How Mirka prioritises innovation of tools and training
When on any workshop floor, you will see a wide variety of tools being used across a multitude of jobs, so as the industry evolves so must the tools. This is where businesses, like Mirka, play a key role. According to its national sales manager, Steve Smith, Mirka is constantly looking at ways in which new tools can be developed or current tools can be upgraded and tweaked.
We know that sanders are the workhorse tool when it comes to surface preparation, and this isn’t going to change; however, tools must evolve to meet the constantly growing demands of the user and the industry. At Mirka, we want to be at the cutting edge of tool technology and the way we do this is quite simple: it is through communication with our customer base.
Importance of research and development
Our team of technical experts is constantly talking to customers to understand their needs and requirements, which are then fed back to the research and development team. This constant flow of information, combined with our ongoing investment in research and development, has led to significant developments when it comes to the tools we produce for our growing product portfolio, expanding their ability to deliver an efficient overall process and a high-quality finish on a variety of surfaces.
An example of this is the new DEROS II, which has a new electric motor that delivers 20% more sanding power to make light work of demanding jobs, such as surface preparation and heavy applications. Alongside this, the team has put the user first with its ergonomic design. This ensures the tool is easy to handle, which, in turn, helps reduce the stress on the user’s hands and arms when sanding for long periods.
Regular audits
Alongside the tools that perform the preparation work, we also helps streamline the process by conducting regular physical audits. This is achieved by our team of experienced technical experts who work with the business to see if it is getting the most out of the products being used. The audits and the documentation that are produced then enable us to show where savings can be made, which, in turn, leads to an action plan being agreed upon and implemented.
This plan covers best practices, which include specific processes for jobs or the recommendation of certain products for the business based on the surfaces being sanded. We have seen how the plan has helped businesses streamline their processes and increase the overall efficiency of the jobs that are being completed.
Don’t forget training!
Another way we help businesses is through our training programmes, which can either take place on-site or at our training centre in Milton Keynes. These programmes are not a one-size-fits-all offering but are customisable based on the business’ needs and requirements and ensure it is maximising the efficiencies of the products and abrasives it uses.
This usually results in subtle cost savings that add up over time, while also increasing productivity and the overall quality of the finish. Training also ensures that when attendees go back to their business, they have the necessary knowledge and skills to make the most of the tools they are using and can efficiently complete the processes that require the use of our products.
