You ask, we spin...: we don't know that. You ask, and we ask on"

Higher quality requirements, rising labor costs, staff shortages: these are just some of the challenges facing the entire manufacturing industry. Metaaltechniek Handelsonderneming, a specialist wholesaler of sanding and grinding materials, brings knowledge and advice to the shop floor with the aim of keeping costs manageable and helping the manufacturing industry meet these challenges.

"You ask, we turn: ... we don't know that. You ask and we ask through," begins sales manager Dirk van de Pol Kok: "That is necessary to get clear what the challenge is and what the end result should be. It can lead to a surprising proposal for a completely different way of working that is much faster. Because ultimately, that is the goal: speed in production must increase. Saving 10% on labor costs is a significantly greater savings than saving 10% on the purchase price of a sanding product. We want to grow that awareness among customers."  

The Dutch company Metaaltechniek is centrally located in Amersfoort, but has advisors in different regions. For example, Rob van Aerssen can be found in Belgium at least one day a week. In addition, he serves the German customers, who already know the way to the Dutch company as well.

The power of collaboration

That reputation is fueled in part by the intensive cooperation with machine builder Q-Fin, based in Bergeijk, the Netherlands. Q-Fin deburring machines are characterized by their "grinding power. The machine in combination with the right abrasives ensures fast rounding and a beautiful finish. Metaaltechniek advises the user of the Q-Fin machine about belts, brushes, speeds, depth settings et cetera, in order to get the optimum return from the machines. Dirk van de Pol Kok: "The cooperation with Q-Fin is characteristic of our company. We always seek the connection in the customer/supplier/wholesaler triangle. We believe in the power of cooperation, sharing knowledge. That brings us all further and makes the work so much more enjoyable."

Because that too is typical Metaaltechniek: enthusiastic, driven with heart for the customer. "If necessary, we get in the car immediately to help our customers further. We don't drive around filling the shelves, but we are ready to help the customer."

Own training center

Unique in the market is its own training center, the METAC. Here, small-scale training courses are given in the areas of sanding, grinding and polishing. In one day, the theory of the grinding process is explained and practiced in the practice room on work pieces that the students have brought from their own production. Together, a step-by-step plan is devised and established so that the training is truly applicable in daily practice. 

Accessible webshop

Companies in Belgium, too, are increasingly finding Metaaltechniek. Dirk van de Pol Kok: "The accessible webshop also helps with that. All products are clearly priced, there are various payment methods, and there is a flexible return policy. Once registered, as a customer you have access to your own environment where you can create favorites lists, and delivery times and open orders or quotations are visible. Of course, registered customers can simply pay on account. In short, online also offers everything you need to quickly order your materials."