Weld-Cut Equipment Editorial

The recent economic downturn has had many companies scrambling to find ways to remain afloat. Weld-Cut Equipment has reacted no differently. 

Apart from minor restructuring and tweaking efficiencies to ensure that the general expenses to sales ratio stays healthy, Weld-Cut has embarked on a drive to find the right balance between its product offering and customer requirements. In an environment of lower productivity due to lower demand, we find our customers looking for quality products at best prices on a just-in-time basis.

Weld-Cut has identified global suppliers of product that meet this requirement and has ensured quality and price to be the underpinning factor. Before offering products to its customers, Weld-Cut has acquired samples of all new products and tested them at selected customers as well as in-house before making any final purchasing decisions.

The products that have met the standard are a range of MMA/TIG inverters with an option of either 160 Amp or 200 Amp in any colour, as long as it’s black. Also, high quality MIG wire (ER 70S-6) has been tested and welcomed by the market. Demand for this product has exceeded supply and steps are being taken to ensure continuity of supply well into the future. Furthermore, Weld-Cut has recently taken on the agency for SAF-FRO range of welding equipment with an eye on consumables and high end automation as possible additions in the future. SAF-FRO is owned by its parent’s sister company, Air Liquide Welding. This dynamic relationship will ensure a high level of support and co-operation due to the synergies created.

In addition to new products, Weld-Cut is running many special offers on a wide range of products to reduce stock value in order to free up cash for purchases of stock at the current, favourable exchange rate. Purchasing products at today’s rate will definitely benefit the customer and will place Weld-Cut in a favourable position for the much anticipated upswing.

It is important that we are not trying to play catch-up when the economy turns. As Weld-Cut’s MD Gert Van Aswegen puts it; “I don’t mind standing in a queue, as long as I’m in front!”

With systems in place and a clear strategy for the future, Weld-Cut expects to stay ahead of its competitors in the medium to long term.