“We have gone through a number of positive changes recently,” says Jeffrey Plummer, senior vice president of sales and marketing. “For one, we have invested and continue to invest a lot of money in our manufacturing facilities to allow us to improve our efficiencies and product quality. One such change is our newly remodeled and upgraded clean room packaging department which helps eliminate exposure to contamination. We have also invested heavily in our U.S. market with increased customer relations efforts through acquisitions and branch expansion.”

North American expansion, says Plummer, is the driving force behind the multitude of improvements.

“While we have a strong global strategy which includes significant sales in the Asian markets, as well as very strong growth in Europe, Middle East and Africa, we feel that North America remains our largest opportunity for growth,” he says. “That is why we’re placing more emphasis on our customer relations efforts in this market. We want to not only offer dealers a great product but we also want to surpass their expectations with great local customer service at one of our eight distribution locations around the country. This localized approach allows us to react quickly to dealer requests and offer marketing and sales support with a one-on-one approach. Simply put, we want to be the company that our customers want to do business with, so as they grow and prosper, we will too.”

The expansion of the customer relations department, which subsequently lead to Angie Leonetti’s promotion to marketing and customer relations manager, and the appointment of Black to regional manager of North America for Madico’s sales and marketing group, are in line with this strategy, according to Plummer. Black formerly served as HanitaTek’s president and general manager.

“At Madico we recognize that our products are just part of the equation and we strive to provide tailored solutions to address individual customer needs,” Plummer says. “Good customer relations play an essential role in getting this right for each customer and our commitment to this kind of service helps differentiate the company in an increasingly competitive market.

“Sometimes it is necessary to make significant changes in an organization to ensure a cultural shift,” he adds. “We don’t just want to talk about excellent customer relations; we want everyone to live it. Both Angie and Jim exemplify the strong customer orientation we are striving for and I believe they will help us make sure we are ‘doing it right the first time.’”

In addition to the personnel changes, Madico has also started raising consumer awareness on a local level.

“We are pretty excited to announce that we have come to an agreement with one of our long-standing distribution partners in Florida to directly serve customers from our factory-owned branch,” says Plummer. “Effective May 1^st the customers in four Florida counties that have been so well served by Renvale in Sarasota, will now buy directly from Madico Window Films. Renvale has been a valued distributor and partner for the past 28 years and we look forward to continuing our relationship in a different manner.

“In addition, we recently hosted customers from 10 different countries for our Safetyshield Premier Partner Training and attracted the attention of our local news media,” adds Plummer.

Earlier this year, Madico also garnered the attention of the National Fenestration Rating Council during its Spring Committee Meeting in St. Petersburg, Fla. During the conference attendees were invited to tour a net-zero office building which features the company’s films as well as tour the plant and learn more about Madico and window film.

As for dealers, Plummer says they can expect to see a phenomenal year.

“I would say that in some respects we will continue on our current course; working continuously to improve our offering to provide our customers with the best possible chance to succeed,” says Plummer. “We believe in the strength and quality of our products and brands … Our SafetyShield security film program is picking up speed, so very likely folks will be hearing more about this as the year goes on.

“It is our sincere hope that all of the changes that we continue to make at the factory, with our new products, programs, marketing, distribution and people will all be a direct benefit to our customers,” he adds. “2012 was a record-breaking year for us and the first quarter of 2013 was fantastic … [We] are fully committed to doing our best to be an outstanding supplier and partner to our distributors and dealers.”

“What caused me to move over is the fact that Madico’s approach to the market and strategy is much more in line with my DNA … it’s what I’ve done for most of my career,” Black told Window Film magazine. “I spent 18 years doing it for Bekaert, or Solar Gard, so it’s a much better fit for me managing sales and distribution and leveraging a large group of people to get things done.”

Black will directly manage Madico’s company-owned U.S. branches in addition to overseeing the U.S. sales force and Sunscape program.

“I will be managing seven distribution locations, several sales people, the architectural program Sunscape and I’ll be managing people that sell and distribute a full range of products such as automotive, architectural and safety films,” said Black. “Madico wants to go through business by helping [its] dealer base grow. Hanita’s focus was much more energy-related … Madico has a much broader approach.”

Jeffrey Plummer, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Madico, said the addition of Black is in line with the company’s development plans for 2013.

“Growth in the North American marketplace is of the upmost importance to our growth strategy. Jim’s experience, understanding of the window film market landscape and his leadership position in the industry combined to make him the right person to lead the next phase of growth for Madico in 2013 and beyond,” said Jeffrey Plummer, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Madico. “Adding a sales management professional of his caliber and expertise to our roster is further proof that we are committed to our mission as an internationally respected leader in the production and distribution of ‘best-in-class’ window film products and solutions.”

“I believe that I have joined a very successful window film company,” added Black. “Many of the team members have a lot of experience. Madico really concentrates on maintaining [its] employees for a long period of time as well as bringing on people who can help the dealers be successful at what they do.”

Black brings 24 years of experience to the position, having began his career in 1988 as a window film shop owner before serving as regional manager for the Americas for Bekaert Specialty Films before it was sold to Saint-Gobain. Black then moved on to HanitaTek, where he served as president and general manager for three years. He has also served on the AIMCAL window film committee and is currently vice president of the International Window Film Association. Black has a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing.

HanitaTek recently appointed Pam Preston as general manager of its window films distribution operations, effective April 1. A representative for the company had not responded to request for comment at press time.

Black will directly manage Madico’s seven company-owned U.S. branches in addition to overseeing the U.S. sales force and Sunscape program.

“Growth in the North American marketplace is of the upmost importance to our growth strategy. Jim’s experience, understanding of the window film market landscape and his leadership position in the industry combined to make him the right person to lead the next phase of growth for Madico in 2013 and beyond,” says Jeffrey Plummer, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Madico. “Adding a sales management professional of his caliber and expertise to our roster is further proof that we are committed to our mission as an internationally respected leader in the production and distribution of ‘best-in-class’ window film products and solutions.”

Black brings 24 years of experience to the position, starting his career in 1988 as a window film shop owner before eventually moving on to HanitaTek. He has managed company owned branches and sales organizations with great success. Jim has also served on the AIMCAL window film committee and is currently vice president of the International Window Film Association. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing.

Stay tuned to windowfilmmag.com for more information.

HanitaTek Window Films is once again one of our Supporters of the 2012 International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (IWFC). The event is set to be held this September 20-22 in Louisville, Ky., at the Kentucky International Convention Center, the Hyatt Regency Louisville and the Louisville Marriott Downtown. The Exhibition/Extravaganza will be held September 21-22.

During the conference, attendees are able to take part in educational seminars by industry leaders and expert speakers including a keynote address by Captain Richard Phillips; network on the Exhibition/Extravaganza show floor with window film manufacturers; and view the Tint-Off™ competitions.

Window Film Magazine: We are speaking with Jim Black, president of HanitaTek. Jim, why did HanitaTek Window Films choose to sponsor the 2012 International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (IWFC)?
Black: HanitaTek is committed to the long-term success of the window film industry and we feel the IWFC is one of the best ways for us to show our support of the industry through sponsorship, participating in the Tint-Off™ competitions and training sessions, and exhibiting on the show floor. In addition, it is a great event for us to reach out to customers, old and new.  It is important as a manufacturer to stay close to your customers and be actively involved in all aspects of their business. This event is a perfect venue for us to do just that.

Window Film Magazine: Why is an event like the IWFC important to the film industry?
Black: The IWFC is the one time each year where members of our industry can get together, attend educational seminars on topics, which are important to us all, and learn from each other through networking.

Window Film Magazine: What can attendees expect to see from HanitaTek at the 2012 show?
Black: We will be showing some of our new films, our new energy-efficiency information and, of course, spending as much time as possible speaking to our existing and potential customers about how we can support the growth and success of their business.

Window Film Magazine: Mark Carlson with HanitaTek is giving a presentation on exterior films. Can you tell attendees what they will learn from his presentation?
Black: With energy savings becoming more important to large commercial facilities, it is important to know about the best films to save energy.  Exterior films are great for energy savings, have a high ROI and can transform the look of older buildings, which can increase demand to rent space within.  New technologies and hard coats have extended the lifespan of these films and dealers who embrace the challenge of installing exterior films will be rewarded by the marketplace for years to come.

Window Film Magazine: Do you  have any advice for the 2012 Tint-Off Automotive and Architectural Division competitors?
Black: We wish the contestants the best of luck.  After watching the competitions last year, we feel that the most important thing is to not let nerves stand in the way.  Focus on what you do and do it the best you can.

The International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ is co-sponsored by Window Film magazine and the International Window Film Association. Auto Glass Week™ also will be held concurrently. The event is managed by Window Film magazine.

HanitaTek is the North American distributor of Hanita Coatings SolarZone, SafetyZone, PolyZone and XtraZone window films. With a focus on energy savings, they work hard to partner with their customers to provide solar and safety solutions for their client base.

To register or for more information, visit the official event website, www.windowfilmmag.com/iwfc.