Vanguard Foundry Ltd
Vanguard Foundry Ltd, based in Lye, Stourbridge have increased exports and gained many international leads and contacts thanks to localising their website.
The company, which was established in 1983, specialises in the manufacture of iron castings for the turbo-charging, diesel engine, agricultural and general engineering sectors. In early 2006, Vanguard joined the Passport to Export scheme, which gives new exporters the training and support they need to succeed overseas. Though they had exported a little in the past, this was entirely on a reactive basis and the company was looking to expand into new markets.
Having established that their target markets were mainly within the EU, UK Trade and Investment international trade advisor John Pilley recommended that Vanguard translate and localise their website into French, German, Dutch and Italian. Once this was completed, all of their previous contacts were written to, in their own language, advising them of the ‘new look’site.
One Dutch company who Vanguard had failed to get interested in the past promptly contacted them requesting a quotation. Though they spoke perfect English themselves it was Vanguard’s pro-active stance in internationalising themselves that had really impressed them! Through localising their website, Vanguard have gained three orders with more expected to follow. As international trade advisor John Pilley states:
"People often make the mistake of presuming the rest of the world speaks English and are therefore content to be sold to in English but Vanguard have shown how important it is to internationalise your website if you want to reach other-speaking markets."
Vanguard have proved that it is not just how you communicate on the phone or through your corporate brochures that will win or lose you overseas custom, it is through your website – often potential customers first port of call – that you can make a lasting impression.
Sales Director Wayne Moseley is delighted with the way things have progressed:
"The strategic advice from UK Trade and Investment has really helped us gather momentum. We are now looking to take on new staff to deal with the anticipated demand from overseas."
To find out more information about Vanguard Foundry Ltd visit their website, where you can see for yourself the French, Dutch, German and Italian versions.
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