Conveyor Components Company plans to expand in Australia through clear, concise communication.
Austin Scheid never expected to be selling conveyor components. When he left his hometown of Croswell, Michigan, he had ambitions of working in real estate.
After graduating from college and seeing what was out there, he felt drawn back to where he grew up.
He told ABHR that even though he would drive past Conveyor Components Company facility most days, he had never thought much about it until a mutual connection invited him to tour the facility.
“I never knew that the company shipped equipment to more than 100 different countries, right here in Croswell,” he said.
“I was curious about the whole industry, and after some time they told me about a job opportunity that was available right now.
“That’s how I got my start as a customer service representative, and how I progressed into a business development specialist.”
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When he started, he had no background in the industry itself. Instead, he brought with him transferrable skills that would prove to be vital. Clear, effective communication is vital in Scheid’s role, especially when working with the bulk handling industry.
At Conveyor Components Company, it is even more critical. The business is based on learning what kinds of problems its clients are facing and finding the right solution for the job.
As part of his role, Scheid learns the needs and requirements of complex bulk handling sites located around the world. Importantly, he also attempts to understand their vision and what drives their business.
“That’s key,” he said. “Whether it’s a big customer looking for dozens of components for a big project or a smaller reseller looking for one unit, we need to understand what the client’s vision is to best help them reach their goals.”
Conveyor Components Company has a 60-year history and prides itself on manufacturing rugged equipment that monitors and protects conveyor systems. It specialises in producing conveyor controls, motion controls, level controls and bin aerators.
All of its manufacturing is done under one roof, with each unit undergoing physical tests and inspections to ensure it will meet the client’s expectations. In addition, its units are made from cast aluminium, allowing them to withstand the test of time in some of the harshest environments.
Customer feedback is a vital part of this process as well. Conveyor Components Company listens to as much customer feedback as it can, following up with clients when possible.
This process is what led to one of the company’s latest developments, the Conveyor Safety System, a combined package including an emergency pull stop switch, a belt misalignment control, a damaged belt detector, and a motion control.
Traditionally, the company offered each of these systems individually but saw the benefits of combining them into one package. Each component works in tandem to ensure the belt is being protected and alerts the site if a problem arises.
Scheid said communication is even more important when working with Australian companies.
“We’re just getting into the Australian market and are looking to establish relationships there,” he said.
“That means being available for them, whenever they need. We know the communication windows and have to ensure we’re organised and ready to go so they’re not waiting on us.
“Any unplanned downtime costs money. When a client is asking for a unit, they need it as quick as possible. We have the ability to receive an order and ship it out in the same day.”
As the company grows internationally, it also aims to reinvest. It recently purchased a new computer numerical control machine that will allow its team to double its manufacturing capacity for cast units. This is expected to slash the turnaround times for companies in immediate need of switches and other products.
Conveyor Components Company also aims to invest in its people to build on the experienced team it already has.
Scheid said the company is growing tremendously and is looking forward to working with the Australian bulk handling sector.
“It takes a lot of people to make things work,” he said. “Teamwork is everything for us.”
“We have a lot of experienced people here at Conveyor Components Company. Everyone shares the one goal – helping customers wherever we can,” he said.