Machinery, tools and consumables supplier D Zambelis was delighted with the enthusiasm among stone companies for its first open days at its new showroom and demonstration area at its headquarters in Essex.
The event was held 19-21 May. It was supposed to have been held last year, but was postponed because of the Covid pandemic. With restrictions now lifted, there was enthusiasm from the trade for getting together at a live event again.
Jasper Zambelis said afterwards: “As it was our first event we were a little unsure if people would be willing to travel great distances to come and see us, and we were expecting more local companies to attend. So we were truly surprised and pleased to see people who had travelled up to four hours to visit us from Leeds and South Wales, even though the weather was not on their side.”
During the three-day event, there was a range of machinery, tools and consumables on show and being demonstrated, giving visitors an opportunity for hands-on experience of the Achilli Gold, four and five axes versions of the Terzago CUTe saw, the Omag CNC Workcentre (DigiMill) and the five-axes Omag Digitale saw.
Also being demonstrated were the latest versions of CAD software from EasyStone and Taglio.
Visitors were able to view the range of tooling the company supplies, with a 10% off special offer during the event for those who wanted to take the tools away with them after having all their technical questions answered.
And, of course, there were snacks, drinks, and a buffet for visitors to enjoy.
Some visitors brought along details of projects they were working on to ask about the machinery and tools (and their settings) D Zambelis would suggest for the successful completion of those particular jobs.
On the Saturday, when the sun finally decided to make an appearance, even more people visited. And as it was the final day of the event D Zambelis drew the raffle.
The prizes and winners were:
- Slab Lifter 50 – Almaz Worktops (Harlow)
- Makita power tool – MA Granite (Hatfield)
- Cutting Blades – Lincolns Kitchens & Granite (Brighton)
- Polishing Pads – Natural Stone by Safa Ltd (Bedford)
There were orders signed for machinery sales during the event and some customers who could not make it in May because they were too busy are now asking for more open days so they can take part. D Zambelis says there will be announcements about that in the near future.
The winner of the grand raffle prize, the Slab Lifter, Almaz Worktops commented: “The event was extremely well organised and we enjoyed seeing all the newest products from D Zambelis. As always, the Zambelis family were very welcoming and spent their time showing their products and answering all our questions.
“The biggest surprise came on Saturday when we were contacted by Jasper Zambelis, to let us know that we had won the grand prize. We still cannot believe our luck. We will certainly join the next open day event!”
Another visitor, Jamal Faisal from Stone Range, said: “It’s great for D Zambelis to have an open day like this. It’s good to see their entire range and capabilities.”
