New Member Spotlight – Kloeckner Metals Makes a Digital Transformation

This article originally appeared on: https://www.naxsa.org/mpage/2021-04-excavator

Many of us in the underground shoring business still refer to our products as “dumb” pieces of steel. This holds true whether we are talking about our standard steel road crossing plate or our highly engineered support of excavation equipment. We have grown up with the thought that we are in an unsophisticated and non-technical business.

NAXSA member Kloeckner Metals, has taken the steel and metals business to a whole new level in the digital age. In discussing innovation in the steel business with industry veteran and NAXSA Board Member Bob Tripp, you quickly learn that there’s a lot more to the steel business than meets the eye.

Kloeckner has invested heavily both financially and in technical resources in their digital technology, with the end goal to provide their customers with a way to interface in the supply chain in the most efficient way possible.

Tripp explains Kloeckner believes that becoming a value chain supplier in the metals industry whether it’s in distribution, fabrication, or processing of metals the more digital you can make the process the easier it will be for the customer, and the higher quality the end-product will be. Kloeckner also carries certifications like ASME certifications and ISO approvals that Tripp says many customers come to realize add to product quality in the finished products, because even simple products are fabricated to the highest standards.

Kloeckner has an assortment of digital experiences for their customer including Kloeckner Connect, an online proprietary portal that gives customers 24-7 access to their workflow and inventory. In addition to Kloeckner Connect, many new digital applications allow real time ordering of products directly from the field. The Kloeckner website allows access to Infographics that become a top source of industry information and a great place to find news and research to stay up to date on rapidly changing market.

Kloeckner has grown steadily and strategically in North America since 1975 when they entered the market under the Namasco brand name in Houston Texas. Through both acquisitions and organic growth, they now have over 40 branches and over 2,200 employees with a footprint that allows them to service even their largest customers from a location that best fits their needs.

Tripp, a seasoned industry veteran, has seen many changes in the steel distribution business over his more than 40 years in the industry and encourages people to challenge their steel, aluminum, or metal supplier to be more than just a price shopping exercise, but to put them to work for you to get the highest quality and cost-effective metal products to meet your needs.

NAXSA is proud to have innovative and sophisticated members like Kloeckner Metals that don’t just join and contribute financially but dedicate their valuable time like Bob Tripp has by joining the NAXSA Board of Directors.

This article originally appeared on: https://www.naxsa.org/mpage/2021-04-excavator