17 Nations, Shakespeare, Canal Boats and a Painted Cow

Katronic hold first international sales conference

Since Katronic’s inception in 1996 the growth and success of the business has been closely linked to the growth and success of its international sales network. We have followed a strategy of global expansion with the foundation being the pursuit of new partners and opportunities in international markets. This was publically recognised when Katronic won 'Exporter of the Year' at the 2013 Coventry and Warwickshire Business Awards. It was therefore a pleasure for the company to be able to welcome 23 participants from 17 companies to join us for two days of training and social events in September to celebrate 20 years of Katronic.

As a thank you to our most successful export partners Katronic hosted the event at the prestigious Welcombe Hotel in Shakepeare’s town of Stratford-upon-Avon, a setting intended to show the best of British. The Welcome is a 150-year-old manor house with formal grounds and golf course which hosted both Theodore Roosevelt and Queen Elizabeth II in the time before it was opened as a hotel.

The event began with a welcome dinner in the hotel in order for all of the guests to have the chance to get to know each other in an informal setting. This was followed the next day by an intensive day of product training, and presentations from companies in the Netherlands, Austria, Russia and Italy to name a few. The participants were introduced to the new KATflow 210 flowmeter and gave presentations discussing different measurement techniques and market opportunities.

It was hoped that by creating a forum for discussion in a relaxed environment distributors would be able to learn from each other. The day was rounded off with the arrival of the entire Katronic staff joining the group for an open Question and Answer session on all areas of the business. It also gave individuals the chance to get to know people that they might have only encountered through phone or e-mail exchanges.

Following a highly productive, educational and busy day it was good that there was also the chance for relaxation. The evening of conference provided all guests and staff with dinner and entertainment in a restaurant situated in a working canal narrow boat. The tour which took in the river Avon and the local canal network provided an original and ‘typically British’ venue for an enjoyable evening.

The following morning the survivors of the night before were treated to a round of golf or a guided tour in the (very welcome) fresh air of Stratford. They were shown highlights of Shakespeare’s houses, the church where he is buried and given an insight into the history of the beautiful town.

The event was a great success and we were very happy with the enthusiastic way in which all participants got involved with the conference and social events. We would like to thank all of our partners for their support and cooperation and we look forward to welcoming you all to the next event in two-year’s time. 

As a company we are always looking for new partners to sell our flowmeters. If you would be interested in distributing our clamp-on technology in your country, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

…oh and in case you were wondering about the “painted cow”, a gift to the company from our Dutch partners U-F-M