FIRST Cut, a respected distributor of cutting, welding and grinding consumables and equipment, has had a strong partnership with Starrett for several decades. Starrett is a world-renowned manufacturer of industrial blades and metrology equipment, and First Cut is proud to be a long-standing distributor of Starrett products to a range of industries in South Africa including metal, timber, textile, meat, DIY, paper and plastic.
Shared dedication to quality – and more
First Cut and Starrett enjoy a shared ethos of dedication to quality and service; as well as an innovative approach which allows them to pivot and respond to market trends and customer requirements as necessary, diversifying their product offerings to expand their operations successfully.
“For over 140 years, manufacturers worldwide have depended on Starrett for quality tools and equipment, which have always been revolutionary,” says the commercial manager for First Cut, Zelda Vorster (pictured).
Vorster joined First Cut in July 2021, and ensures that the business has the right products – at the right place and the right price – with the best promotional support possible; as well as playing a role in the operations of the broader business.
Customer loyalty and growth
Leveraging its strong, decades-long relationship with First Cut, Starrett has developed a wide market presence in South Africa and sees the country as an important area of growth moving forward – particularly in the blading and power tool accessory sectors. This is despite current local economic challenges such as constrained national electricity supply.
“This can be attributed to uncompromising product quality, reliability and service – which has engendered consistent, long-term customer loyalty. Starrett has a solid and trustworthy reputation,” Vorster says.
When First Cut merged with Alexander and Poole in 2001, the Starrett product range was incorporated into its distribution portfolio. This included the addition of Starrett’s engineering and precision tools.
Precision hand tools: carving a local niche
Apart from an array of general precision measuring instruments, service and repair tools, Starrett’s comprehensive range of precision hand tools includes calipers and dividers, micrometers, dial indicators and gauges, rules, squares and parallels.
“Starrett’s precision hand tools are renowned for their accuracy and robustness,” Vorster says.
“Take Starrett’s outside micrometres for example. They are the most popular precision micrometres used in the industry worldwide,” she says, adding that they are accurate, rugged and easy to use, “the heart of their accuracy being the extremely solid and stable one-piece spindle.”
Starrett’s popular ‘Yankee’ calipers and dividers are another example of durability, manufactured from well-finished, high-grade steel.
“The legs are made of flat stock and are very durable. The fulcrum stud is hardened and has a smooth bearing surface, while the bow spring – although flexible – is exceedingly strong to assure reliability,” she says.
As Starrett’s long-standing South African representative and distributor, First Cut offers a wide selection of these tools, manufactured to optimum standards and workmanship. In addition to precision tools, the wide product range also includes force measurement and material testing, saws and hand tools.
