EXECUTIVE REPORT
Mark One takes the floor
A successful partnership with a specialist supplier based in America has led to increased hire business for Mark One Hire, and greater productivity for its customers.
Essex-based Mark One Hire has expanded its floor preparation product range with the introduction of equipment from the specialist American manufacturer, National Flooring Equipment, which is based in Minnesota.
Mark One Hire has established a strong partnership with National Flooring Equipment.
"We had identified some underlying issues with the floor strippers we had been stocking,” explained Depot Manager, Calum Newell.
“The machines were not powerful enough for some of the projects our customers were undertaking and we often had to turn potential business away as we did not have equipment that was robust enough for the job at hand. We also had a few difficulties relating to product breakdowns. These were the main challenges we hoped to eradicate by collaborating with National Flooring Equipment, and we were impressed by its design and manufacturing capabilities.”
After the two companies made initial contact at the ARA exhibition in America last year, a team from the manufacturer’s International Office and Training Centre, which is based in Denver, Colorado, made the 4,000-mile trip to Essex to train the Mark One Hire team on its equipment. Mark One Hire’s workshop team is now fully trained on National Flooring Equipment's product range. The company says that, as well as enabling each machine to be serviced thoroughly and well-maintained, having a good level of product knowledge also alleviates any potential strain caused by the distance between the two businesses.
"When we first partnered with National Flooring Equipment, there was a slight fear of the unknown. We had never worked with a US company on such a large scale before and we were aware that the distance could become an issue if it wasn't managed properly. However, the business is extremely responsive. No matter what time of the day it is, there is always someone available to answer any questions we have. Although this doesn't happen too often, thanks to our well-trained workshop team, it is good to know that the company is there when we need them.”
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Jake Sinna, the manufacturer’s Vice President of International Sales, said, "The partnership works so well because both companies care deeply about their customers and will do whatever it takes to provide industry leading product quality and support." National Flooring Equipment has recently appointed Nick White as Country Manager for the UK and Ireland, to strengthen relationships with new and existing distributors and hire companies, following a successful European trade exhibition debut at the Executive Hire Show. He has six years’ experience in the flooring industry, having previously held roles at other equipment manufacturers serving this market.
Mark One Hire’s current fleet comprises three different National Flooring Equipment models. “We started with the 5280 self-propelled walk-behind stripper and found it perfect for removing soft materials such as glued-down floors, commercial carpet, VCT (vinyl composition tile) or rubber tile,” said Calum Newell. “Soon after, we realised that some customers required equipment for tougher jobs. To address this, we got our hands on National's 6280 Commander which is designed to remove soft flooring like commercial carpets, rubber tiles and linoleum. More recently, we invested in a number of 5700 model ride-on strippers, for larger, more demanding warehouse jobs. Where we were previously turning business away due to not having the correct equipment, we can now dramatically reduce the time our clients spend on floor removal.
"One of our customers estimated they would have to employ five workmen for three weeks to remove a floor by hand. We convinced them to hire a National Flooring Equipment floor stripper instead. This way, the same project was completed by one worker in just two days. This resulted in huge cost savings and allowed the project to be completed early.”
• 07727 288811
www.nationalequipment.com
The fleet includes the 5700 model ride-on floor stripper.
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