TPT November 2011

I ndustry N ews New appointments to drive UK sales

WITH two new senior appointments, automated orbital welding specialist Arc Machines Inc (AMI) is strengthening the service it provides clients in the UK and Ireland, and reinforcing its recent move to a purpose-built facility in Daventry, as part of its growth strategy. New regional director Michael Allman was brought on board earlier this year to build on AMI’s offer to existing customers and develop new opportunities in key growth areas, while Sean Blandford has, more recently, been appointed as general sales manager to lead sales activities for the UK market from the new site. Mr Allman’s engineering background, including 12 years with BP and commercial experience as a company director with both UK and European businesses, brings a strong focus on appealing proactively to existing and potential customers. Commenting on his appointment, Mr Allman said, “AMI has been setting the standards for automated orbital welding for the past 30 years. We have the best products in the business, with a service, training and maintenance structure to match, but now is

not the time to sit on our laurels. We plan to go out to our existing customers and remind them how good our products and support are and to shout loudly to attract new business.” AMI has always maintained a strong identity in the UK and encourages regional directors to develop working practices appropriate to the local business culture. The company has historically dealt through intermediaries, but Mr Allman believes that it is the end-user who should be able to specify the best equipment for the job. “AMI has been operating for 30 years, and is a first-choice welding equipment supplier for many contractors. But nowadays there is tighter control on quality and cost from end-users. We need to demonstrate the advantages of AMI products directly to them so that they can ensure the best equipment is specified.” One of Mr Allman’s first decisions was to consolidate all UK sales activity, including customer support, operator training, equipment maintenance and repair and spares supply, in a single, purpose-built facility.

Both new appointees will be based in the new 7,000ft 2 site, which will be the only one of its kind in the UK to accommodate the full AMI product range along with a state-of-the- art demonstration area, full maintenance and service support, a comprehensive spare parts inventory plus a dedicated operator training facility to meet both current and future market needs. Mr Blandford, who also has significant international experience and has recently completed an MBA with the Henley Business School, commented, “Arc has a long standing reputation for reliable, high- quality products and I plan to remind all our customers of the value that can bring to their operations. Other industries that could benefit significantly from automated welding systems just do not include them as an integral part of their engineering culture and we are determined to break that mould.” Arc Machines UK Ltd – UK Fax: +44 1327 315034 Email: sales@arcmachines.co.uk Website: www.arcmachines.com

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N ovember 2011

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