Archive for February, 2010

For a low profile belt conveyor company — or any company for that matter — it’s always nice to start the year off on a good foot and everyone asks the same question, “How was the show (the West Pack show, that is)?” The answer lies in each one’s own perspective and how you perceive shows. We strive to proactively make shows great. We prepare and attack, we know no other way. The days of sitting on your hands and waiting for attendees to come by your booth are long gone. It is still amazing to see how many exhibitors do it.

So was the show a success for us? Yes, absolutely. It takes a lot of work to make sure you have a success, but this year we teamed up with Provoast Automation, a top selling pneumatic and hydraulic sales force in Southern California and came away with many high qualified projects.

Many potential customers raved about the new Tension Release Tail on our Automation Series conveyors. They included James Lowery, a Design Engineer from ITM in Texas, who said, “…simply phenomenal. Loved it. I can’t wait to talk it up with the other designers and use it as soon as we have an opportunity.” And this was long before I had the chance to show him our new Pivot™ rotatable drives and discuss our five year warranty. But as you know at shows you have all of about 30 seconds and you’re done.

So from our perspective, it was a great show! From the attendees perspective there was certainly a tremendous amount to learn. And as for the “Hand Sitters” well I hope you had a good show too!

John Mellencamp’s song Small Town said it best, “Well I was born in small town, and I live in a small town…”(come on sing along). Although 2009 hit the manufacturing sector hard, Press Automation is making it big in a small town — especially for their customers throughout Indiana and us here at QC Industries.

Elkhart, as we all know is in the heart of Indiana, and so is Press Automation, Inc., an extraordinary company that is making sweet music in a not so easy time to do so. Their lyrics are a bit different though, “Staying close to customers and listening to their needs,” said Budd Bowman, General Manager, “and oh yea, good old fashion hard work.” The song must be right as this company stands out as one of QC Industries’ top distributors every year and this year will be no different. As I talk to Budd about his business every year you just hear it in his voice, this small town company really cares about their business and their customers.

The family owned business was formed in 1979 by Carol and Don Bowman. Budd, their son is now at the helm and continues to thrive with the dedication of the entire Press Automation crew including the inside support team and the sales staff.

From a manufacturer’s perspective, one line in the song should say something to the effect of “we don’t try and do it all.” They listen to the customer’s needs and align themselves with high quality vendors.

This is a special company, one that probably doesn’t get enough press. They are hardworking, honest and one whose customers and vendors are lucky enough to be very much in harmony with. Sing along everyone, “prob’ly die in a small town, oh those small communities…”