Techo-Bloc: Creativity & Customer Relations Formula for Success

Pen Argyl Employer Needs Quality People to Make Quality Product

“Our proprietary manufacturing processes command top performance from our employees, and to do that, we need training up and down, throughout our company,” says Mike Nadeau, chief operating officer of Techo-Bloc Corporation, located in Pen Argyl.

Techo-Bloc is North America’s premier manufacturer of landscape and masonry paving designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment. The Canadian company headquarters are located in St.-Hubert, Quebec. In America, the company manufactures its “precious stones’ in Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania since 2003. The plant markets its products through 250 dealers in the northeast from Maine to North Carolina to Ohio.

Last year, a team of 50 Pen Argyl employees created 15 million square feet of product, with the capacity to manufacture a total of 20 million square feet. The Pen Argyl plant is the world’s most sophisticated and technologically-advanced paving stone and retaining wall production plant.

From driveways to walkways, pool sides to patios, Techo-Bloc products are designed to meet the sophisticated tastes of homeowners who buy quality and consider exterior home improvements as important investments.

Formula for Success: Creative Solutions with Manufactured Stones

Almost all concrete for Techo-Bloc products sold in America is made on-site at the Pen Argyl plant. Some is delivered to Pennsylvania from its Canadian facility to be shipped to dealers in America. This local plant is the most automated concrete plant outside of Germany. Techo-Bloc holds many patents for both its innovative designs and its state-of-the-art machinery.

“Precious stones,” as they are called, are made with strength and durability, fade-resistant and offered with a transferable lifetime warranty. Paving stones and retaining wall products made by Techo-Bloc are guaranteed to resist deterioration from natural causes and abnormal deterioration of the surface due to de-icing salt. The products meet ASTM, CSA and BNQ requirements, some of the strictest in the world.  “Our product, for instance, is a salt-resistant formula when de-icing is required during winter months,” says Nadeau.

“With the economy as it is, people are not buying houses at the rate they did in the recent past,” says Nadeau. “However, they are upgrading their existing homes, and Techo-Bloc is one of the ways they are doing it. It’s business as usual for us.” Techo-Bloc products are used for driveways, patios, pool sides, walkways, steps, planters and retaining walls. There is also a full line of masonry products available. Customization is part and parcel with projects made with Techo-Bloc, including such design effects as linear and serpentine patterns, antique finishes, chiseled walls and permeable paving stones.

Formula for Success: Customer Service In Action

“Our customer service starts on the job at the customer site,” says Nadeau. “It helps to build our reputation. We operate as a wholesaler and train over two hundred and fifty dealers who are certified to sell only. Contractor showcases provide the creative message about our marketing services and designs available to the public. Our sales network of 15 representatives is charged with resolving issues and customer problems. We all are well-versed in the product, our programs and the level of excellence we are expected to offer our customers.”

Marketing and operations are innovative. Patented equipment is designed by the company to make Techo-Bloc, with little competition. An annual multimillion dollar marketing program is designed to protect 250 dealers by building loyalty, one brick at a time. Techo-Bloc’s Techo-Pro Program ensures that contractors working with their products are qualified and meet the company’s standard of excellence.

“Loyalty is important to the future of our business,” says Nadeau. “We are hands-on at all levels of the organization and the marketing of the product.”

Important Ingredient: Training & Development

Training at all levels of the operation is critical, since so much of the Techo manufacturing and marketing is proprietary. “This year we are focused on management training,” says Nadeau. “With little formal education, our people need this for growth.”

“Over the years, Northampton has been invaluable to us, “says Alison Lohman, office manager. “From forklift certification and first aid/cpr training to international training from Germany using WEDnet funding, Northampton has always come through.”

“It will take several years for a Techo-Bloc employee to become a fully competent machine operator.” says Tina Cherney, human resources manager. “Our 50 employees stay very busy with two shifts running such advanced equipment. In fact, Northampton brings the training to us in order to get it done.”

Cherney notes that the company is always looking for career-minded employees who have mechanical skills, experience in PC, civil engineering, electrical, and hydraulics. “The company is in search of a good industrial electrician with PLC abilities” she says.

“Despite the tight economy, Techo-Bloc’s quality products have continued to move because they are solid investments and guaranteed for life,” finishes Nadeau. “We are quite proud of that.”

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