Upat Open Day showcases complete solutions from its leading brands

28 January 2019
Complete solutions for general industry, construction, mining and DIY applications are available from leading Southern African supplier Upat. Customers were given a foretaste of the latest innovations anticipated to be introduced locally at an Open Day hosted at Upat’s Johannesburg head office in New Doornfontein on Friday 25 January.
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PreviewA large range of Milwaukee power tools was on display at the Upat Open Day5.42 MBDownload
PreviewNew products from fischer were showcased by Upat Technical Manager Kevin Owen5.18 MBDownload
PreviewThe Stabila measuring app allows for site measurements to be documented and processed easily7.1 MBDownload
PreviewThe Upat Open Day gave customers a foretaste of innovations to come5.81 MBDownload
PreviewUpat Managing Director Richard Kuhlmann6.97 MBDownload
PreviewUpat Technical Representative Doug Raats demonstrating Milwaukee power tools6.94 MBDownload
PreviewUpat Technical Sales Director Kerry Kuhlmann was suspended from the ceiling5.42 MBDownload

The benefit of being the local agent for Stabila measuring tools, Milwaukee power tools, and fischer fixings is that Upat provides a complete solution for any building site. The core aim of the business is denoted by the acronym POFC (Position, Open, Fix and Close) – which is to help the construction and allied trades ‘Build the bigger picture’.

“Upat prides itself on providing high-quality tools and products for every stage of a building project, thereby increasing productivity by acting as a single point of contact in terms of service support and technical back-up,” Managing Director Richard Kuhlmann comments.

Upat National Product Specialist for Stabila, Charl Weber, highlighted the Stabila measuring app, which allows construction-industry professionals to use their smartphones for quick and easy documentation and processing of measurements. The app is compatible with Stabila’s LD 520 and LD 250 BT laser distance measurers, using integrated Bluetooth Smart technology.

New products from fischer showcased by Upat Technical Manager Kevin Owen included the fischer Ultracut concrete screw, which offers higher load and shear values. All screw sizes can be installed to three different embedment depths for flexibility in application and attachment thickness.

The latest fischer FLS channel system is ideal for light applications for mechanical engineering or ‘wet’ services, from suspending cable trays to HVAC, plumbing and sprinkler-system piping. Available in three different sizes, from 17 mm to 30 mm and 37 mm, the system features 3-m-long lengths as opposed to the traditional 5 m. In addition to the low weight, this makes it easily transportable to site.

A highlight of the Open Day was a sensational demonstration of the superior DuoPower nylon plug, the most technically-advanced anchoring system from fischer to date. Upat Technical Sales Director Kerry Kuhlmann put the high load strength of the latest technology to the test when he was suspended from the ceiling solely by means of the 8 mm DuoPower plug.

The plug has a red plug tip for safe fixing in solid building material, with expansion wings for bracing, and a grey plug base for folding in cavities. The plug’s multi-functionality – from expanding, to folding, and knotting – extends its application range even further, meaning that materials with top loads can also be accommodated.

The greater dimensional suitability of material in the plug translates into a greater extrusion force for ultimate performance. The combination of both a hard and soft component allows for optimal push-in and tightening torque for the best installation feedback.

On the Milwaukee front, Product Specialist Werner Koch revealed an array of product launches on the cards, including a hedge trimmer and work-support lights. Customers were also introduced to the ONE-KEY™ app.

This is a digital platform for tools and equipment that allows users to customise, track, and manage their power tools. The added benefit is that ONE KEY™ allows for a tool to be set up for specific applications. The app, a free-to-use inventory management program, is available for download for iOS and Android devices.

Apart from in-depth product presentations, customers were also afforded the opportunity to see the Upat stable of premium brands up close, and to interact with both the Product Managers and the tools and equipment itself.

“It is important for us to educate our customers about the full advantages of the premium brands we distribute, as well as the fact that all of these brands enhance each other in the form of a complete solution. We will also take this opportunity to introduce new products to the local market, as this highlights the commitment of these global OEMs to ongoing innovation,” Kuhlmann concluded.