Hapman hosted technical representatives from across the U.S. and Canada for its annual North American Sales Conference, April 29-30, 2013, at its corporate offices and North American manufacturing plant in Kalamazoo, MI,

The two-day event began with technical equipment training for new reps, introductions of new and expanded equipment lines designed to meet growing bulk material handling needs, and plant tours of manufacturing operations demonstrating investments in both capital equipment and an expanded workforce.  

“This annual conference is an important meeting for us and for our Reps,” said Jim Hughes, Hapman national sales manager. “We share industry knowledge and changing market dynamics, and we get good feedback from our Reps on what tools they need to serve our customers more effectively.”  

In addition to technical training, company vice president Greg Patterson highlighted new marketing initiatives, and the company’s short- and long-term growth strategies. The conference also featured key performance sales awards, including the announcement of 2012 Rep-of-the-Year, Gull Material Handling. Gull Material Handling has been a Hapman representative in the Midwest since 1984, and achieved record sales in 2012.

“The awards part of the conference gives us a chance to acknowledge everyone’s hard work throughout the year, while spotlighting outstanding performance,” said Hughes. “It is also a great launching point for next years’ sales goals.”

The meeting concluded with a roundtable discussion of continuous improvement opportunities and expanded customer-focused operations. “The foundation of our company is built on decades of industry knowledge and experience with exceptional customer support,” said Patterson. “While this conference features achievements over the last year, the real value for everyone is the continued look forward. The forward focus examines our customers’ growing needs for expanded technical knowledge and field support, and allows us to examine additional areas where we can help. It is our job to provide what our customers need, and deliver more than what they expect.”

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