How Metal Finishing’s Finishers’ Directory works: The program is an innovative platform that allows platers, painters, coaters, and anodizers, among others, to submit company listings that tout their respective areas of expertise. Not only have we made it easy for finishers to register and periodically update their information, but the search function of the program allows OEMs to locate particular finishers based on specific criteria. And the best part is, finishers who register can update their own information on the site.
"Metal Finishing’s new Finishers’ Directory is an online resource that enables OEMs, Tier I/II suppliers, and other potential customers to quickly identify surface finishers based on a range of variables, including company name, business served, finishing operations performed, and geographical location,” said Greg Valero, publisher, Metal Finishing magazine. “All listings, regardless of pricing tier, will be accessible through a search mechanism built into the site.”
Metal Finishing will provide the requisite promotional push behind the new Finishers’ Directory by generating awareness among end users across key market sectors, such as automotive/truck, aerospace, hardware/tools, electronics, as well as niches such as medical and military/defense. It’s all part of an effort to help drive more business for companies engaged in electroplating and/or paint/powder coating operations, among other finishing specialties.
“On a regular basis we receive inquiries from manufacturers, large and small, looking for information on finishers with a specific set of skills or finishing expertise,” said Reginald Tucker, editor, Metal Finishing. “With the new Finishers’ Directory, we now have a mechanism in place that can help manufacturers make the right connection.”
Additional Upgrades
The Finishers’ Directory is just one of several key upgrades to metalfinishing.com. Among the other notable changes:
- Easier navigation. New category listings featured prominently on the left-hand side of the home page guide readers directly to their area(s) of interest, thereby allowing targeted browsing by specific end-use sector or market. Meanwhile, highly visible drop-down tabs at the top of the page seek to streamline searches for everything from Metal Finishing’s foreign-language editions and digital guidebooks, to technical paper guidelines and key contacts, to dozens of links to industry associations and external resources.
- More electronic programming. The website’s new layout and design also allows readers to more readily access the variety of electronic programs we offer. These include: regularly updated audio newscasts summarizing events and happenings impacting manufacturing and the surface finishing industry; our popular podcasts and webinar programs; and, for the first time, “White Paper” downloads! These electronic programs not only serve a valuable educational function, but they also provide tangible lead-generation prospects for sponsoring companies.
- Greater interactivity. The new metalfinishing.com invites readers to provide their comments on a particular article or editorial, or they may submit specific technical questions to our online “experts” via the MF.com home page or the Organic Finishing microsite. Readers also have the ability to make online requests for free product information.
To test drive the new tools, please visit Metal Finishing’s newly revamped website.