The development is an apt reponse to current market conditions, where customers need to optimize their exisiting lines rather than buy new equipment. “Our customers expect solutions from Sidel,” states Keith Boss, Zone Vice President, Market Operations – North America, “With pressure on capital and operating budgets, intense focus on total cost of ownership (TCO) and the need to do more with less, we have heard our customers loud and clear. Customers are investing in life cycle management, efficiency improvement solutions and operator training, and are seeking value-added solutions from partners to save money and increase the flexibility of existing lines and equipment.”
The new center will serve as a bridge to reach Sidel’s customers in North America by acting both as a showroom and as a training center where the latest technology can be viewed and used hands-on. The new training center and showroom includes the latest generation of hotfilling (Veloce Filler), wrap-around labeling (Rollquattro Labeler), compact linear blowmolding (SBO 4 Compact) as well as a mold and a valve display.
“The opportunity for our customers to view the machines in operation without traveling to Europe expands our ability to answer their questions, concerns and applications,” explains John Bryant, Competency Development Manager. “We can provide detailed courses of instruction on latest equipment without the need to interrupt actual production processes.” At the same time, Sidel’s own Field Service Engineers will be able to cross train and keep abreast of latest developments.
The new training center, which officially opens on October 1st, already passed its first test with flying colors, as a number of existing customers participated in training during the installation phase.
Proximity to customers is key
With an installed base of more than 8,000 machines in more than 900 customer lines in North America, proximity to customers is a key component of Sidel’s strategy. The North America Zone supports customers with 36 Field Service Engineers and a local spare parts inventory of over 22 million dollars. In addition, it has six full-time trainers with the capability of offering customized courses based on the customers’ needs and goals. In 2008, more than 720 customer operators were trained in more than 15 different courses.
“Combined with our line engineering and deficiency audit expertise, we are uniquely positioned to help customers optimize efficiency and costs,” adds Boss. “This investment is another example of Sidel’s commitment to ‘Proximity’. The expansion provides a year-round capability to demonstrate and deliver greater value for our customers.”
In the future, Sidel plans to run more courses on electrical and mechanical issues as well as on HMI (Human Machine Interface) use.
