Applied Automation launches x-stk e-commerce website

x-stk is an expansion from the existing business at Applied Automation and improves the service and product availability by working on two key trading platforms, the first being www.x-stk.co.uk, an e-commerce website with access to over 2000 pneumatic and automation products, all available for next-day delivery, and the second being the impressive trade centre displaying the latest technology for factory automation.

At the launch, two of the key partner suppliers - Omron Electronics and SMC Pneumatics - were represented at senior level by the respective Managing Directors who both, simultaneously, 'cut the ribbon' to the trade centre and e-commerce site and then spent time circulating among the customer who were invited to the launch event.

The trade centre at x-stk in Cardiff offers much more than a traditional trade counter found at many electrical wholesalers. At x-stk the technology is on show and the support staff are able to guide customers through product specification to final selection and, of course, with over £500,000 of stock, customers can take it away immediately.

It is no surprise to hear that e-commerce is on the increase, but making the buying experience simple is the key to any sites success. www.x-stk.co.uk has been created with this in mind. The 'preferred range' of products has been selected to cover 80 per cent of the application demands. But it does not stop there, because once customers have selected a product and placed it into a basket, the automatic presentation of associated products and accessories prompts customers to consider whether they need anything else, such as a connection cable or mounting bracket, ensuring they do not miss anything out. Add to this the competitive advantage for internet purchases, and the whole experience becomes a positive one.

The supply partners represented on the site include Omron Electronics, SMC Pneumatics, Moeller Electric, Weidmuller and Critchley, allowing a complete range of products from valves and air fitting, PLCs and temperature controllers, to DIN rail, glands and terminals, to be available to the customer.

This business expansion is seen as a major step forward for Applied Automation and this feeling is shared by the suppliers, who are keen to improve customer service and product access through the sales channel and providing a 'local service' to a nationwide customer base.