CalCo NEWS

An Indian Motorcycle Engine Cutaway That Towers Over the Rest

Indian Motorcycle just launched their new Thunderstroke 111 Engine in March, 2013 at Bike Week in Daytona and CalCo Cutaways was proud to help with this impressive product launch.  We were thrilled to work on the cutaway of this new engine.  Polaris and Indian Motors contacted us early in the planning stages because they required high end finishes and workmanship and we were proud we could deliver it.  The new 49-degree V-Twin engine is air-cooled with integrated oil cooler, left-side air intake, down firing exhaust system and parallel pushrod tubes. As you can see it is a beautiful design with performance and longevity in mind.

“The Thunder Stroke 111 marks yet another critical milestone in the company’s persistent drive towards a full launch later this year under the stewardship of Polaris Industries…the goal was to capture the iconic design and styling aspects of the 112-year old brand’s most historic models and fuse that heritage with state-of-the-art technology and progressive design elements. The new design reflects an unparalleled investment into researching the complete history of Indian Motorcycle power train development.”

Photos courtesy of Indian Motorcycles

To make your product launch impactful, whether it is an iconic brand or a new entrant to the market, contact CalCo at 847/639-3858 or visit our website at www.CalCoCutaways.com.  You can also find us on Facebook. In addition to product launches CalCo can create all types of ongoing brand support including trade show displays, sales cutaways and aids, point of purchase displays and much more.

For more information about the Thunderstroke III engine please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com or www.polaris.com.

Spring Trade Shows on the Horizon

The spring trade show season is upon us and CalCo has been busy helping our customers prepare for successful shows. Some companies have been planning their booths since last spring while others are just getting started. At CalCo, we have found that the key to success at the shows is picking the right shows to attend and being prepared to present your message and your product in its best light. This can be accomplished by having a plan that includes professional displays and materials and that are enhanced and reinforced by knowledgeable salespeople.

In case you are thinking of expanding your current exhibition schedule, a brief summary of a few of the upcoming shows follows.

The Mid-America Truck Show or MATS, Louisville, KY,  March 21-23.  This show is for the heavy duty trucking industry.  We have been creating displays for this show for many years and we usually visit the show to see the displays in action. The type of displays is wide ranging.  We have seen complete trucks on display, engine cutaways, full length animation and 3-d models and we have made many of them ourselves.  The show has over 1,000 exhibitors and last year there were over 80,000 attendees from 77 countries.

Hannover Messe Show , Hannover Germany,  April 8-12.  It is billed as the world’s most important technology show and demonstrates new technology and automation. This years theme is integrated industry and there will be 11 trade fairs (Industrial automation, Motion/Drive & Automation, Energy, Wind, Mobilitec, Digital Factory, ComVac, Industrial Supply, Surface Technology, Industrial GreenTec, Research & Technology), occuring simultaneously with over 5,000 exhibitors and an expected 185,000 attendees.We are exhibiting at this show for the first time this year so if you will be there, let us know.

Bauma 2013, Munich, April 15-21.  International show for construction, building material and mining machines and vehicles. With 3,256 exhibitors and an expected 420,000 attendees it is a great opportunity to see some giant machines and make some good contacts. The show is structured around four sectors: All Around Construction Sites, Mining, Extraction & Processing of Raw Materials, Production of Building Materials and Component & Service Suppliers

Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, May 6-9.  The OTC show focuses on the development of offshore resources in the fields of drilling, exploration, production, and environmental protection. The  conference, geared toward energy professionals, offers a comprehensive technical program and exhibits of the latest products and services. With 2,500 exhibitors, 80,000+ attendees and 110 countries representated it is one of the top 200 shows in the US.  We create displays for this show every year which have included,  underground cable cutaways embedded in acrylic, pump cutaways and displays, valves, regulators, couplers, cables, scale models, working models and display stands.  We usually visit the show to see what is new in the industry and it is always fascinating.

Electric Power Expo, Rosemont, IL,  May 14-16.  Over 5,000 power generation industry professionals from around the world attend.  The show, directed towards plant management and corporate personnel from utilities around the world,  is dedicated to each of the leading fuels – coal, gas, nuclear and renewable energy, and multiple tracks filled with cross-cutting content like environmental regulations and technology. There will be over 150 exhibitors  and attendees from 31 countries and 47 US states.

American Water Works Assn Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE 13), Denver, June 9-13.  Designed for Water professionals there are over 900 presenters on a variety of water-related topics and 500 exhibitors from all segments of the water industry.

These are just a few of the shows that CalCo will be visiting soon. Once again trade show attendance is increasing. TSNN (Trade Show News Network) reports an increase of 3% for 2012 over 2011 and the much improved levels of foot traffic at shows is quite obvious. According to the 2012 Pulse Survey, conducted for the Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum, 58 percent of trade shows reported growth in the number of exhibitors in 2012, with only 12 percent reporting a decline, all indications that the trade show circuit is kicking back into high gear ….. so call CalCo at 847-639-3858 and let us help you plan ahead!

You can also find us on Facebook or click here for contact information.

Is your trade show booth ready for Mid-America Truck Show (MATS), Offshore Technology Conference(OTC), Hannover Messe or the Bauma Show?

Over the past few years, some companies have changed focus and are attending either the larger trade shows or more specialized trade shows instead of going to a wide range of shows each year.   That makes the shows that ARE attended that much more important and makes show preparation a crucial component of success.  At CalCo we try to stress the importance of early planning. Before your show, you need to analyze the message you want to convey and what kind of product displays, signage and other materials can help you communicate your message in an effective manner and then give yourself adequate time to create and acquire the right materials.

While we live in a world where we expect quick turnarounds and instanteous gratification, unfortunately, all trade show displays cannot be turned around immediately.  We get frustrated if we can’t give a customer the exact display they want due to time constraints and the customer gets frustrated too.  This problem can be avoided with early planning.  How early?? That depends on the type of display you need, the show you are attending and the time of year.

The type of display will partly dictate the time needed for show preparation. Some small displays and cutaways can be turned around in a short time but the majority of the work we do requires 4-8 weeks. Most cutaway jobs require disassembly, cutting of each piece, painting, reassembly, creation of a custom base or stand, creation of a custom shipper.  We pride ourselves on our quality so we take the time to make sure your display lives up to your expectations and our expectations.  For other types of displays like lightweight models, 3-D printing and animation the length of time necessary depends on the complexity of the project and can vary from a few days to a few months. Advance planning will help you get the results that you need from the shows you attend.

In addition to the time it takes to create your display, you need to consider shipping time too.  While most destinations in the US can be reached in a few days, if necessary, the charge for expedited shipping can be high.  For international destinations, weeks can be required if your display is going by ship instead of flying.  Make sure you consider the time necessary for transportation when getting ready for your show.

Finally, the time of year can affect your trade show planning schedule since most shows occur in the spring and fall.  During these times our turnaround times can be longer due to the volume.  If we can’t meet your deadline than we won’t take your business.  We don’t like to disappoint our customers.

If you need a display for an upcoming show and need an indication of turnaround times or types of displays that we can create, just give us a call. We are happy to help with your planning process so that you can have a successful show. We will be visiting the Mid-America Truck Show (MATS), Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) and Hannover Messe in the next few months. Let us know if you will be there too and we will stop by your booth.

Call CalCo at 847/639-3858.  Click here for our contact information or find us on Facebook.

Clearly See the Difference a Cutaway Makes

Do you find it hard to explain how your product works even though it is a simple process? Typically we expect to see a more complex unit, like an engine, cutaway but cutaways are effective for all types of products. Opening up your product to inspection inspires confidence in your brand and company since you obviously have nothing to hide. Many companies cutaway their product and their competitors product so customers can see the critical differences.

Take a look at the photos above and you immediately understand what these products are supposed to do without anyone speaking a word. That is the power of a cutaway.

Call CalCo at 847/639-3858 or contact us with any questions or for a free quote.  Let us help you put your product on display with a cutaway because “Your Product is our Profession”.

New Fire Pump Cutaway Banner Available from CalCo

It is here!!

Fire Departments have had great success using our Hydrant Cutaway Banner for training and to meet ISO standards.  We have had many requests for a Fire Pump Cutaway Banner and we are pleased to be able to offer this new banner to help meet those training needs.

The Fire Pump Cutaway Training Banner is 6 ft tall by 2 ft wide and is in full color.  It comes with a portable stand but it can also be mounted on a wall.  The banner is vinyl so it will last for years.

The cutaway banner will give your trainees a clear idea of how the fire pump operates.  There are multiple cutaway sections and enlargements so your instructor can show the details of the pump.  This banner may be able to fulfill the ISO requirement for a fire pump cutaway.  While the final decision ultimately lies in your inspector’s hands, many times this type of solution is valid, and at a fraction of the cost, only $195.00 with a portable banner stand included!

Be sure to check with your inspector or local ISO/State (or whichever organization is running the inspections) to see if this solution will qualify for your location, and then call 847-639-3858 to order. Our hydrant banner, seen below,  is available too.

Are you attending the Hannover Messe Show? CalCo is…

and we would like to say GUTEN TAG!

We are very fortunate to have the opportunity, through the Illinois STEP program, to exhibit at this year’s Hannover Messe Expo in Hannover Germany! The State Trade and Export Promotion Program is supported by the SBA and provides funding to states to support export promotion for small and medium sized businesses. We are excited to be working with the program and look forward to a great opportunity in Hannover. Our booth is scheduled to be in Hall 17, booth TBD in the Industrial Section (see map below) so come by and visit if you are at the show.

The Hannover Messe Trade Show is billed as the “most significant event of technological industry worldwide” and the “World’s Biggest Industrial Fair” since it has thirteen separate industry areas included.  The theme this year is integrated industry.  In 2012 there were over 5000  companies exhibiting and 185,000 attendees and that is expected to grow this year so it should be a fantastic show.  If you are one of those attending or exhibiting at the show let us know so we can get together or just drop by our booth for a visit.

Call CalCo at 847-639-3858, visit our website at www.CalCoCutaways.com or find us on Facebook.

Display Your Products Unique Attributes with Animation

Click Photos to View Videos

Animation is an easy way to show how your product functions and explain its unique characteristics and advantages. In today’s competive market many customers are looking for a reason to buy your product and video evidence can help. Buyers are being asked to be more knowledgeable about the products that they recommend and purchase so any information you can provide to sway their decision will benefit your bottom line.

In the virtual world, anything is possible so by creating an animation you can show the story of your product as you see it in your mind without the physical limitations of real world space. Once completed the production can be used in multiple ways; at trade shows, on your website, on You Tube, at investor relations meetings and on sales calls, so you get more bang for your buck.

CalCo can help you create a custom video using animation, actual video, graphs, brochures or any vital information you would like to include and we can put it together in an entertaining and informative way.   You will retain all rights to the video so you can use it in multiple ways. For more information about creating an animation, from 30 seconds to full length, call CalCo at 847/639-3858.

3-D Printing Demonstration Video by CalCo

CalCo offers a 3-D printing process that can be used to create lightweight models, parts and prototypes in full color.  We have shown the completed products in the past but now we have made an instructional video to show the complete process so you can get a better understanding of the requirements and capabilities. Click on the arrow below to view the video.

While the video is only 2 minutes long, the actual process can take anywhere from 1-3 days depending on the size and complexity of the product.  Full color is available but if a richer color is desired, or if metallics are needed, the finished product can be painted.  All of the projects on display below were created using the 3-D printer in the video.

If you have any further questions about the printing process or the capabilities of the machine,  please give CalCo a call at 847/639-3858.  If you have a .stl file available we can provide a free quote.  You can also visit our website at www.CalCoCutaways.com for more photos and information.

Look at these Dazzling Cutaway Displays of Polished Stainless Steel and Chrome!

These displays are designed to catch your customers attention and keep it. The stainless steel and chrome practically glow when highly hand polished. The finish is labor intensive but the effect is well worth it.

These strainers were cutaway to show the interior so the customer can see the high quality of the construction and design.  The interior was painted and the stainless parts were hand polished to create the bright finish.  The displays were fitted to bases and then into cases with custom foam inserts so they are easily moved without getting damaged.  All of these services were provided by CalCo with a careful eye on the details. Our goal is to make you and your product look great.

In addition to polished chrome plating and stainless steel finishing we offer the following plating finishes:

• Gold Plating
• Copper Plating
• Nickel Plating
• Industrial Hard Plating
• Anodizing – an attractive way to prepare aluminum and available in a wide variety of colors
• Electroless nickel – durable, minimal build process with even cover, good lubricity and hardness
• Chrome Plating – available in bright chrome, polished chrome or satin finishes, can be applied to any metal
• Black Oxide – for steel or iron parts where a blue/black matte finish is desired

If you want to make your display stand out from the crowd just give CalCo a call at 847/639-3858 and we can give you some great ideas! You can see examples of the various finishes on our website at www.calcocutaways.com.

Looking For A Cost Effective Way To Tap Into Export Markets Right In Your Own Backyard?

CalCo’s consulting and marketing “on demand” group has been actively working with the Illinois Small Business Development Center at the MCC Shah Center on a number of initiatives, assisting our clients with their international marketing and training programs. The Illinois Small Business Development Center at the MCC Shah Center recently launched a new program in support of the National Export Initiative, geared towards small and medium sized companies who are interested in growing their business in international markets by increasing their exports of goods and services.

Join CalCo at the ISBDC Export Business Trade Fair in McHenry Illinois on December 7, 2012, where our clients can meet numerous people who can highlight export opportunities, and provide them with a roadmap to access these foreign markets. Representatives from the following countries are expected to attend the fair:

Australia * the Czech Republic * Germany * Hong Kong *  Israel * Italy * Japan *

Lithuania * Mexico * the Netherlands * the Philippines * Taiwan * Thailand *Turkey

A comprehensive list of the day’s planned activities appears below, and you can visit the MCC Shah Center website for directions and additional information at:

http://www.shahcenter.mchenry.edu/

Schedule of Activities
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. – Continental Breakfast, Setup for consulates and companies

9:00 – 10:00 a.m. – Introductions and meet and greet the consulates (consulates will be available all day)

10:00 – 11:00 a.m. – McHenry County Trade Fair – parade of companies

11:00 – 12:00 p.m. – Marketing, Research, Business Development

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. – Lunch

1:00 – 2:00 p.m. – Banking, Finance, Law

2:15 – 3:00 p.m. – Manufacturing, Logistics, Shipping, Compliance

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Municipalities, Economic Development, State Assistance

A number of exhibitors, including CalCo, will be there.  We will be highlighting some of our newer services including store and go services and animation design, so please stop by for what should be an EXCEPTIONALLY easy way to kick start your international sales and marketing programs. Call us for details at 847/639-3858 or for more information about our company visit our website at www.calcocutaways.com or our Facebook page.