 |
News and Events CTN interviews Len Edwards, President of NextronNEXTRON Heats Up the Future Virtually, every time water is transported or moved at below freezing temperatures, the possibility of disaster lurks around the corner. Len Edwards, President and General Manager of Nextron Corporation explains, at the instant where water freezes, pipes could burst, valves could malfunction and many other things could go wrong, resulting in very costly situations. This is only one example of how their newest electrical heat tracing control and monitoring product, TraceMate™ comes to the rescue. Nextron Corporation provides innovative solutions, specifically, temperature control devices to numerous industries worldwide. The company is based in Calgary, Alberta and has been traded on the Canadian Venture Exchange for four years. Extremely successful, Nextron has ongoing research and development programs, modern facilities to design and manufacture product, complete support services and a well-established marketing and sales program. Nextron has been so successful, that it has even sold its product to competitors. Then in August 2000, Nextron and its Board of Directors found themselves wrestling with a problem: What strategic direction should the company take? With the help of Jeff Pallister, Advisor with the Canadian Technology Network (CTN), the company now has a "very clear focus" says Len. Tracing the 'Right' Path When Jeff first met with Len, the company had started a business plan, considered possible strategic directions and were reviewing a number of opportunities. What direction, in the long term, would provide the 'right' business returns? As they worked closely with Jeff, Len says, "he helped to assess whether the information [the company had gathered] was really solid." Jeff interviewed the company employees and suggested areas where corrections could be made in order to make Nextron "a strong company". Len pinpoints, "Jeff's ability to come in as a well-versed consultant in the technical field was advantageous. It's always nice to know that the direction you're taking, is a realistic direction." Jeff provided that assurance and with a thorough assessment of the company, he put them on the 'right' path. Jeff was introduced to Nextron by Robert Faulder, Industry Technology Advisor (ITA) with the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) of the National Research Council. Nextron had worked with IRAP a number of times, including a review of the company's production processes and assistance in evaluating a new planning software tool. It was in mid-1999 that Robert also assisted Nextron with its product development. He reviewed and helped determine the viability of a new product the company was working on: TraceMate™. In December 2000, TraceMate™ was successfully launched. Ready to Move Forward Since its introduction, "TraceMate™ has been received quite favourably and we are pleased with the direction it has gone. The product has drawn quite a bit of attention," says Len. Recognizing the role of both CTN and IRAP, Len emphasizes that the two have fulfilled their primary mandate, that is, to help small businesses. He explains "they have gone out of their way to assist us in terms of our direction, they have a very positive attitude towards us and have that understanding for smaller companies." IRAP and Nextron continue to work together. Robert and Cal Koskowich, also an ITA with IRAP are now assisting Nextron with a new design that promises end-users tremendous advantage and cost-effectiveness. Len says, "you can have all kinds of ideas and IRAP will come in and ask or challenge you to defend your ideas. They will help you understand the technical merits associated with a project." Today, Nextron is in the process of making changes to its distribution network and would like to align itself with companies that provide value-added services. They continue to expand their marketing and sales, and are looking at the Latin-American corridor. Nextron wants to increase market share in both Canada and the U.S. and has already contacted registration bodies to obtain certifications for entry into Europe. Thanks to CTN and IRAP, Nextron is now ready to move forward. For more information contact: Len Edwards, President, Nextron Corporation 1-866-639-2875 Ext. 274 |
||||
|
|||||
