CARIER SEPARATORS TO THE NETHERLANDS AND FURTHER INTO EUROPE
Less than 6 months ago Lisburn based Linton Solutions took their 1st steps into the European market following a visit paid by then Lisburn City Council Mayor James Tinsley who exuded the excellent results Lisburn companies have been experiencing in the Netherlands.
Following a number of visits to and from the Netherlands Linton Solutions, which provides Environmental and Economic Solutions for Agricultureal and Industrial Markets, has today developed 2 new sustainable partnerships with Dutch companies. Through these new relationships Linton Ag will export Carier Separators to the Netherlands and further into Europe and import new products and leading edge technologies to help them develop new business in the domestic market as well as new markets such as Scotland and the Republic of Ireland. Nigel Johnson, Managing Director of Linton Solutions, has described the European Outlook programme as "putting the company on the express lane to Europe", and strongly recommends local companies to participate in such well organised and managed programmes.
Although the timeline has been short it has taken a concerted no-nonsense approach from all sides to firm up the relationships.
Nigel's views with Dealing with the Dutch:
Nigel has enjoyed the new International challenge and found that it was not difficult to gain the full attention and support of the Linton Solutions Directors for the Netherlands project. When they saw the quality of the initial programme in the Netherlands they too decided to join the visit. The signs were good from the offset with excellent matchmaking and preparation by the NITC team - the initial meeting with Buwatec lasted no less than 5 hours!!
Nigel feels that they have learned much from their Dutch partners, and hopefully they too from Linton Solutions. Their efficiency and precision, the turnaround times, their willingless to invest time and resource to develop the relationship and most importantly a no nonsense approach. "We clearly are speaking the same business language and we enjoy their fresh and energetic approach". Topping all of the intangibles of dealing with the Dutch Linton expects €170,000 of new business by the end of 2008 through the programme.
Dutch views with Dealing with the Northern Irish:
Pieralisi Benelux BV, (www.pieralisi.nl) situated in Bleiswijk is responsible for sales of decanter centrifuges and separators in 24 countries worldwide. Jeroen Bergman, Sales Manager of Pieralisi, looks back over the last 6 months..
"Our 1st meeting with Linton Solutions on the Dutch Pavilion at IRWM in Dublin, organised by the EVD, VLM and NITC, was very pleasant and efficient. It was clear that we were looking for the same thing. Linton Solutions talked passionately about their Carier Separator which is a complementary product for decanter centrifuges as produced by Pieralisi. Good ingredients form the recipe to a successful partnership everywhere!
After IRWM things developed quickly resulting in various potential leads being generated, sales visits and participation at the Balmoral show. By the end of the year we expect to sign 2 or 3 contracts in Ireland with existing customers of Linton. With the excellent network Linton has and the support we provide each other we expect many more to come in future years."
Bucon BV (www.bucon-international.nl) is a holding company specialised in business developments through a wide range of product innovation, such as storage systems for water, sludge and other liquids. Investeau BV (www.investeau.nl), a member of the Bucon group, is an all round supplier of sustainable waste water solutions with three divisions; Separation-, treatment and storage systems, components and consultancy.
Peter Bulsing, Managing Director is equally positive to a bilateral arrangement with Linton Solutions:
"Our 1st impression is only based on a very short period. Linton Solutions are professional and motivated to succeed in their business dealing with us. The first project, which we installed together, was a good experience for climate conditions. The high winds we experienced in Northern Ireland challenged us when installing the system. Linton Solutions has the potential for 10 to 20 tank projects a year in the agricultural and industrial sectors in which they are well known in Ireland and in return we shall introduce the Rotoscreen separator in the Benelux. I am sure that sales will also be forthcoming in the short term".
Nigel looks back at the timeline:
January 2008
Visit by the Mayor of Lisburn and an intake meeting with NITC.
February 2008
5 very relevant meetings organised in the Netherlands - including Bucon BV.
March 2008
Initial meeting held with Dutch company Pieralisi.
April 2008
All Ireland sales trip with Pieralisi.
Visit to Lisburn by Peter Bulsing for Rotoscreen test with Coco Peat (environmental potting soils and substrates) product trials and the signing of a dealership agreement.
May 2008
Linton launched both Pieralisi, Investeau and Buwatec BV products at the Balmoral Show - on their 21st time exhibiting at the RUAS.
June 2008
MD and sales staff from Linton visit the Netherlands for a product training programme with Pieralisi.
July 2008
Joint Linton & Investeau team install a 500m3 water storage tank for Mackle Pet Foods in Dungannon 5 weeks after quoting for business.
September 2008
Linton's Carier separators are currently being actively marketed by Investeau BV and Buwatec BV in the Netherlands (with Dutch brochures) and export sales are expected in 2008. Linton separator demonstrations are organised with a big sludge/manure factory in the Netherlands for many potential customers to view.
October 2008
Planned visit to Aquatech Trade Show (Amsterdam) by Linton Solutions Directors plus site visits in the Netherlands.