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Executive Report: On course for construction During the first half of 2008, DeWalt had already launched no fewer than 68 new products in the UK, bringing to more than 300 the number of individual models available to industrial power tool users. So it made quite a change to visit the company’s training facility in Slough and, rather than learning about a new range of tools, listen to a comprehensive presentation about several after-sales service and backup initiatives, as well as safety training and educational programmes. These are being launched under the title of DeWalt’s Construction Solution. The company seems determined to make greater inroads into this market, a fact borne out by statistics for power tool sales in 2007. DeWalt enjoyed a sales increase of 9.2% in cordless tools and 12% in machinery in 2007, which by themselves represent very reasonable growth. In addition, it achieved an increase of more than 50% in rotary and demolition hammer sales, 50% in laser equipment and well over 40% in metal and woodworking tool sales, and this suggests growing construction industry business. Moreover, DeWalt has to date sold more than five million 18V Lithium-Ion batteries in the UK, showing the remarkable impact this system for cordless tools has had on the market - perhaps even greater than the initial launch of cordless technology approximately 40 years ago. The company’s commercial decision to switch much of its manufacturing emphasis to Lithium-Ion cordless tools will almost certainly result in DeWalt enjoying increasing cordless tool sales during the remainder of 2008, into 2009 and beyond. The Construction Solution aims to address basic details that are all too easily overlooked, and places emphasis on customer convenience. It gives access to a rapid tool repair service, linked to a guarantee of high-quality repairs using only genuine spare parts, and incorporates an on-line system to organise the collection and return of tools with fast turnaround. Also included is a Fixed Price Service Plan (FPSP), with a two or four-year option for key construction customers, which applies to DeWalt’s hammer range, and a trade-in option at the end of the Plan completes the package. The rapid tool repair service, called the Drop Box system, swings into operation when a power tool is taken to a participating dealer. The Drop Box containing the product is collected by an overnight carrier, taken to a service agent chosen by the customer (this is particularly important for medium and large hammers), with guaranteed anonymity for the user. Repairs are then carried out within 48 hours, and the tool is returned to the dealer. This four-day turnaround is vital for many construction companies, for whom time is, literally, money. DeWalt is also providing training courses at its Slough facility, which is now called the Black and Decker University (BDU). Courses cover several subjects, including safety and power tool awareness. Research shows that workers in construction are six times more likely to die from a work related accident or incident. DeWalt is working with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) in developing some courses, and anticipates accreditation for its power tool safety and nailer courses soon. HAV and general on-site training programmes are also available, delivered by 21 fully trained end user specialists, who are themselves trained to Level 4 of the European Power Tool Certificate. T 0700 4 339258 Executive Hire News › Archives › August 2008 › Executive Report › On course for construction
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