Insight

ACTON SAS has been a specialist distributor of stainless steel fasteners for over 30 years. Here we speak to Managing Director Philippe Purgy about the company’s capabilities and how it provides customers with a first class range of high-quality stainless steel fasteners.

Can you tell us about the history of ACTON SAS? When was the company established and what have been the key points in its development?“The company was set up in 1985 as a French specialist distributor of stainless steel fasteners. Thanks to our subsidiaries, and the creation of the export department in 1991, we steadily grew the business to become one of the biggest stockists in France.

In 1997 the business was bought by the familiar French group Emile Maurin – with the aim to improve the company’s market share in stainless steel fasteners. Five years after, the warehouse capacity was extended from 3,000m² to 5,500m², and then in 2007 a second extension of an additional 1,000m² was built, which enabled ACTON to increase turnover.

In 2014, after 20 years as managing director, Jean-Yves Constantin retired, which is when I joined the company. Today, ACTON is a company of 48 employees that has domestic sales of 80%, with the remainder overseas sales.”

How has ACTON’s product range developed over the years? Why should customers choose ACTON for stainless steel products?
“When the company was first established it had a basic range of products that included hexagonal heads, nuts and washers. However, as the market demand for different products has grown, we have looked to introduce new lines to meet this demand. Our range now includes more than 15,000 quality products, which are all available in large quantities. This includes socket metric screws, wood screws, self-drilling screws, marine equipment, nylon screws, clamps, nails, rivets, circlips, as well as a host of other products such as deck screws, bi-metal fasteners, stainless steel ties and new nylon items.

Thanks to our experience within the market we are aware of the demands on customers and can react quickly to their requirements. Our vast range of stainless steel fasteners – one of the largest in Europe – means that we are able to offer a quick service. Also, due to the reliability of supply, our customers are able to reduce their stock levels, as they know they can rely on us. All they need to do is check online what stock we have available and send us an order. We can deliver products within 24 hours across France and within 2 – 5 days in Europe.”

How has the demand for your products changed over the last 10 years? What are the factors driving these demands and how have you responded?
“The field of fasteners and screws is developing and is more dynamic than people usually think. There are new changes in the specifications (e.g. TORX®, snake eyes, one way) and materials (e.g. A4-80, bi-metal) demanded as well as requirements for tighter quality, more efficiency and even new dimensions appearing or trending on the market. All of which ACTON should respond to immediately. Greater productivity, fasten installation, as well as employing less actions to achieve a secure joint, are the main factors driving this constant evolution.

As a result ACTON adds new items or new lines in the range every year in response to the market’s needs. The customer is always the centre of gravity for the whole company.”

How does ACTON ensure quality products, as well as a quality service to its customers?
“We have a lot of experience within our company and especially within our skilled purchasing department, so we know the importance of quality. Every year we visit our manufacturers all over the world and check the factories and the products they produce. Also, new manufacturers go through a period of qualification and approval by our purchasing department. Even when they have passed this process the first order is still closely monitored and controlled by one of our special local agents.

The final stage of the quality process is carried out at our headquarters in Lyon, France. Our quality department checks every batch of products delivered with a complete range of tools and machines – gauges, drilling machine, X-ray spectrometer, etc – to ensure the quality meets our high standards.”

What opportunities and challenges lie ahead for ACTON in 2016?
“2015 was quite a good year for us, with our sales increasing by more than 4% compared to 2014. 2016 will be a strategic year as we are planning to increase our warehouse by more than 40%. This is an important step in our evolution and it will enable us to improve our complete logistic process. It will also allow us to develop our range of products, to increase our level of stock, and most importantly continue to grow the business both in France and overseas.”