Business View Magazine - September 2015

76 Business View - September 2015 Business View - September 2015 77 FR Fabrics Made with American Ingenuity www.SpringfieldLLC.com We are proud to provide flame-resistant fabric to Steel Grip Inc. SteelGrip-BV-QP.indd 1 8/10/15 10:57 AM magnesium?’ For many distributors, we are their first call.” So why not cut out the middle man? “Our valued dis- tributors are out in their regions every day. They have the presence and the relationships already formed. We have seven sales representatives that cover the U.S. and Canada. We would much rather support our distributor relationships and their sales personnel who are already connected to the customers.” As for competition, Brewer says, “Larger domestic manufacturers can provide more competitive pricing. Most are now offering flame-resistant apparel prod- ucts. But they are not receptive to custom-built special- ity products that generate small yields. It is difficult for these larger manufacturers to create small production runs.” Being a “niche” fabricator, Steel Grip is known for accommodating the “little” specialty jobs, and that can translate into repeat business. Garmentmaterials come fromkey supplierswho search worldwide for raw fabrics that are then, in some cases, rendered flame resistant through chemical processes and applications. Mason notes, “We purchase these fabrics and literally cut and sew to specification. Our recently opened location in Danville has more square footage and a consolidated cutting department, so all the computerized cutting takes place here in one facility. The larger, fully-modernized building is also a single shipping point for our two sister plants.” Significant capital investment in their new facility was essential to Steel Grip’s long range plan: “Building for the future, and hiring for the future.” On the sales side, Stultz tells it like it is: “Our team is getting rather old. I’ve brought in five sales people in the last eight years. They need to be well trained before contacting clients. Our goal is to have this exceptional team in place with- in a year or two to take over and successfully manage the sales and marketing aspects.” Steel Grip Inc. applauds its marketing and sales divi- sions for strengthening partner relations and sourcing new opportunities. High importance is placed on par- ticipation in national conventions and conferences. Moving forward, marketplace exposure is a priority; being ever-present in front of the right people. “You’re only missed if you’re not there.” PREFERRED VENDORS ITEX Inc. – www.banwear.com Lectra Systems - www.lectra.com Paulson Manufacturing - www.paulsonmfg.com Springfield LLC - www.springfieldllc.com Manufacturing Manufacturing