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How do you ensure that a sun protection product lasts as long as possible and retains its colorfastness as long as possible? These two questions were the focus of the ROMA Benelux Dealer Day. On Monday, July 1, about sixty dealers from the Netherlands and Belgium were guests at the headquarters in Zevenbergen, Brabant. Here, the workshops of powder coating manufacturer IGP and cleaning specialist Novatio - two ROMA suppliers - attracted a lot of interest.
The dealer day was created in part at the initiative of IGP Powder Coating. The workshop of this Swiss powder coating manufacturer will explain the production process and the different quality classes that exist in powder coating. It surprised no one that ROMA opted for the highest quality class by default, namely HochWetterFest - or HWF for short. In his illuminating speech, Technical Consultant Peter Wellenberg of IGP clarifies that HWF is a paragon of sustainability. "Because it not only extends the service life of the powder-coated product, but also reduces the frequency of cleaning. For the end user, this has the advantage of significantly reducing the cost of cleaning and maintenance. It also means that fewer chemicals are needed to achieve cleaning. As a result, HWF is more people- and environment-friendly."
According to sun protection dealer Wim Praet, owner of Raamcomfort from Turnhout, Belgium, IGP's story proves that ROMA is always looking for the very best in the market. "This is also the reason we became ROMA dealers about five years ago. In the awning market, there is a lot on offer, but ROMA stands out strongly in terms of price/quality ratio and delivery time. Moreover, the representatives have a lot of technical know-how. And, also not unimportant: as a ROMA dealer, I have a protected area in my region where no other specialist partner is allowed to distribute ROMA products."
After a short coffee break, some of the group headed for the second workshop of the day. On behalf of the Belgian company Novatio, specialized in, among other things, cleaning products, Mano Geuns - Sales Manager Benelux - addressed those present. In his detailed account, he demonstrates how to clean a soiled textured paint in a relatively simple manner in order to preserve the original color. "The latter is particularly important for sun protection dealers, since outdoor living products are constantly exposed to all kinds of weather influences, such as UV radiation and acid rain, and therefore weather quickly," explains Mano, who demonstrates which type of cleaner you can use to combat which type of soiling. In doing so, he distinguishes between organic contamination - such as dust, sand and other mineral particles - and chemical contamination, of which fingerprints, resins and tar are good examples. "For the removal of organic contamination, a water-based cleaner is most suitable, while for chemical contamination, a so-called solvent cleaner is the best solution," Mano clarifies.
"Thorough cleaning is also important for perfect bonding. And did you know that fingerprints are the most common cause of adhesive failure on a smooth surface?" Mano underlines his words by spraying a special multifoam on a textured paint. ➞
To the surprise of the onlookers, some clearly visible fingerprints suddenly appear. "This multifoam is therefore not only a degreaser, but is also a perfect indicator of the presence or absence of fingerprints."
After Novatio's presentation, listeners say they learned a lot. "What I mainly learned is that you shouldn't just take a wet cloth to polish, but that you first have to look very carefully at what type of cleaner you are going to use for what type of soiling," says Jos Cornelissen, owner of Allure Outdoor in Breda. Casper Naninck, owner of INVICOAT Coating from Rijsbergen, also found the workshop very informative. "Particularly interesting to me was the difference between water-based cleaners and solvent cleaners for fighting fingerprints and sealant marks."
At the end of the afternoon, ROMA account manager Arthur Mul is standing there with a satisfied face. Because in addition to two instructive workshops today, the dealers had every opportunity to get to know each other and exchange experiences. Among them was Jos Cornelissen, ROMA dealer from the very beginning. He particularly praises the "Deutsche Gründlichkeit" of the German parent company as well as the perfect service that is always observed. "There are few sun protection companies that can match ROMA," he says enthusiastically. "And because my company Allure Outdoor in Breda is close by, I regularly visit the showroom in Zevenbergen with my customers. Here I can show everything, ideal!"
Thomas Schmit of Schmit Zonwering & Rolluiken, who today traveled all the way from Dronten to the south, is also satisfied with the cooperation with the Brabant sun blind manufacturer: "ROMA listens very well to its dealers. If there is a technical problem with a product, it is solved quickly and professionally. The nice thing is also that there is always a service technician accompanying the customer. This is very pleasant for us as a dealer, because it means that we can sell a slightly more complex product, for example, with peace of mind. Because if we can't figure it out ourselves, ROMA is always there for you."
All in all, at the end of the ROMA Benelux event, the dealers - who were also photographed together in the attractive courtyard garden in Zevenbergen - could look back on an inspiring day full of valuable insights.
The ROMA Benelux dealer day featured some sixty dealers from Belgium and the Netherlands.
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