Autobond uses video to sell kit globally

Autobond has used video technology to boost its global sales with success so far in the US, Russia, Africa and, most recently, South America.

The UK-based finishing manufacturer sold £220,000’s worth of kit to Peruvian firm Finishing SAC, including a Mini 76 TH laminator and a 76 RUV roller-coater.

"We realised the market lacked a number of basic finishing services for printing and identified this as a growth area," said Finishing SAC general manager Jose Trillo.  "We needed equipment to increase production and contacted Autobond."

Autobond managing director John Gilmore said: "We are keen to make further progress in the fast-emerging South America market. Finishing SAC is showing just how profitable added-value work can be."

The sale is Autobond’s second in Peru and the manufacturer is also in talks with a Brazilian company.

"When you see sheets running at 15,000 an hour – that’s what sells the machine, you don’t even need a voiceover," he said of his company’s videos, which are posted on the Autobond website. "Some companies buy without a demo."

"Around 35 years ago, I’d hitch a trailer to my car, jump in the driving seat and shoot off to Dover or Aberdeen to do a demonstration and not get home until midnight. After a few years, I heard about video and had a film made."

Today Gilmore equips his installation engineers with high-definition cameras to record kit in operation, leading to sales in Moscow (a 105 TPHS) and Lagos (a 74 TPHS) each worth around £150,000.

Autobond also sold a £35,000 Micro 52 TP in Guadeloupe in the Caribbean, and a £25,000 Mini 52 T to a company in Lisburn, Northern Ireland. 

Gilmore said: "It doesn’t matter if you run a shoe shop or a restaurant; if you make lovely things, customers will beat a path to your door."