One dynamic that influenced CRH’s decision to partner with Conn-Weld in a preferred manner was how equipment and parts supply tightened during the pandemic.
Some manufacturers, of course, were impacted more than others. The ones who delivered best during the COVID years solidified their relationships with customers.
“Through COVID, we found a lot of people in the industry and other producers like us were caught by surprise at how healthy or unhealthy some of our suppliers really were,” Pinter says. “Knowing Marvin and how the company is run, we’re very confident in the future of Conn-Weld. We believe it’s only going to continue to grow. We feel they absolutely can be the market leader in our business, without a doubt.”
Having a product ready to sell makes a difference.
“During COVID, the big issue was supply chain,” Woodie says. “We didn’t have that supply chain issue. Our deliveries never changed. We never wavered from our deliveries all throughout COVID, which is unique. CRH recognized that.
“If you look at our yard, we have $7 million worth of raw material,” he adds. “We’ve got components. We’ve got complete machines.”
In addition to having product on hand, Woodie says Conn-Weld values listening to customers.
“Our best products are designed by [customers],” Woodie says. “We listen to that. It’s really important that they trust us to go into their plants and do our work.”
Related: Dealers detail how equipment supply has stabilized
