The success of Clevertech and Tosa’s project for a pet food giant: the perfect triangulation in a climate of collaboration and mutual satisfaction.
Even the largest organizations are like living organisms, capable of forming relationships. Companies seek solutions, engage in dialogue, and collaborate to achieve a common goal.
While skills remain the key to success, soft skills are the secret ingredient for a successful partnership.
What does it mean to work well together? It means getting to know each other, understanding each other, overcoming barriers, and tackling new challenges with solutions born from integration. And the satisfaction is mutual.
This is demonstrated by the experience of Clevertech and Tosa, both partners of Smart Packaging Hub, with a pet food giant specialized in wet and dry food for pets. A big player working towards proper nutrition for companion animals, focusing on safety and quality.
The initial project was ambitious, or “huge,” as defined by the client. By the end, the result brought great satisfaction to all parties involved.
How to initiate a successful partnership: an experience in pet food industry
As we mentioned, technical expertise, know-how, and reputation are great entry points. Clevertech and Tosa, two Italian excellence with an international scope, understand this well and position themselves as partners for the design of integrated end-of-line solutions.
Clevertech, in particular, led the project, specializing in the design of integrated end-of-line solutions in various sectors, including Food & Beverage. Clevertech acted as the sole contact with the client, providing a turnkey system.
Skills as a key to overcome complexity
Clevertech was considered alongside other companies and evaluated based on delivery, price, quality, and service. However, what struck the client most was Clevertech’s in-depth expertise, substantial portfolio, and the complexity and variety of its operations, processes, and specializations within the industrial sector.
For an overseas giant, selecting the right supplier is also based on reliability, service level, and stateside footprint.
The decision-making process took a year and a half, allowing both Clevertech and Tosa to showcase all their strengths. Together, they offered the client an effective and strategic synergy.
The main steps of the project
«Even during the remote “meetings” phase», the client explains, «we had the chance to appreciate one of the most significant elements of the partnership: open sharing».
«Clevertech responded to our many requests with 3D renderings and videos. The company was very transparent in sharing the information we needed to help us make decisions, which was certainly appreciated».
Also appreciated were the important know-how of the two Italian companies and their portfolio in the pet food sector.
Building a strong relationship by addressing needs of the pet food market
Knowledge, skills, and communication: a continuous process essential for navigating the market. In Clevertech and Tosa, this triad translated into a global approach.
«The big challenge was getting chosen by a client who didn’t know us directly at the time», explains Jean St-Martin, Area Sales Manager for Clevertech, North America branch.
«We know how to do our job. We just had to show that we were the right partner, with the right technology and expertise in the pet food sector. We held many meetings and communicated our value. This, along with a substantial portfolio, made the difference».
The technologies involved across six different machines
Together with Tosa, Clevertech successfully carried out what they describe as a technologically “challenging” project.
It consisted in handling depalletizing, stacking, and palletizing for two lines of 5.5- and 13-ounce cans, totaling six machines. It’s clear why more than a year and a half was needed to finalize the project and meet the client’s final specifications, addressing all concerns, questions, and expectations in a timely manner.
Soft skills and good communication count, as well
What made this project a success? Certainly, the ability to respond promptly and effectively to the client’s requests. And, equally, providing a reliable, safe, and efficient solution. But there’s more.
The process was marked by good communication with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) partners, which defined the entire specification review process, during which responses were quick.
And while it’s natural in these types of projects, especially with new installations, for there to be disagreements, differing views, and tough times, the mark of a strong partnership is how these challenges are handled.
«As for me», St-Martin adds, «I aim to serve the client the way I would want to be served. Clevertech and Tosa gave me all the support needed to uphold this value in our collaboration with our pet food client. Timeliness, proactivity, and never taking anything for granted are exactly what we base our work on to offer the best».