Masonry Magazine March 2005 Page. 41
"We're in a unique sector where they want to mix and match for strip malls and other businesses of that nature."
Other than using expansions to its and its customers' advantage, Bilco is also unique in the masonry manufacturing world in that it has its own dedicated engineering department. This has given it the ability to design, manufacturer, customize and repair its own equipment rather than having to buy outside the company, thereby keeping costs down and equipment up and running.
"A lot of companies that buy equipment don't have back-up spare parts. If that equipment goes out on them, they could be down for days," explains Colen. "Nothing like that will ever shut us down. We design it all. We have a tremendous purchasing system, where we have spare parts for everything we need. We're never down longer than 30 minutes or so, which has been a big help."
From quickness to quality, Bilco has taken the steps necessary within the company to make sure that the brick units it produces not only come out quickly but also correctly.
"Our plant manager is very well-versed on quality control, and our line supervisors all know how we want the product," says Colen. "We have weekly meetings to talk about our quality and our service. That's been engrained in our company for quite a while. Quality, safety and all of these issues are talked about on a weekly basis."
Lastly, Colen feels that the company's strength lies in its ability to listen.
"We keep our ears open, we see what's going on, and we do what the consumer needs. We hear what their problems are, and we try to eliminate them. By having the inventory of brick on the yard, we're able to get it to them quickly. Price is a big issue, so by having our own engineering department build our equipment it keeps our costs down. In the scheme of things, we want to be the Southwest Airlines of the brick industry by keeping our costs down, giving good customer service, and making a good product. By listening to them, we're able to do that."
When a Middleman is a Good Thing
Typically, the thought of having to deal with a middleman is not necessarily to the best advantage for the customer. However, Haener Block, the San Diego patent holder of the Haener Block mortarless interlocking system, has turned the tables to make this once-negative connotation into a perfect situation for its customers.
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ACCU-SPEED GLASS BLOCK CONNECTORS...
Mayer Equity, Inc. Manufacturer of the Accu-Speed Glass Block Connector is now available direct to the contractor.
This unique connector system can speed installation of glass block panels by 50% on both curved and straight panels. Accu-Speed Glass Block Connector have been tested by an independent testing laboratory in accordance with ASTM and AAMA specifications for use in exterior, as well as interior panels.
Accu-Speed Glass Block Connectors inserted between the glass blocks as they are laid, impart structural rigidity, accurate alignment and uniform spacing. Best of all, they stay embedded in the center of the cement joints - no need to twist off tabs or re-strike the joints.
The Accu-Speed Connector is offered in three configurations: Straight for Straight panels, Tapered for curved panels, and Jamb(three-sided) for sill/head/jamb applications.
Buy Direct and Save! Full boxes of 500 PCS EACH $.28 or any loose quantity $.35
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MAYER EQUITY, INC.
542 MAIN STREET WESTBURY, NY 11590
PHONE: 516-333-0101 FAX: 516-997-3793
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