In this online edition we focus on FORMBOSS™, introduce our community support program and talk to our Market Development Manager – Rudi Dirckze
Late last year we announced that Impact Steel would relocate to Westall Road in Clayton South. The move itself is a significant undertaking, as we are relocating our people, stock holdings, plant and equipment, including our best-in-market processing machinery: our Shear-line, Slitter and PE Applicator.
The relocation is on track for completion in June 2017. We are confident this will enhance our service offering to all our customers!If you do have any queries please contact your Impact Steel Account Manager.
We look forward to your feedback and thanks for your continued support!
Supporting Our Community: It’s Our Cornerstone
Cornerstone support the homeless community in the local Dandenong area, serving meals three times a week and providing other services such as counselling and short term shelter. Impact Steel first supported Cornerstone by helping source and fit some material for their kitchens.
Impact Steel recently donated backpack beds to Cornerstone as a special Christmas gift from their key customers. It was a win-win for all involved, Cornerstone, Impact Steel and their Customers.
“This is such a great community initiative that is growing from strength to strength. Our key customers along with Impact Steel are getting involved in supporting our local community and real people in desperate need. Together we aim to make a difference!” says Chris Cox, Sales Manager of Impact Steel.
Impact Steel is excited to continue this support, along with their key customers. Some would say supporting the local community is their “cornerstone”. If you’d like to learn more about this great initiative, call the team at Impact Steel.
FORMBOSS™ – Steel Garden Products With A Competitive EDGE
TO REMAIN PROFITABLE AS A MANUFACTURER IN TODAY’S MARKETPLACE FINDING AND MAINTAINING
A COMPETITIVE EDGE
IS CRITICAL AND FORM BOSS™ HAVE DONE JUST THAT!
For more than 12 years, FormBoss™ has manufactured high quality steel garden edging and associated products for the Australian market. With a team of passionate and experienced staff and a well-equipped manufacturing facility in Victoria’s Bayswater, the company specializes in designing and manufacturing specifically for Australian conditions and local market requirements.
General manager, Peter Boerlage says the key to the FormBoss™ ongoing success is “our commitment to quality and innovation to allow our customers to be creative with their landscaping and garden bed designs.”
“In terms of local manufacturers, there are very few companies that do what we do. We provide high quality steel garden edging products specifically for Australian conditions. While we do face competition from alternative products, we have created a niche for ourselves by manufacturing tailored products” says Peter.
“Our customers include garden centers, local resellers and suppliers of gardening products, landscapers, home-owners and the DIY gardeners. Many of our customers require creative solutions to fit a particular design brief.”
“We work with a lot of project managers that have specific requirements. It might be a feature garden bed for the Rod Laver Arena at the Tennis Centre to a special landscaping feature at the Crown Casino.”
No matter what the requirement, Peter says FormBoss™ can design and manufacture the product.
“On top of that, as a local manufacturer and supplier we can offer a level of product service and installation support unmatched by our competitors” claims Toby Lestrell, sales manager of FormBoss™.
“We couldn’t turn our products around so quickly without a reliable steel supplier like Impact Steel” says Toby. “The key to our success has hinged on FormBoss™ relying on the product sourcing and product development Impact Steel has brought our business. We now work with different materials, such as the Cold Rolled CW300-G David introduced us to recently.”
David McDonald from the Impact Steel team adds, “Being part of the wider BlueScope group of companies and having direct access to local and overseas manufacturers has allowed us to recommend fit for purpose products and services. We work hard with FormBoss™ to constantly improve and innovate with their business. This allows Impact Steel to grow alongside our customers.”
“The key to our strong relationship has been quick turnaround. We may order our materials as late as 2pm and receive them as early at 7:30am the next morning. This flexibility and quick response allows FormBoss™ to serve our customers without fail” states Toby.
“This Just In Time approach to our manufacturing keeps us competitive and the first choice in the market when it comes to quality and creative garden solutions.”
“We are now looking into streamlining our operations and moving under one roof. We have had great support from David and the team at Impact Steel and look forward to our strong ongoing relationship.”
David adds, “Our recent Steel Efficiency Review® will provide the support and technical expertise to help FormBoss™ with the placement of stock and machinery with the planned re-location. We found that 5S could possibly help with operational procedures and a process for standardization for the new factory. In addition, a transition to consignment stock was also uncovered to be beneficial for FormBoss™.
Providing sustainable and cost effective edging products that move away from wooden, concrete and plastic options is just the beginning to what FormBoss™ can do.
Images from FormBoss™ website gallery
For more information visit www.formboss.com.au
This case study has been prepared for information purposes only. Impact Steel makes no representation or warranty as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained in this document. You must make your own assessment of the information contained in this document and rely on it wholly at your own risk. Published by Impact Steel © 2017 Impact Steel, a fully owned subsidiary of BlueScope Steel Limited ABN 16 000 011 058.
STAFF PROFILE
Rudi Dirckze | Market Development Manager, Impact Steel
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT IMPACT STEEL?
“I’ve been at Impact Steel for 3 years now. I started in operations, then moved into supply chain and now I am in sales. This has provided me with an overarching view into how the business works, learning how different departments and people work together to meet our customer’s needs.”
WHAT DO YOU ACTUALLY DO EVERY DAY?
“My role as Market Development Manager is all about customer growth. Growing our existing customer’s business, generating new business, and winning back old business for Impact Steel. Promoting the Impact Steel brand in the Victorian market as a “flexible” and “efficient” supplier with tailored turn-around times is something I’m proud to be associated with.”
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT WORKING HERE?
“In one word the “people”. I enjoy the environment and the people I work with. I love learning from others and have many mentors in the business.”
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN OUTSIDE OF IMPACT STEEL?
“I’m a family man with two boys. I love spending time with my family, getting to the gym to stay fit and following the rugby league.”
NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW…
“My dad worked at Impact Steel for 18 years in Operations and Safety. I have a deep connection with the business and have grown up being part of the company!
