Dave Kasper, CalCo’s Senior Consultant, Has ALL the Answers

CalCo has been in business for almost 60 years. The reason – the people who work here and their dedication to getting a job done right and on time.   Dave Kasper, our Sales Manager, is a key component in our success.  Dave has been with CalCo for 9 years and has become indispensable due to his ability to come up with new and innovative ideas and to work with our customers to make sure they get exactly what they want.  Talking to Dave on the phone can turn a project around completely because he not only quotes, coordinates and communicates with you about your project but he also develops new ways to display them.  Recently he designed a large pedestal with multiple levels of display space which we constructed based on his designs.  He also developed a waterjet cut acrylic fire hydrant for a display which was lightweight and easy to transport.  He has designed many point of purchase layouts and has helped customers develop animation, 3D models, prototypes, displays and cutaways of every type. Although we have an archive with all projects we have completed it is sometimes easier to go and pick Dave’s brain.

Some of Dave’s ideas are shown above and some of his beliefs are explained below.

What is CalCo’s first priority?

Customer satisfaction.

What makes CalCo different from its competitors?

Honestly CalCo is one of those places that is more like a consulting firm for your marketing, sales and training departments. It is difficult to know about so many technologies and possibilities for your displays, and it is nice to be able to speak with someone who can offer suggestions that you may have never thought of otherwise.

What information do you need to know before beginning a project?

The first place we like to start is getting a good understanding of where your displays will be used, and in what context. Is this a training seminar, a trade show exhibit or a sales tool for road warriors, etc. . . Next is what story are you looking to tell with your project; how a product works, what the new upgrades look like and what they mean or even “We are number 1″! Once we get into the finer details and pricing/timing estimates, we will need some drawings or photos with dimensions to get started. From there we will take care of everything else, from asking additional questions, providing examples where needed and nailing down the shipping details in advance of that glorious day!

Whether you have a good idea of the type of display that you want or you need some good ideas, Dave can help.    For a free quote or to discuss your next project contact CalCo at 847/638-3858 or click here for more information.

A True Custom Engine Display Story

Before and After

With over 130 years of German engineering and expertise, Deutz Corporation consistently presents themselves as leaders in the industry through memorable and well executed branding and marketing efforts.

When Deutz had an opportunity to rework one of their temporary training engine displays into a full fledged tradeshow exhibit, they turned to CalCo and their equally stringent quality commitment and standard.

CalCo was able to match a standard paint scheme set in Germany just by inspecting an existing display and using their vast knowledge base and ability to think on their feet to recreate their winning design. This included a textured paint finish with a satin sheen in both Deutz red and silver, as well as a gold finish plating process that was indentified and duplicated as well or better than the example display.

CalCo’s ability to match existing display schematics or branding specifications allows for the seamless introduction of an alternative to creating displays in house to free up valuable expertise that can concentrate on other hot areas instead.

Deutz also had a brilliant idea on how to accentuate some of their exhaust after-treatment components that install onto a factory engine. The idea . . . to make the engine all but ‘disappear’ to instead feature the additional components while still showing how these innovative parts connect to an engine.

The engine block was recreated using clear acrylic panels mounted to the stand in parallel formation, and the after treatment parts were displayed as if they were bolted right to the phantom engine.

The look was impressive and amazing, and according to Nolan Madden of Deutz Corporation,“Our new EAT display was the star [of the show] , garnering nothing but accolades from customers and colleagues alike.”

When your presentation on the sales floor or in the field needs to be expertly deliberate and reflective of your commitment to excellence, trust the 50+ years of industry experience of having already solved the potential problems everyone else will be having.

Give CalCo a call at 847-639-3858 or contact CalCo to discuss your great ideas and turn them into a dazzling reality!

Light Up Your Product and Grab Your Customers Attention

Use specialized product lighting to highlight your product and see the difference in your results.  Trade shows can get tedious for the attendees so you need a way to get their attention and keep it.   With unique product lighting and an eye catching display you can get extra interest focused on your product and have the opportunity to tell your product story.   CalCo has been creating custom product displays for over 60 years and we specialize in making your product stand out.  We use a variety of lighting options to electrify your product and captivate your audience.

Lighting Options include:

• Halogen Spotlights
• Lamps
• LED lightstrips
• Basemounts with interior lighting through your logo

In addition to trade show displays, specialized product lighting is also an excellent idea for your showroom or lobby displays.  To create a striking lighting display for your product call CalCo at 847/639-3858 or click here to get contact information.

Custom Stands and Basemounts for Your Displays

Make Your Product Stand Out at a Trade Show or in Your Lobby Display

We all know it is important to make a good first impression.  The same holds true for your product presentation.  Basemounts and stands are one of your most important considerations when creating a product display.  To make your customers focus on your product they need to be able to see the things that make it unique and the proper basemount or stand allows that to happen.

The base has three primary functions:

1. Enhance the presentation of your product by setting it apart from its surroundings and giving it added dimension.
2. Help protect your display by keeping it stationary yet approachable.
3. Help in shipping by securing the item during transit.

CalCo creates all stands and basemounts specifically for your product so it has the proper dimensions and angles for great viewing and we always keep in mind the functions mentioned above.   Stands or basemounts are designed based on your needs and the uses of your product. We have freestanding designs for lobbies and rolling shadowbox designs for trade shows. We have brushed aluminum basemounts for tabletop designs or we can customize a stand like the one above with CalCo’s logo on the base.

Materials for bases and stands vary but some include:

Aluminum:  Generally the best choice for most industrial applications due to its strength, weight and appearance.  We use aluminum that is brushed and urethane clear-coated, anodized or plated depending on the clients needs.

Steel:  Used for large, complex applications which require the strength and flexibilty of a fabricated, welded steel frame.  Steel can be finished with paint or covered with other materials.  Wheels or pallets can aid in handling.

Wood:   Used for lightweight applications.  We primarily use it for awards and small presentations.

Acrylic:  Used as a base for lightweight point-of purchase displays or trade show displays or by itself to replicate a design in acrylic.

Composite Materials:  A number of options are available and can be used to create the look you want for your display.  We can simulate everything from actual terrain to fluid processing.

Other options include special lighting or signage which finish the display.  See the shadowbox photo below which has a cutout logo and interior lighting which makes the display glow.

Final Cut: Everyone Loves a CalCo Cutaways Engine Cutaway

Small Engine Cutaway

Car Engine Cutaway

Truck Engine Cutaway

**click on any image for a closer look

Engine cutaways make great showpieces, tools and displays, and are very complicated to create with the intricacy and precision that makes them look effortless.

From small engine cutaways to turbine jet engine cutaways, CalCo Cutaways has been leading the industry in expertly crafted displays for close to 60 years,  CalCo’s senior technicians are familiar with multiple types of engines and will put their 75+ years of combined experience to work for you!

Some of the engine cutaways that CalCo has created include:

• Diesel Engine Cutaways
• Outboard Engine Cutaways
• Automobile Engine cutaways
• Inboard Marine Engine Cutaways
• Helicopter Engine Cutaways
• Motorcycle Engine Cutaways
• Jet Engine Cutaways
• Small Engine Cutaways

Jet Engine Cutaway

Diesel Training Engine Cutaway

Tractor Engine Cutaway

Semi Truck Diesel Engine Cutaway

Forklift Engine Cutaway

Gasoline Engine Cutaway Slices

Outboard Marine Engine Cutaway

Engine Cutaway Closeup

Before and After Photos

of Engine Cutaway Transformations

A few of the uses for your engine cutaway include:

• Education and Training
• Lobby Displays
• Trade Shows
• Sales Purposes

If you are looking for a proven engine cutaway specialist – Call CalCo at 847/639-3858, email news@CalcoCutaways.com or click here for contact information.

Alternatives to Large Trade Show Displays – Animation, Scale Models and Large Scale Printing

Do you have large products to display at your next trade show?  Are the logistics of moving them around getting to you?  CalCo has some options for displaying your large products in a memorable way.  We offer animation, scale models or large scale printing as alternative options for your large products.

Our animation can show your product in action and it can be completely interactive for your customers.   They can choose whether to start or stop the animation and what information will help them or the animation can play continously.  Additional literature can also be accessed to provide more detailed information.  Our unique perspective on the way products work and the cutaway process give us good insight in to what your customer wants to see and how to achieve it.  The beauty of animation is that it can be used in multiple environments – at a trade show, on your website or on sales calls.

Scale models are another option to show your product in complete detail by using a light-weight, full color model.   We can create a cutaway section of the model as well to show the interior components and how they interrelate.  Your model is an exact duplicate of your product but in a small transportable size.  We can create a custom case to make moving it to your next trade show or sales call easy.

With large scale printing you can show your product in full size and detail with out moving it to the trade show.  We offer professional photography shoots of your product at our facility.  The photos can be used for large displays in your trade show booth or they can be utilized for brochures, banners or other internal or external advertising needs.

If the cost and headache of moving your large products are getting to be too much, give CalCo a call to see about the alternatives of animation,  scale models or large scale printing.  We can help you show your product in its best light without carrying it around with you.  Call CalCo at 847/639-3858 to discuss your alternatives or click here for contact information.

Meet Dan Fierla, Senior Supervisor and Cutaway and Display Expert, at CalCo

Ever wonder how CalCo can continually make first class cutaways and always seems to know just what you wanted? We owe much of it to our production supervisor, Dan Fierla. Dan started at CalCo as part of a high school cooperative work program and has been here ever since. In his 32 years, he has moved up the ladder from high school intern to Senior Supervisor, in charge of production and managing our facility and workers. If you have worked with CalCo you may have spoken to Dan and you most likely learned that he has high standards for the work that we do. If it doesn’t meet Dan’s expectations, it is not going out the door. Customer service and satisfaction has always been a key component at CalCo and Dan is one of the reasons why. Another of his famous attributes is his dedication to time commitments. We pay close attention to deadlines and work hard to meet every one. While we always try to work projects into our schedule, we have turned away business because we could not have maintained our high standards and met the delivery date.

According to Dan the most important information that you can give us about your project is……

“information that will help me to make your project have that just right look.  Details like, what are you trying to show with this cutaway/display?  Is it the size/type of the internal parts you want to showcase? Or is it something special that separates your product from the competition? This information helps me to design the cuts to show what the customer needs and wants to see.”

His favorite project that he has completed is…..

“I had the honor to work on and am very proud of a Double over head cam V6 marine engine for a large engine manufacturer. This project from start to finish was done right.  David Meeler from their marketing department, came to Calco, told me all of the features he would like to show, which helped me to machine the engine and give it that personal touch.  Colors and color coding were all picked out by the customer. When the engine made its maiden voyage at the Florida Boat Show it was a big hit.”

Something you should know about him is……

“I get great satisfaction out of working with the other members of the CalCo team.  I am driven to make CalCo the Best it can be for both employee and customer. When I see pictures of  trade show booths like Navistar, DeZURIK and Kimray, and all of them use Calco cutaways/displays to show case their products,  I have a great sense of pride in knowing I played a part in helping them project a positive image.”

Dan’s level of experience and overall knowledge of products helps you in terms of deciding the best way to display the internal components of your product. Chances are great that Dan has the best and most cost effective way to show your products key features.  He can assist you in creating your ideal cutaway/display.  He also has innovative ideas to show off large products, create working models or design custom stands.

If you have a project that you are interested in discussing, give CalCo a call at 847/639-3858, email us at news@calcocutaways.com or click here for our contact page.

2009: The Year in Review

As is typical at the end of the year CalCo is reflecting on the past twelve months. There were some unique and creative product displays, cutaways, 3-D models and POP displays created this year.  A few of them are included below for your enjoyment:

And finally, some believe that 2009 was a year down the toilet, although that was not the case at CalCo we still spent some time with one….

CalCo looks forward to another interesting year!

To contact CalCo call 847/639-3858 or click here for our contact page.

Customized Point of Purchase (POP) Displays

Are your products in view when it’s time to make a purchase?

Hire a POP display to be your full time sales tool.

Point of Purchase Displays can be used in traditional ways at retailers or distributors but they are also great sales tools.  CalCo can custom design a POP display for your product which can be utilized in many ways. A well done POP display can not only provide information about your product but it can grab attention.  It draws consumers to investigate your product first and ultimately buy it over your competitors because information and awareness make the sale.

POP displays are typically used to promote new lines or products but even an older product can benefit from the being in the spotlight.  People are drawn to POP’s because they are visually compelling but also because they tell a story about your product by showing its benefits.  Often this can be the deciding factor in making the sale.  The point is to get your product visible and show the unique attributes which make it superior to your competition.

POP displays are made from a variety of products and in a variety of ways.  Some are simple while others are very complex.   There are as many kinds of POP displays as there are products. We specialize in working with industrial products and making them accessible and easily understood. For this reason our POP displays are high quality and durable so they can withstand some of the different environments in which they are displayed.  Our POP’s have been used in warehouses, lobbies, distributors offices, and have traveled on sales calls.  There are a myriad of possibilities when it comes to designing your display.  Let CalCo know how you want to use it and we can help you come up with a great design that will attract attention, give your customers knowledge of your product and ultimately, make you look good.

To contact CalCo call 847-639-3858 or click here for contact information.

Finish Types and Options for Industrial Products

Let CalCo Finish Your Product

Sometimes pumps, valves, engines, bearings or other industrial equipment don’t start off as beautiful show pieces. With CalCo’s help that can all change. Imagine your product as a colorful, shining display pulling in potential buyers and selling itself. That is what a good display or cutaway can do. Your product looks exciting, new and its true function can be seen and admired.

Let CalCo take your product from plain to dazzling with the following options:

Our Standard Show Finish is durable, very attractive high gloss finish.  All parts are disassembled and prepped for finish and our standard paint finish is administered over an etching primer.  Cost-effective plating options are available for metal fasteners and key components .  Many additional options are available including clear coat finish as well as minor grinding and smoothing of casting seams and imperfections.

Our Euro-Deluxe Finish is used primarily for trade shows, product introductions and corporate lobby installations. All surfaces are ground and smoothed to remove imperfections from casting or welding. These surfaces are then prepped repetitively with several stages of filler and hand sanding. Finally, the display is finished with multiple automotive paint steps and a clear coat finish. Metal fasteners are carefully polished by hand then chrome plated and polished again to a mirror finish.

Training Finish surfaces are prepped and painted but not treated to remove casting imperfections. The finish is attractive yet durable and is easy to maintain. For displays that are needed for working models, we may recommend electro less nickel-plating to enhance component movement.

In addition to having the surfaces of your product ground and painted CalCo can take the hardware on your product and make it shine too with a number of plating options:

Anodizing is an attractive way to prepare aluminum and is available in a variety of colors.

Electro-less Nickel is durable, minimal-build plating that covers evenly with very good lubricity and hardness.

Metal plating – Copper, nickel, gold and industrial hard plating are also available.

Chrome plating is available in bright, polished or satin finishes and can be applied to any metal.

Black Oxide for steel or iron parts is used when a blue/black matte finish is desired.

Once your product looks great it can be mounted on a standard aluminum base or a custom base can be created.  We make custom shipping containers to protect your product in transit too.

Contact CalCo at 847/639-3858 or click here if you would like to discuss your product and learn how CalCo can help show your product in it’s best light.