Sonatest and Carestream to mark special anniversary in 2018
05/01/2018
Sonatest is celebrating two very special occasions in 2018: its 60th anniversary and 14 years as the UK’s exclusive distributor for Carestream industrial film and chemical products.The natural fit between Carestream’s industrial products and Sonatest’s non-destructive testing (NDT) expertise is an obvious one. Its ability to fulfil the industrial film and chemical needs of its customers in the NDT industry in the UK and Ireland is underpinned by its reputation for technical knowledge and service excellence. The company understands the specific needs of its customers and is uniquely qualified to provide them with the quality Carestream products that suit them perfectly. Add to this a commitment to 24 h delivery and a film-cutting service and it is clear that the partnership is a powerful one.
However, this relationship did not spring fully formed after the agreement was signed on
6 July 2004; it has been built over the years by the hard work and dedication of the teams in both Sonatest and Carestream (then known as Kodak NDT prior to the takeover by Carestream Health in 2012). Nicola O’Brien, Consumables Manager for Sonatest, has headed the team at the Milton Keynes headquarters since the partnership began. The growth in sales and the development of an enviable customer relations reputation is due in no small part to her effort and dedication.
In 2014, Sonatest appointed a dedicated Carestream film and chemical products sales person, David Deeney, and, as a result, has seen significant growth across the UK and Ireland markets, as well as continuing to develop existing customer relationships. Two years later, in 2016, RSL NDT was appointed to further develop the Carestream presence in Scotland.
Commenting on the upcoming celebration, Nicola said: “I have been here since the beginning and it’s a part of me now. 2018 is going to be special, with a birthday for Sonatest and a celebration for Carestream. We continue to work hard every day to maintain and exceed our customer expectations.
“It’s clear that personal touch is a key ingredient to our mutual success and nowhere is this more evident than in the great things our customers have to say about us.”
Bryan Stadden of GKN Aerospace Services said: “GKN Aerospace Services in Filton, Bristol, changed to Sonatest for the supply of radiographic film due to competitive pricing and lead times. The single-source UK contact for supply issues is a tremendous benefit and responses are usually instant, clear and concise.”
Dean Phillips of Stone Foundries added: “Sonatest has made a significant, positive impact on our X-ray capabilities. The product we require is always in stock and they can have it delivered to our site within 48 hours, or even less when we have let our stock run out. Nic and Dave have great product knowledge and are always a pleasure to deal with.”
Moving forward, the relationship between Sonatest and Carestream is set to develop even further with a new focus on digital systems. Sonatest has committed to promoting the digital system to the UK market and, to this end, David Deeney has undertaken intensive digital training in France to expand the company’s knowledge base.
Since its formation in 1958, Sonatest has grown to become one of the most respected suppliers of ultrasonic NDT instruments in the world. Based in Milton Keynes, UK, Sonatest has one overriding and driving motivation: to design, manufacture and market the world’s best NDT products while providing unequalled customer service.
Offering innovative products based on conventional ultrasonic testing as well as phased array devices, Sonatest continues to develop and deliver new ideas to the market together with a global sales and distribution network.
www.sonatest.com
