Established in 1980, Austro is South Africa's largest distributor of premium machines, tools - including blades and cutters; edging and glue.
As the dominant distributor of equipment to the producers of wood and wood-related products in the market, Austro is ideally suited to capitalise on the ever-increasing demand for these products in Southern Africa.
The woodworking equipment sold range from large industrial machines to DIY machines. The group's customers produce wood or wood-related products for the local and export markets and include furniture manufacturers, BIC manufacturers, door and window makers, large "cut & edge" stores and professional hobbyists.
Austro Woodworking Machines and Tools has distribution agreements with a large range of leading European suppliers, distributing a wide range of the world's best brands including, Biesse, Boere, Casolin, Felder, Kohnle, Striebig, and Weinig. Many of which have been proudly represented by the company for over thirty years.
During the last year, Austro has also acquired the exclusive rights to represent the TimberKing range of portable sawmills in Africa. The TimberKing collection was established in 1929, and the range that Austro promotes is specially adapted to the African market. Key features of the TimberKing include hydraulic machine functions on some of the most important operating areas of the sawmill, a four post cutting head, and a large cut throat.
The success of the company is largely attributable to ensuring that customers receive the highest level of technical and after-sales service, and a commitment to constant innovation in its product offering.
By providing on-going services to customers, the group enhances customers' confidence in the products sold which results in strong customer loyalty to the group.
The proficiency of a national team of highly-trained technicians, with the experience and expertise to solve any mechanical, electronic and computerised machinery problems; a large fleet of vehicles, and substantial stock holding; means fast, efficient response to customers' needs at all times.
Speaking to Dean Maclean, Austro's National Edging Manager about Austro's purchase of the company, he's mid-stream between answering questions and getting operational challenges sorted out.
EdgePro was formed in 2007. As this lucrative market forms a crucial part of the furniture production industry, Austro decided to acquire the company as it forms part of Austro's strategic realignment strategy.
A large part of Austro's renewed emphasis on service is found in its Austro Care Programme (ACP).
Kobus Swanepoel, Austro's National Technical Service Manager enthusiastically reels off masses of detail on the subject, which, apart from a comprehensive understanding, also illustrates the extent to which Austro staff has embraced the unfolding process.
"The new website and brand identity constitutes the visible elements of the repositioning exercise," says Peter Ivanoff.
"Austro's redesigned website reflects the customer-centric approach that we are in the process of bedding down. The purchasing of tooling via the web is one such element, the other being access to social media tools ... "
