Future looking ‘groovy’ for Smith-Cooper
As a co-founder and newly appointed president of Smith-Cooper International, Bob Cooper is upbeat about the future.
“Our new line of COOPLOK grooved pipe couplings and fittings is the culmination of a five-year development effort, and is leading our continued expansion into the industrial and fire protection markets,” he claimed, “helped by our long-standing reputation for developing international sources while demonstrating the highest ‘first-source’ standards of quality.”
Cooper also pointed out that, for the first time, Smith-Cooper’s advanced Pro Pak System -- which reduces stocking, inventory, picking and shipping costs --will be available for grooved pipe fittings and couplings. He’s also excited by a new distribution center to be opened in the Southeast later this year. Clearly, there’s been a lot going on at Smith-Cooper.
The new Smith-Cooper COOPLOK grooved pipe couplings and fittings meet the highest quality standards, according to Cooper, including being UL-Listed and Factory Mutual approved.
“All of our products, including this new line, are built in compliance with ISO 9002,” Cooper explained, “and all meet ANSI or ASTM standards in every product group.” This ability to manage global resources, while at the same time ensuring the highest levels of quality, are why, according to Cooper, “We’ve always put the SCI™ logo on every product we make. It’s the customer’s assurance that our 50 years of industry experience is on the case.”
Each of the new fittings is also backed by complete, downloadable submittal information. Cooper added, “Smith-Cooper is often named a first or second source in the markets we already supply.”
The new grooved line will also be covered by Smith-Cooper’s 5/50 Warranty, a program Cooper is quick to point out “nobody has ever used.”
The stage has been set!
The addition of Smith-Cooper’s own signature COOPLOK grooved couplings and fittings line completes a 10-year commitment to develop what the company calls the “Fab Five.” This represents one of the most comprehensive product groups targeting the fire protection supply industry. In today’s business world, product and vendor consolidation are commonplace. With five core products making up Smith-Cooper’s fire protection program -- including ductile iron threaded, cast iron threaded, steel nipples, COOPLET weld-outlets, and the new signature COOPLOK grooved couplings and fittings -- the stage is set.
Pro-Pak System part of efficient distribution strategy
Smith-Cooper is perhaps best known in the industry it already serves through its Pro Pak System. Color-coded by product line, the system adds large wraparound labels with large product illustrations and multiple barcodes to make all warehousing, inventory and shipping functions easier and faster. Another big advantage of Pro Pak, according to Cooper, is that “Pro-Pak makes stacking and palletizing easier, so you can store more inventory in less space. Nobody wants to warehouse air.”
He went on to note, “Smith-Cooper has also been offering extended inventory services for years, and will soon open a new, almost 100,000-square-foot distribution facility in the Southeast region of the U.S. With our facilities in Commerce, Calif., Vancouver, Wash., and Pennsauken, N.J., we’ll service the entire country, continuing our tradition of offering a near-perfect service and fill rates.
“For those not familiar with Smith-Cooper’s service,” Cooper continued, “we believe they’ll be pleasantly surprised.”
Cooper explained that unusually high levels of paperwork accuracy, electronic data interchange and a sales staff with extensive experience in PVF, fire protection, underground, irrigation and other mechanical applications make all the difference.
“It’s an old-fashioned approach, and we’re okay with that,” he said. “We innovate in global sourcing, quality and packaging -- but we never forget that service is what people remember.”
Management continuity critical to success
Cooper points to his own recent promotion to president of Smith-Cooper as on example of consistent management focus on key strategies.
“I work as part of a great team.” he said, “and we’re going to vigorously continue our focus on providing the highest levels of quality with intelligent global sourcing and unmatched service.”
Others credit him as being the driver in the development of the Pro Pak System, and point out he’s also been a partner since the company’s beginning. Additional recent promotions at Smith Cooper include Ed Beetschen -- also a company co-founder -- to executive vice president, where he will have key responsibilities in operations, human resources and business systems; and Frank Connelley to vice president-national sales. Connelley has been a key factor in Smith-Cooper’s growth for nearly a decade. Rob Tripp will serve as vice president-purchasing, with responsibility for international procurement, logistics and engineering.