Trade Show Recaps
North American Trailer Dealers Association (NATDA) Trailer Show attended by Mike Hotaling, Andrew Person, Robert Walden, Chris Kiewert and Sam Sobataka, August 27-29, Nashville, TN.
Our team attended the NATDA Trailer Show to meet with ALCOM on the launch of our new Drag Wheel dealer program. We had space in their booth to display our product and promote the launch.
Robert and Mike aimed to meet with Southland Trailers regarding a new spring latch engineering project. They presented initial concept ideas and explored the application of these ideas on Southland's trailers at their booth.
Additionally, they spent time interviewing manufacturers and discussing Austin's engineering capabilities and product offerings. They took notes and photos of what other manufacturers are doing and brainstormed potential ideas for future projects.
The team also spent time with the following customers:
RockSolid Cargo - A manufacturer of cargo trailers, we discussed barlocks and our new drag wheels
CellTech Trailers - Another cargo trailer manufacturer, we had discussions on many products including barlocks, hinges, drag wheels, dead bolt door systems, and side clam-style CMC vents.
Ideal Cargo - Cargo trailer manufacturer. Barlocks and drag wheels were promoted.
Good Manufacturing - Along with cargo trailers they also make car haulers with drop decks. We did a quick overview of our entire product line to help uncover potential opportunities.
Mike noted that this event is growing every year. They now have a New Products Spotlight that we can use to display new engineered products to the market. This could be very beneficial for gaining exposure to our new products to the trailer market at future shows.
Austin exhibited at NATDA two years ago to launch Safe Assist, and we are already booked to exhibit again in 2025.
International Fastener Expo (IFE) 2024 attended by Patrick Breitbach and Haylee Truluck, September 9-11, Las Vegas NV.
The purpose of attending was to connect with specific fastener vendors based on our current spending levels (those from whom we are purchasing the most), as well as potential market opportunities.
The vendors we met with, along with the topics discussed included:
o Atlas Distribution – Stock & Release Standards
o KPF – Standards: Grade 8 Vietnam & Korea
o IFI Team – Standards and Specials
o JC Grand – Tapping Screws, Self Drilling Screws, Specials
o Rexlen – Per Print Specials
o Spec Products – Per Print Specials
o EXCEL Components – Per Print Specials
o 3Q, INC. – Per Print Specials
o Infasco – current DOM supplier of Grade 8 Hex Cap Screws
Patrick and Haylee introduced Austin Hardware and themselves to these key target vendors to help establish strategic partnerships.
Here are some key takeaways:
They had a lengthy 1.5-hour meeting with Atlas Distribution to help us take our first step in sourcing our high-volume standards. Atlas offers multiple service options: FOB China, FOB Taiwan, and FOB Sullivan, MO. This will be a key vendor partner in our journey to enhance our profitability and market competitiveness. Our initial Market Basket of 20 parts resulted in a significant savings compared to our current costs.
The other per print special vendors will also be instrumental in widening our supply capabilities and profitability. We will be able to offer the high volume one-off specials at competitive pricing with strong margins. One example was a special per print Knee Brace for RTB for which 3Q, INC. was able to provide a substantial annual savings to our landed cost relative to our previous domestic cost.
Equip Exposition 2024 attended by Mike Hotaling, October 15-18, Louisville, KY
We were thrilled to partner with CellTech Cargo LLC at the Equip Exposition in Louisville, KY, where we showcased our innovative Safe Assist system installed on one of their trailers.
Safe Assist is our cutting-edge safety solution designed to enhance the efficiency and security of cargo handling. By integrating this system with CellTech’s advanced trailers, we demonstrated how Safe Assist can significantly improve operational safety and productivity.
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