A family business established in 1999, GEBO Fasteners B.V is a supplier of steel and stainless steel fastening material, including 3m threaded rod – for which it has recently introduced additional racking, creating two complete aisles dedicated to threaded rod from M6 – M64.
Through its 3,500m2 warehouse GEBO supplies nationally and internationally to markets that include steel and concrete construction, civil engineering, road and water construction, rail, offshore, machine and metalware, installation technology, agricultural engineering and trade.
Threaded rod has become a speciality for the company, with it able to supply in plain, plain under sized, zinc plated, hot dip galvanised, ISO fitting, and oversized – in Grades 4.8, 8.8 and 10.9. “We have rod available in 1m, 2m and 3m lengths and also have three saw machines that mean we can cut to length,” mentions Pieter Boermans, co-owner at GEBO. “The threaded rod market is very big for us, which is why we decided to introduce new specialised racking that will enable us to store the threaded rod efficiently and ensure a quick turnaround service to meet customers’ demands.”
In addition to focusing on threaded rod, GEBO can also supply a complete range of SB bolts according to EN15048 – 1 in sizes M10 – M36, and up to 500mm in length – available in zinc plated, hot dip galvanised, oversized, as well as ISO fitting. “We have seen a lot of demand for oversized bolts in the Netherlands, Belgium and the UK,” says Pieter. “We are now looking to attract further interest from around Europe for our complete range of SB bolts.”
Whilst threaded rod and SB bolts are leading products for GEBO, the company can also supply a wide range of bolts, nuts and washers, as well as hook anchors and U brackets. “We want to have the complete offering for the customer and provide a first class service. When we see a trend in orders from our customers we look to develop our stock so that we can offer a wide range. For instance, thanks to our full range of threaded rod, in stock, we often find we can meet customers’ demands without needing to cut them to length.”
To increase the range available to customers, GEBO made a big investment in its stock in 2016. “Having products on the shelves is very important, as without it you cannot do business,” states Pieter. “Availability of products in the market is vital, as it means you can be more flexible if there are problems in the supply chain, as you already have products in the warehouse.”
GEBO sources its products from Asia and works with only eight suppliers to ensure consistency in quality and supply. “Quality is essential, especially for nuts, threaded rod and SB bolts,” states Pieter. “That is why we only work with suppliers that we have built a long-term relationship. When I first visited China and India to look at suppliers, I also visited an independent testing centre. We saw the tests they were able to carry out and we decided we would only buy goods from the Far East that have a certificate from the independent centre. This costs us more money overall, but we want good quality guaranteed. It also means that on average our products will have been checked 3 or 4 times before they reach customers.”
GEBO also regularly visits its suppliers’ factories to carry out audits to ensure a consistent level of quality. “Visiting China and India is very important for us, so that we can audit the production process; monitor new manufacturing capability; and to also continue the relationship with our suppliers. We are a family company and we do business with family companies, with family values.”
In addition to working with suppliers in Asia, GEBO also has partnership with a German manufacturer for specials according to customers’ demands. “We get clients ringing us and asking for bespoke products and then we work with our German manufacturer to see if it is feasible,” explains Pieter. “The requests are normally for unusual products that nobody stocks. So it is important that we are able to produce them quickly. By working with our German partner, we can decide whether a product is viable and then provide a quick turnaround for the order.”
Pieter continues: “By offering these additional services it means that the customer relationship is built on trust rather than just price. We are focused on long-term relationships with our customers, we do not just want a quick sale. That is why going the extra step is imperative – we want to provide a complete service.”
Being a small Dutch wholesaler has its challenges, but GEBO is confident that it can continue to grow its market share and expand is product range according to customers’ needs. “Our aim is to develop as a business and achieve sustainable growth “year-on-year,” says Pieter. “Steady growth is more manageable and ensures that we can continue to supply a first class service that our customers have come to expect. In addition, different markets require different products or finishes, so it is important that we continue to understand the market and see if it is possible for us to add these solutions to our range of capabilities. We want to make ourselves special to the customers, by providing a complete package of products, in stock, from one location. This makes it easier for customers to buy the products and will enable us to grow the GEBO brand within Europe.”
Will joined Fastener + Fixing Magazine in 2007 and over the last 15 years has experienced every facet of the fastener sector - interviewing key figures within the industry and visiting leading companies and exhibitions around the globe.
Will manages the content strategy across all platforms and is the guardian for the high editorial standards that the Magazine is renowned.
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