Trust the key to strong business relationships

Like any successful relationship, the 25-plus year connection between UES International and Weston Body Hardware is built on trust and shared values. The two companies have been working as both customer and supplier to each other, each stocking products from the other’s range to meet the needs of a demanding customer base that expects quality, durability and reliability.

Weston Body Hardware is a UK-based supplier of access control systems including handles, hinges, latches and locks, along with patented solutions designed specifically for OEM and aftermarket customers. UES International Executive Chairman Alex Morcos says the business has always been a good match for his company, which in turn is an Australian family-owned business, operating globally, with a range of high-quality access hardware, fasteners, hinges, locks and more.

In both businesses, the point of difference is a commitment to excellent engineering, problem solving and consistency in quality. “We have shared values around timeliness, attention to detail in engineering data, accuracy when we quote or modify orders and honest communication about what is and isn’t possible. What that all adds up to is a better outcome for the customer.

“There are many cheaper substitute products in the market but what separates UES International, and Weston Body Hardware, is loyalty, respect and ultimately quality. We aim to provide products that last and that solve an issue.”

Among other items, UES International chooses grab handles, hinges, latches and locks from Weston Body Hardware, which buys rotary latches and various diecast parts from UES International.

Weston Body Hardware Business Development Manager Kate Paris agrees that trust and quality are the reasons the two businesses partner so well together.

“So much of it is about having trust in each other, that's what's important in today's market. Plus, we pride ourselves on quality, that's our number one,” she says.

“We only sell high quality parts and that’s why we are a respected brand around the world. We’re proud of what we do and the projects we have contributed to. Our products were used on a vehicle in the last Bond movie and we have worked with a number of very prestigious auto brands. We work with a number of OEMs and for them reliability and quality are more important than price – they need to be able to see rigorous documentation around engineering, specifications, and production, and that’s something Weston Body Hardware and UES International are both fastidious about.”

The partnership started as a traditional customer-supplier relationship with UES International started supplementing its range with Weston Body Hardware products.

“We knew they produced high quality products and that is the most important thing to our business and our customers,” Alex says. “Over time, we started manufacturing our own products too and so the partnership became reciprocal. Today we both have a very large catalogue and we look for opportunities together to build our businesses. We might see an opportunity where we can contribute one element and they can contribute another and it adds up to a good new product in the market or a solution for a customer.”

Both companies have evolved considerably since they started working together. Weston Body Hardware was launched by Peter Weston, a legend of the industry who Alex remembers as an inspirational mentor. Weston Body Hardware is now part of the Happich Group, but has retained its original culture of commitment to product and people.

UES International meanwhile has been through a generational leadership change and more recently has installed a CEO to allow Alex to focus more on the management of critical key relationships while still enabling the business to grow.

“The companies have both evolved but the core values and priorities are the same. Even with new people, the core connection has remained and the strength of the culture in both businesses has continued to underpin what we do,” Alex says.

While the connection between Weston Body Hardware and UES goes back a long way, Alex says UES is always open to building new partnerships.

“Where there’s a genuine alignment in values and a commitment to treating each other honestly and respectfully, delivering on our promises to each other and our customers, and always striving for the highest possible quality, it makes sense to pursue a partnership. We see our key partnerships as something really special so they don’t come along every day, but when they do we invest a lot of work into making sure they create win-win outcomes for all parties,” he says.

Businesses interested in knowing more about developing a partnership with UES are encouraged to find out more about the company at https://www.uesint.com/