Where innovation meets dedication!

CiMSept19Feature - dtc4
CiMSept19Feature - dtc4

In a Q&A session, Composites in Manufacturing hears from Direct Tool Company’s (DTC) director, Luke Wakeford why the company is the ‘go-to’ supplier for customers requiring consumables and tooling supply service that cover all the common manufacturing processes.

In a Q&A session, Composites in Manufacturing hears from Direct Tool Company’s (DTC) director, Luke Wakeford why the company is the ‘go-to’ supplier for customers requiring consumables and tooling supply service that cover all the common manufacturing processes.

 

With 30 years in the business, and a rich history of supplying tools, consumables and coatings to the automotive, marine and composite industries, DTC’s mission has always been simple: to provide an honest, on-time and quality service.

Q) As an introduction, please provide a potted history of the company?

We are dedicated to providing a reliable service that will never let our customers down. This is why so many of them have stayed with us for so long; we work hard at understanding their needs and dedicate ourselves to supporting their business objectives. DTC has thousands of products in stock, offers fast, next-day delivery and always provide the lowest prices.

There is also a projects division whereby an extensive turnkey project managed solution is available for businesses who need assistance to ensure projects are completed on time and on budget. DTC has incredible knowledge amongst its staff across a number of key industries. As a result, we consider ourselves experts, not just order takers. We will increase the success of organisations working with composites through sharing our knowledge, expertise and specialist solutions.

Luke Wakeford, director of DTC

Our mission statement specifically involves targeting key industries and tailoring our propositions appropriately. We focus on what we’re good at and dominate the UK market. By partnering with our customers, we become an extension of their business which enables us to continue providing innovative solutions that help increase efficiency, technical results and safety. We understand the latest innovations in the composites industry and are continually developing our knowledge, expertise and products.

Q) What kinds of demands and challenges are placed on you by your composite manufacturing-related customers?

We have a product development team that is appointed to develop innovative products and project solutions. We listen to our customers to get an understanding of whether there are gaps in the market or just not the products required to resolve a certain issue. We go one step further by undertaking rigorous testing and experiments before recommending a solution to a customer. This is why we are able to say with confidence that DTC is the number one specialist supplier to the composite industry. For example, we’ve recently been looking at variants of fibre glass filler. Our prototype has proven to be a better-quality product that what is currently out there because of how much adhesion it has and how it stands to a smoother finish. We actively invite our customers/prospects to get in touch with us so we can work with them to develop a solution - rather than insist on knowing the answer beforehand.

Q) Can you provide any typical examples where your products have particularly shone above and beyond those of similar competitor offerings?

BAXT WP10 is like nothing available on the market to date. It’s a multi-layer spray booth wall protector that is not only fast to apply but can last up to 9-12 months thanks to its innovative five-layer construction. No time-consuming re-taping - just peel off the layers and you are ready to go.

Key USPs include: tape-free application - thanks to overlapping self-adhesive sheets; accessory-free - comes ready packed in a dispenser box; easy and fast application - covers the spraybooth in minutes with just a spatula; only replace once per year - the only option available with five durable layers; dust magnet surface coating - each layer has a slightly tacky, statically-charged surface which acts like a magnet to airborne particles.

BAXT CARBONITE is the first ever abrasive material engineered specifically for the sanding of composite materials. The NANO ZrI0 ceramic grains are blended with a unique mixture of Zirconium and Aluminium Oxide which cuts fast, stays sharp and improves production times. Further USPs include the NsFC1 Super Flow Coating which is claimed to repel dust, prevent clogging and guarantee a smooth sanding sensation.

DTC’s motto ‘keep on working’ relates to its ability to support the customer in times of need

DTC Hub is our newly-launched innovation in stock management, designed to improve our customers day-to-day ordering procedures. We reward every purchase our customers make with loyalty points which can be redeemed for fantastic prizes and discounts. This is available online or via app download at Playstore or Appstore.

Q) Price, delivery and on-time delivery are all givens, but what else do you see as important to serving your customers these days?

Attention to detail - and ensuring the order is correct at the first time of asking with no margin for error. We also strive to make life easier for the customer. We are a supplier - therefore our job is to benefit and support rather than be a hindrance or liability. We earn our customers trust by proving ourselves as being exceptionally reliable, and then ensuring our solution saves them time in their hectic day-to-day schedule.

Q) What do you feel are the most important assets of a company?

For us, it is a combination of having a defined strategy, our people, our industry experience, our use of technology, and our location. DTC Hub will be a massive addition to our offering, using technology to make the ordering and stock management process a lot quicker.

Q) What differentiates your company from the competition?

Our company motto ‘keep on working’ relates to our ability to support the customer in times of need. Having a driven and dedicated support team on call from 7am-5pm every weekday allows customers to get on with running their business. We are here to help and will go to extreme lengths to ensure our customers keep on working.

We like to work closely alongside our customers in view of eliminating problems and offering solutions to workplace challenges, however unique their requirement may be. We can provide the best solutions because we’re progressive, resourceful and specialised. We are motivated to achieve success, work hard to meet our goals, and we are driven to be the best at what we do.

www.dtc-uk.com

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