Every two years, Koln, Germany hosts the International Hardware Fair. There are almost 3000 exhibitors from the various sectors of the hardware industry and many of Europe’s leading hand tool manufacturers exhibit at this important trade show in order to expose their new and existing products to the many trade visitors.
Considering Anglo American’s product range consists of superior quality Hand Tools from Europe, this is an ideal time to re-connect with existing factory partners, discuss ways of expanding a wider product range into the USA and explore new factory partners that may be complementary to the existing product range.
Anglo American will consist of 3 visitors, including the President, Stephen Tuck, who has attended the show at least a dozen times. “Certainly, it is valuable to meet with existing suppliers and discuss mutually strategic initiatives. However, one must walk the show with their eyes and ears open in order to capitalize on new opportunities”. In addition, Greg Genevro, VP Sales, who attended his first Koln Fair 2 years ago, is anxious about discussing opportunities with new products and ways to increase market share in the USA for each of the factory’s products. Also attending the Fair will be Anglo American’s IT/Marketing Manager, Kyle Williams. Whereas Koln is a far cry from his roots in Nanticoke, PA, he is eagerly looking forward to discussing social media possibilities, expansion of video, and YouTube in order to communicate the features and benefits of the hand tools on Anglo American’s website.
There will also be time planned for factory tours at the world-famous Knipex factory in Wuppertal, as well as the Kukko factory in Remscheid. Whereas Anglo American has sold Knipex for 35 years, Kukko is a new supplier, yet is an experienced manufacturer in Germany designing and making pullers for industrial and automotive applications.
Stay tuned for our summary of our exciting trip to Germany.