International Coal Mining Equipment Provider Saves Money, Succeeds with Westfield Steel

FOR RELEASE:
July 10, 2008

CONTACT:
David Ayers
(317) 554-6357 or (317) 502-8536

MT.VERNON, Ill.—If you dig deep enough, it’s possible to find a real treasure.

That’s what Dale Hirons, operations manager at A.L. Lee, found when he discovered Westfield Steel five years ago.

For roughly 30 years, A.L. Lee has been producing underground coal mining equipment, as well as rockdusting equipment, material handling trucks for transporting concrete blocks, timbers and pallets of material, and other types of machinery.

In order to make it all happen, Hirons needs a steady stream of steel and steel related products—and for a good price. Enter Westfield Steel in Westfield, Ind.

“They provide us with the product that we require in a reasonable length of time,” Hirons said. “They’re cost efficient and their service meets our expectations.”

Hirons said that in his business, success is rooted in the ability to save money while profiting at the same time. It’s about “cost.”

Hirons does his research. He checks with other steel providers, telling them what he needs and gets quotes on how much they would charge him. And, after his research is complete, he compares his results.

“Westfield Steel’s pricing is more competitive,” he said. “The quality of work is as good or better [than others].”

In addition to the cost effectiveness that Westfield Steel provides, the company has also impressed Hirons with its people skills.

“They’re top notch,” he said. “They’ve been an asset to me. If I need something in a timely manner, if something unexpected comes up, they’re available to provide me with that.”

Because of this high quality-low price service, Hirons said that Westfield Steel has helped A.L. Lee’s business increase.

“The efficiency of Westfield Steel has helped us in a way where we can produce our equipment quicker. We build by order, we don’t build and put it on the parking lot and sell it. We get the material from Westfield Steel in a reasonable time frame…that is a benefit to us,” said Hirons.

Indeed, when Hirons brought Westfield Steel on board he said that he saved 4 percent.

“Cost is the biggest thing,” Hirons said. “That’s what it all amounts to in our industry.”

 

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