Ptec’s store display helps AWS create awareness about welding safety

Chris Neville founded Australian Welding Supplies (AWS) in 1994. Since then, a lot has happened. In less than thirty years, the company has grown from one person to today’s team of 32 dedicated employees! Ptec supplies displays for the Speedglas™ welding helmets.

How did your journey at Australian Welding Supplies begin, and how has your career developed since?

“I founded AWS in June 1994 as an exclusive agent for Speedglas™ welding helmets. The agreement started with Hörnell International, but since 2004 3M has been my partner. AWS has always managed the logistics, warehousing, distribution, customer support, marketing, sales and technical expertise for the Speedglas™.

The best way to describe how the business has developed since is to say we now sell in a week what we sold in our first year! We have grown from just me to a team of 32, with a plan to employ another 10-15 over the next 18-24 months.”

Chris Neville, owner and CEO of Australian Welding Supplies

What is the best thing about your job? What makes your heart beat a little extra?

“In recent years, AWS has become a leading voice in the advocacy of welders’ safety in Australia and New Zealand. AWS has published numerous Welding Safety White Papers, Welding Industry Reports, and Welding Fume Control Frameworks. As a company that specialises in welding safety equipment, our goal is to raise awareness on the important issues that welders face. This is something everyone at AWS feels extremely strongly about and we are all proud to spread this message and build awareness on these important safety topics. Our instore displays play an important role in conveying this message.”

What is important to you when choosing a supplier?

“We promote a premium quality brand and for this reason we only partner with premium quality suppliers. Our suppliers must reinforce the same brand message of quality, reliability, and durability.”

 How did you get in touch with Ptec?

“We were referred by Swedish Hörnell International. They were then bought by 3M.

How was the project / assignment managed?

“Peter has always been our point of contact and he has been brilliant to work with. Reliable and always delivers on his promises.”

Which features of Ptec do you value the most?

“Quality product that raises the bar instore and as per above the support staff at Ptec have always been first class.”

What do you think about the Speedglass™ helmet display? What’s great about it?

“The display is perfect for our product portfolio and really stands out in the store. As the market leader, it’s important that we also look like the market leader in the store. The helmet display certainly allows us to deliver first class. In addition to the large display, we also source a stand that is perfectly designed for stores where space is an issue. It takes up virtually no space and still has room for up to ten helmets and brochures.”

If you are going to venture on future trends; What do you think will be important to you at AWS in the future when it comes to the safety products you provide?

“The next step in the evolution of displaying our products in store will be how we’ll integrate technology into displays. It is thus about the introduction of audio-visual and even potentially virtual reality. Our first stop to help us with these possibilites will be Ptec.”

Två Speedglas displayställ med signatur Ptec

Finally.
If you are going to venture on future trends; What do you think will be important to you at AWS in the future when it comes to the safety products you provide?

“The next step in the evolution of displaying our products in store will be how we’ll integrate technology into displays. It is thus about the introduction of audio-visual and even potentially virtual reality. Our first stop to help us with these possibilites will be Ptec.”