All Blacks rugby game rekindles international business relationship

An All Blacks game has helped rekindle a business relationship and led to a $600,000 contract for precision tooling design and manufacture firm, RPM International Tool & Die. Although RPM’s world-class reputation and capabilities were what initially got the customer’s attention, the connection was refreshed by the game, and the low NZD exchange rate sealed the deal.

RPM’s Manufacturing Director Peter Smith invited management from past client ODM to watch the All Blacks play the USA Eagles in Chicago. After the All Blacks’ 74-6 trouncing of the Eagles and his return home, Smith received the order.

RPM won a contract worth $600,000 to manufacture a press tool which the Chicago based company use to stamp metal car parts for a large American car maker.

The low NZD delivers cost advantages to global customers and paired with RPM’s proven record of world-class precision tooling design and manufacture capabilities, global partnerships are more beneficial than ever.

“Global clients are aware that RPM International Tool & Die manufactures automation and precision tooling, and we continually invest in technology and people to ensure we remain at the fore-front of the precision engineered tooling field” says Smith. “But you’ve got to say that the competitive New Zealand dollar and a general pick-up in the US automotive sector were factors in getting this deal over the try-line.”

The team at ODM have also referred other Chicago businesses to RPM for precision engineering projects. “We’ve been contacted by a few Chicago companies already, and we’re looking forward to seeing how we can work together” said Smith.

Smith said the cost of the All Blacks trip was well worth it and he recommended other businesses take up similar opportunities. “Don’t sit there and say it’s too expensive, because you never know what you’re going to get at the other end.”

Smith said he had also accepted an invitation from the Chicago customer to take part in the company’s golfing tournament in Las Vegas.