Backchannelmedia

UK)

A REVOLUTIONARY new saw designed and built by an Aberdeen-based start-up is cutting it in the power tools market. Exakt Precision Tools prove that there's still life left in the machine manufacturing sector.

For not only did they design and test their electric saw in Scotland, but they are also making a version of it here.

The company was formed four years ago by Neil Refson, an electrical engineer with a passion for DIY.

Now they are chipping away at the sales of market leaders Bosch and Black & Decker.

While struggling with home improvement jobs, Neil discovered a gap in the market for a tool able to cut flat sheeting material such as plywood, MDF, plastics, laminate flooring, tiles and slates easily.

He said: 'I started thinking 'if only I had a tool designed to do these jobs it would make life an awful lot simpler', so surely there had to be others in the same boat.'

After founding the company, he developed a prototype thanks to funding from venture capitalists and Scottish Enterprise's Business Growth Fund.

Last month Exakt turned over their first profit - just 18 months after production started. They make two distinct products - the EC 310, aimed at the DIY market, and the more advanced PS140, for professionals.

The saws are designed to cut straight edges with extreme accuracy.

The beauty of the tool is that it can cut to a precise depth, making it ideal for cutting floors and other panels that have already been laid flat.

Both saws were designed and tested in Scotland, but when it came to production Exakt discovered the reality of trading in a global marketplace.

Neil said: 'It's not profitable to make a mass-market tool in Europe any more.

'It's not just a Scotland issue - 80 per cent of all DIY power tools produced come from the Far East.

'Although our original saw was designed here, to really stay competitive we needed to move production to China.

'However, our professional model is still manufactured in Edinburgh, as the knowledge input needed in its production is much greater.'

Between the two models, Exakt sell around 3000 units a month, which is pretty healthy for a new product in a crowded market.

Neil said: 'We're now able to compete with the bigger players because what we offer is a unique, well-priced and efficient product.

'Anyone interested in DIY or in the building trade will find a use for this saw.'

While for now all sales are through professional outlets and on the QVC shopping channel, Exakt are working on deals to distribute their saws through a range of well-known DIY and home improvement superstores.

They are also looking at expanding their overseas market - currently standing at nine countries in Europe - to South Africa, Australia and the USA.

So far the Exakt saw has proved a hit with DIY experts.

One reviewer said: 'It's refreshing to see an innovative and British designed and made product on sale.'

But things are not standing still, with the company working on two new cutting and finishing tools.

Neil said: 'You can't afford to stand still, especially when you're trying to get established.'

And that's an outlook that should ensure Exakt Tools stay a cut above the competition.