Positive Response from Indian Market

"We are getting a good response from the Indian markets and we have just started our operations and are focusing site demonstrations in the beginning." says Mr. Ajay Khashu, Regional Sales Manager (Indian Operation), Spax India International in an interview with MGS Architecture.





Please tell us something about SPAX global operations, its manufacturing facilities and their locations, and products turned out.

For decades, SPAX International has stood for innovative, quality screw manufacturing. The story began as early as 1823, when the company, then under the name of ALTENLOH, Brinck & Co, started industrial production of screws in Germany. SPAX International now has around 400 employees in Germany producing up to 50 million screws a day. Subsidiary companies and partners in other countries throughout the whole Europe and overseas make sure worldwide sales and distribution run smoothly. For many years SPAX has been not just a successful brand name, but also the epitome of the most modern screws for professional and DO it yourself fans.

At SPAX, craftsmanship and high-tech combine. Engineers, tool manufacturing and production staff all work in perfect harmony. The result is a branded product of the highest quality. Most of all, we focus on the individual needs of the customer. That's why SPAX produces countless product variations, all tailored to the differing requirements of our customers in industry, trade and DIY. Doing it yourself all specially manufactured and packaged. Our approach to optimum customer service insists on constant availability for delivery and comprehensive product information. The high level of customer satisfaction proves us right.

What are areas of applications of SPAX products?

A SPAX product can be used for any kind of wood applications. That means the base material should be wood. Like, doors and windows, flooring, Interior designing, office and domestic furniture, or wherever the wood is being used. SPAX screws can be used for any kind of wood to wood application, steel to wood or plastic to wood applications.

Is it possible to enumerate one or two success stories, where SPAX products have been used in challenging conditions outside India?

As in the case of the Heide Park Soltau, construction is being carried out by Messrs Ingenieur Holzbau Cordes in co-operation with Merk Holzbau & Intamin Swiss with the engineering consultants Stengel Munich providing the design and structural analysis. SPAX 8X300mm full threaded screws with the general construction approval Z-9.1-519 are being used for the 1st time to create the so called transverse reinforcement. Unavoidable cracks and splitting of the timber at the round press in plug locations can lead to a drop in load capacity. To counteract this eventuality the screws reinforce the timber vertical to the direction of grain flow i.e. in the direction in which the timber displays its weakest tensile properties. By adopting this approach, it is generally expected that numerous small cracks will appear and not the large one, a factor that has a favorable effect on load bearing capacity.

Where does India fit in Spax International market strategy?

Spax is the market leader for wood screws in many countries in Europe. We deal with 80% of the professional construction market in building constructions, interior finishing, furniture industry, wooden doors and windows. Furthermore, we do 20% on end users retail. More than 10 years ago, we started our operations in U.S. and three years ago we have opened our own sales office in Hong Kong for the Chinese market. Now we are focusing on India as one of the most growing countries in world today.

Of the extensive products range, is it possible to give example of new innovative materials suitable to Indian conditions?

We do not offer a certain special material. We offer SPAX–a branded product with special patented features like Multihead, ground serrations, 4-cut point, no pre–drilling required-the best screw for all wood applications, most innovative fastener product of the world and 100% German made.

What has been the response of Indian market towards products marketed by Spax International so far?

We are getting a positive response from the market of India. We have just started our operations and are focusing on site demonstrations in the beginning.

What are the plans at hand to promote these products aggressively in Indian market?

Spax needs to be demonstrated in front of the user. Therefore, we plan many demonstration meetings with potential customers. We are also open to some channel partners who can really help us in achieving some market share in this country.

Uncompromised quality and absolute customer orientation are at the heart of both the company philosophy and its formula for success. It all starts with the development of the innovative machinery and complex systems used for screw manufacturing by ABC's group of companies itself. This, and years of experience, give the company its insurmountable competitive edge over competitors and imitators. Qualifications and further training measures for employees are very much central to the company's strategy. After all, a good product can only be manufactured by qualified and satisfied employees. That's why we employ long-standing, well-trained staff, who have learned their trade inside-out so as to keep pace with rapid technological development. At SPAX, craftsmanship and high-tech combine. Engineers, tool manufacturing and production staff all work in perfect harmony. The result is a branded product of the highest quality. Most of all, we focus on the individual needs of the customer. That's why SPAX produces countless product variations, all tailored to the differing requirements of our customers in industry, trade and DIY, all specially manufactured and packaged. Our approach to optimum customer service insists on constant availability for delivery and comprehensive product information. The high level of customer satisfaction proves us right.