industrial equipment

There is enormous latent supply of equipment and machinery in China across a wide range of industries. The amount of arbitrage happening in the China-to-US machinery and equipment space seems almost too significant to not be disintermediated. Why has no one been able to tap into it, especially the marketplace giants, Amazon and Alibaba?

High-Touch or Low-Touch?

One reason is the unique high-touch service needs of equipment and machinery industries. High-touch means that customer service issues are often more complex, but the business involves high value customers. In contrast, most consumer goods follow a low-touch customer model.

From operating call centers trained in technical advice and troubleshooting, to providing adequate after-sales maintenance and repair, the need for high-touch customer service from end to end is unavoidable in the world of big-ticket machinery and equipment purchases. Few Chinese manufacturers can afford to operate a dedicated US-based team to fulfill this for US customers.

If traditional cross-border intermediaries such as trading companies and OEM buyers can fill this need and profit handsomely, why couldn’t a horizontal marketplace platform step in and steal their thunder (along with billions of dollars of profit)?

As Alibaba and Amazon's marketplace platforms have been built out around consumer goods, these incumbent players follow highly entrenched low-touch service models. This because the relatively low value of consumer purchases prevent a high-touch model from ever being profitable. However, conversely, a low-touch model greatly limits these platforms’ ability to accommodate Chinese direct-selling of industrial equipment and machinery the same way they have – to an extent – for Chinese consumer goods.

One Man's "Innovator's Dilemma" is Another's...

It would go against Alibaba or Amazon’s core business models if they were to establish a dedicated after-sales service team to answer customers’ various technical industry-specific questions, much less provide on-site maintenance services. But that is exactly what is needed by Chinese industrial sellers in order to sell to the US.

A platform that provides high-touch English-language service is the very key that will unlock an enormous volume of latent supply. It is a key that may not seem intuitive at first due to the consumer models proven out by the giants, Amazon and Alibaba. But it’s one whose numbers make complete sense if you take a look at the US market from a buyer perspective, in conjunction with understanding the challenges and incentives from a Chinese seller perspective.

Toolots is happy to announce the addition of  a new vendor, Sharp Industries, to our e-commerce marketplace and Global Commerce Services initiative! Based in Torrance, California, Sharp manufactures and sells precision machine tools. Sharp’s products are currently available on Toolots.com for sale to customers located domestically in the U.S. and internationally in China.  

Sharp's premium vertical knee mill has more precise lateral movement and can work demanding jobs for longer periods of time.

With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Sharp has supplied over 150, 000 machines worldwide to a variety of businesses in need of quality equipment and tools. Sharp's products include manual and CNC machine equipment such as lathes, mills, saws, surface grinders, vertical and horizontal CNC machine centers, CNC boring lathes, OD grinders, and more. To reduce costly downtime and repairs, Sharp keeps a majority of replacement parts in stock and will ship within 24 hours after an order is placed. 

Sharp's manual precision lathe is equipped with a geared headstock and a triple bearing support system.

In addition to its manufacturing and shipping capabilities, Sharp strives to offer its customers exceptional after-sales services. Currently the company has network of over 200 service dealers offering technical support, accessories, and genuine spare parts. Sharp also offers a one year warranty for its products including digital read out controls, and a two year warranty on parts and labor for FANUC controls. Furthermore, Sharp is committed to providing its customers with the necessary knowledge and expertise to use its products as safely and efficiently as possible. Due to this, Sharp offers operators training, tooling advisory, CNC programming, and more through both its in-house teams and partnered service providers. 

Toolots is proud to offer our domestic and international customers manual and CNC precision machine tools through the inclusion of Sharp Industries! For purchasing information, please visit Sharp’s marketplace on Toolots.com. 

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Toolots is proud to announce the addition of  a new vendor, Eoslift USA Corporation, to our e-commerce marketplace and Global Commerce Services initiative! Based in Ontario, California, Eoslift designs, manufactures, and distributes high quality material handling equipment. Eoslift’s products are currently available on Toolots.com for sale to customers located domestically in the U.S. and internationally in China.  

Stock of Eoslift's fork lifts in their manufacturing facility.

All of Eoslift's products are designed by their in-house R&D engineering team, and include drum pickers, manual and electric pallet stackers, scissor lift table carts, manual and electric pallet trucks, fork lift extensions, and more. Since 1999, the company has distributed its products, with over 150 property rights, globally using its distribution facilities located strategically throughout the U.S. This year, Eoslift was awarded the 2017 Best of Ontario Award in the Material Handling Equipment category by the Ontario Award Program for its continued commitment to creating high quality products and generating long-term value in the city of Ontario.  

Eoslift Semi-Electric Stacker is energy efficient and perfect for narrow aisles or spaces.

A proud member of the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA Group), Eoslift has an independent, in-house Q&C team to monitor and assess the quality and production of all products. Additionally, to ensure the quality of each product, all members of the production line are trained and qualified to use CNC machines, precision laser cutting, and automatic robotic welding and spraying lines. 

Toolots is happy to offer our domestic and international customers high quality material handling equipment through the inclusion of Eoslift USA Corporation! For purchasing information, visit Eoslift’s marketplace on Toolots.com. 

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Toolots is happy to announce the addition of a new vendor, Stratojet, to our E-Commerce marketplace and Global Commerce Services initiative! Based in Santa Fe Springs, Stratojet manufactures wide format printers, flatbed cutters, and printing solutions. Stratojet’s products are currently available on Toolots.com for sale to customers located domestically in the U.S. and internationally in China.  

Stratojet's Shark EFB-2512 Flatbed Printer 4'x8' can print on a variety of rigid and flexible substrates.

Stratojet’s printers span from flatbed to dye sublimation, eco-solvent, and roll to roll UV curable to complete a variety of projects and signs. All printers are built with Accurate Dot Placement (ADP) technology which precisely places each drop of ink to improve midtones and the overall image quality while smoothing color transitions and reducing the number of printer passes. With over 20 years of experience in the printing industry, Stratojet ensures each printer is designed with the operator's ease of use in mind, and built with high quality components for durability in heavy or light production environments. 

Stratojet's Shark Cut 2516 Flatbed Cutter 5'x8' is capable of cutting and creasing multiple materials such as corrugated board, cardboard, hard PVC, foam board, and more.

In the event of an issue, the Stratojet team is committed to assisting their customers by offering a variety of after-sale services like phone and online support for troubleshooting resolutions. Additionally, through its network of technicians, the company can expedite part changes to reduce costly machine downtime. Furthermore, Stratojet's engineers have extensive knowledge on wide format hardware and software, many of which possess over 10 years of industry experience, and are manufacturer trained and authorized. 

Toolots is excited to offer our domestic and international customers quality large format printers through the inclusion of Stratojet! For purchasing information, visit Stratojet USA’s marketplace on Toolots.com. 

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CERRITOS, California- October 11, 2017- Toolots, an online marketplace and international cross-border platform for factory-direct industrial tools, machinery, equipment, and technology, announced it recently achieved $1 million in lifetime sales.  

Headquartered in Cerritos California, the company was originally founded in May 2016 by CEO Jason Fu, who has 17 years of industry experience through his machinery supply company Bolton Tools. Through its innovative platform, Toolots aims to bolster the global manufacturing industry by helping SMEs overcome barriers, expand their businesses, and generate more revenue. 

This is accomplished through Toolots' scalable, comprehensive services and ERP system currently being finalized. Vendors who partner with the company maintain their branding rights usually lost in traditional distribution models. In addition, vendor partners gain access to data allowing them to make transparent decisions and focus on daily operation tasks or overall business growth. Essentially, Toolots' model offers its customers quality equipment at competitive prices, thereby manufacturing SMEs to focus these funds on additional employees or services. Furthermore, the issue of after-sales services for purchased machinery and equipment, which often serves as a major concern to customers, is resolved through the company's network of service technicians on its YuuTool  repair app. 

With the achievement of $1 million in lifetime sales, Toolots strives to support SMEs to strengthen cross-border relations and aid in the growth of the global manufacturing industry. 

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Strengthening SEO, advertising, and SERPs to energize Toolots' global manufacturing platform

CERRITOS, Calif.- September 19, 2017- Toolots, Inc., an online marketplace and distribution channel for the latest high quality industrial equipment, machinery, and technology, is revitalizing their online presence and streamlining their content systems with the addition of David Alpern, their new Director of Marketing. Enlivening existing content and discovering new opportunities, the southern California based start-up is excited to see what Alpern brings to the table.  

With over two decades of professional experience in search engine optimization (SEO), Pay Per Click (PPC), and search engine results pages (SERPs), Alpern plans to work closely with Toolots executives to shape the company's messaging through optimization of internet marketing. This includes examining the current marketing, product, and supporting content of the company to refine its messaging. On a broader level, Alpern's main goal will be to increase traffic on Toolots' site, therefore resulting in the potential increase in sales for the company's vendor partners as well. Furthermore, Alpern's work will also be essential in helping Toolots as it continuously strives to promote economic growth and streamline commerce in the global manufacturing industry while fostering trade relations between the US and China. 

In regards to Alpern's hiring, Toolots Human Resources Manager Emilie Sperling said, "I'm excited to introduce David as the newest member of the Toolots team and I'm confident he will continue the progress we've made thus far. He is an asset to the department, who should see him as a mentor to help educate and assist at any step along the way."  

When asked about his understanding of the company, Alpern described Toolots as a "trailblazing" company redefining B2B eCommerce and international trade through competitive price points and comprehensive services. "I love companies with international scope," Alpern stated when discussing his decision to join Toolots. He continued by citing Toolots' efforts on international trade as a significant component in his decision to join the company. "Economy goes past our [the United States'] borders," Alpern said in reference to the global manufacturing community and its' impact on both the economy domestically and internationally.  

We’re pleased to announce the addition of David as Director of Marketing to our team.To learn more about him, visit: https://t.co/i9ujzqcaGN pic.twitter.com/U0lUZArOHw

— Toolots (@ToolotsUS) September 20, 2017

An experienced team leader, Alpern also expressed his passion for education and helping others as well. Infact throughout his career, he has worked on popular educational programs like Reading Eggs, and been a speaker and presenter at various conferences such as the Data & Marketing Association Conference, National Conference for Database Marketing, and Retailing.org’s Direct 2 Customer Conference. 

Alpern has also taken his experience to the classroom as an Instructor of Internet Marketing at California State University, Long Beach's College of Business Administration. During his time there, his classes were so highly sought after that the waiting list for his course became considerable.  Then in 2009 Alpern founded his own company, InternetOMG, also known as the Internet Online Marketing Group.   

"My initiative [was] to coalesce several freelancers together to help clients with their lead generation, traffic acquisition needs," said Alpern reflecting on how the company came to be.  

With eleven years of experience in multiple industries already behind him, Alpern was able to establish, maintain, and grow the interactive marketing consulting firm to what it is today. Through InternetOMG he had the opportunity to work with companies like Skechers and Everyday Health, in addition to other agencies like Phelps, and Rhythm. 

"I love opportunities where there's creation," Alpern said when discussing his desire to create InternetOMG and its relation to his new role at Toolots. He cited the value of innovation and discovery within a start-up company before recalling his time at AltaVista twenty years ago, when the internet company was experimenting with the mechanics and best practices of PPC.  Upon asking his personal objectives for Toolots he stated he planned to, “pursue the fundamentals, pursue internal education, and pursue our audience” to create universal knowledge throughout the company and increase efficiency online. 

"I call this whole process 'traffic optimization'" Alpern stated, referring to the full creation and employment of Toolots' new online systems. The implementation of these processes will streamline online content for the company, and enhance the experience for visitors of the site. Toolots' existing and potential vendors and customers alike will be able to access their desired information more readily, therefore enhancing their shopping experience as well. 

About Toolots 

Toolots, headquartered in Cerritos, California, offers an online marketplace and international distribution channel for factory-direct industrial tools, machinery, and manufacturing technology. Our user-friendly platform provides fast, easy access to high-quality, affordable equipment for manufacturers. More than a simple distribution channel, Toolots provides comprehensive services for companies around the world who produce the industrial machinery and equipment we sell, helping streamline the marketing, omni-channel sales, warehousing, fulfillment and after-sales service. On the customer end, Toolots simplifies the purchase, delivery, installation and warranty of industrial technology, machinery and components, and upholds product quality through a vetted network of vendors and service technicians. The company’s dedication to fostering international trade relations passes on cost savings to the consumer, contributes to reduced downtime, improves productivity and expands a manufacturer’s reach. Toolots has strategically located warehouses, showrooms, and offices across the United States, China and as of May 2017, has expanded into Taiwan. For more information visit us online at www.toolots.com. 

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Toolots is excited to announce the addition of  a new vendor, May Tool, Inc., to our E-Commerce marketplace and Global Commerce Services initiative! Based in Los Angeles, California, May Tool specializes in blacksmithing tools for the metalworking and construction industries. May Tool’s products are currently available on Toolots.com for sale to customers located domestically in the U.S. and internationally in China.

Family owned and operated since 1958, May Tool has over 50 years of experience manufacturing fundamental tools often used in paving, construction, demolition, and more. To ensure the quality of their products, May Tool also provides air tool repair and steel sharpening services with one week turn around. These services include free pickup and delivery to job sites or equipment yards for convenience, allowing customers to focus on getting their job or projects done.

May Tool's 42" Circle Shear Machine is Made in the USA and equipped with back gauge for help positioning work.

In addition, May Tool’s in-house shop includes several mills and lathes enabling their experienced machinists to perform custom machining and fabrication. May Tool is committed to providing quality products to fulfill each company or customer’s unique tooling and machinery needs.

Toolots is proud to offer our domestic and international customers quality metalworking and construction tools through the inclusion of May Tool! For purchasing information, visit May Tool, Inc.’s marketplace on Toolots.com.

Xiuzhou Economic Development Delegation from Jiaxing, China visits Toolots and local SMEs

Tenghui Guo, Executive Deputy Governor of Jiaxing, giving open remarks to attendees.

CERRITOS, Calif – August 17, 2017 – Toolots was honored to receive over 40 prestigious guests Tuesday for an exclusive US-China Manufacturing Delegation held at its’ headquarters. The event aimed to gather US and Chinese government officials with expertise and experience in the manufacturing industry with local US manufacturers to discuss the importance of bridging the gap between the Pacific, how to improve trade relations, and the future of the industry as a whole. Attendees were given the unique opportunity to ask delegates questions regarding the industry and the importance of California and the Xiuzhou District.

The event began with with remarks by Toolots Founder Jason Fu and the Executive Deputy Governor of Jiaxing Tengui Guo, who stressed the importance of strong trade relations to streamline industrial commerce between the United States and China. Cerritos Mayor Grace Hu then delivered a proclamation certificate to Guo, to thank the delegation for choosing the city of Cerritos and its’ businesses to begin strengthening relations.

“California is open for business [and happy to] support our residents here within the district” Adam Galia, a District Representative for California State Senator Tony Mendoza, stated. Galia then presented the delegation with a certificate on behalf of the Senator for the 32nd District. “[We] commend your contributions to this form of helping  American businesses in advancing and improving relations between our two countries” Galia read, verbatim, from the certificate.

Lisa Zhou, President of the Chinese CEO Organization, followed Galia by presenting a certificate of recognition for contributions to the development of the Chinese-American business community, noting the Xiuzhou Economic Development Delegation’s commitment to improving trade relations. Desmond E. Thompson, Vice Chairman of the Board for the Cerritos Regional Chamber of Commerce, then discussed China’s role in international trade with the US. With over $600 billion in total trade with China in 2016, the Vice Chairman was thrilled that Toolots and the Delegation chose Cerritos as their headquarters and event location. “Toolots [is] helping expand the local opportunities for all businesses to play a role in this significant source of trade,” said Thompson.

Vice Chairman of the Board for the Cerritos Regional Chamber of Commerce, Desmond E. Thompson, discusses US-Chinese trade and the potential benefits for local SMEs.

Toolots Chief Technology Officer, Bill Andreozzi then took the stage to provide guests an introduction to Toolots’ unique platform. Briefly, Andreozzi explained Toolots’ vertical approach to the market, and how after-sale services can disrupt traditional eCommerce models. The event concluded with an industrial equipment cross-border eCommerce platform signing ceremony, a group photo, and a networking luncheon.

Representatives from the Xiuzhou Economic Development Delegation from Jiaxing, China (嘉兴市秀洲区经贸考察团) included:

• Tenghui Guo: Executive Deputy Governor, People's Government of Xiuzhou District, Jiaxing City
• Chunfu Dong: Deputy Director, People's Republic of Xiuzhou District, Jiaxing City
• Xihua Xu: Director, Jiaxing Xiuzhou Bureau of Economy & Commerce
• Jianzhong Du: Deputy Director, Development and Reform Bureau of Xiuzhou District, Jiaxing City
• Yong Qian: Director, Bureau of Economic Development & Statistics, Jiaxing Xiuzhou National Industrial Development Zone
• Yanqin Ma: Project Manager of Service Investment Bureau, Jiaxing Xiuzhou National Industrial Development Zone (interpreter)

According to the Chinese government officials who attended, California’s role in global commerce is imperative. International contributions through trade and investment will provide significant benefits to the manufacturing community,extending beyond American businesses and their employees to assist the communities they operate in as a whole.  

Group photo of attendees of the US-China Manufacturing Delegation hosted by Toolots at their Cerritos, CA headquarters.

“Xiuzhou can help American companies to develop their businesses,” said Guo, Executive Deputy Government for the People’s Government of Xiuzhou in Jiaxing City. Guo was one of six members of the delegation who traveled to Toolots Cerritos headquarters for the event. He further added that the Chinese government wants to reinforce its national manufacturing reach by solidifying strategic partnerships with esteemed foreign manufacturers, like those located throughout the state of California. During a brief presentation, Xihua Xu, Director of the Jiaxing Xiuzhou Bureau of Economy and Commerce, discussed the manufacturing resources, potential partnerships, and investment or partnership opportunities in his city. While these partnerships are valuable to Chinese government officials, it’s also an opportunity for American manufacturers to broaden their market, invigorate production, and spark increased localized growth. “We think Toolots will become a bridge between companies in China and California, and elsewhere in the United States.”

The US-China Manufacturing Delegation is one example of Toolots’ ongoing ambition to increase engagement between the US and Chinese industrial communities to help promote localized economic growth in Southern California while also educating US SMEs on how to effectively export their products to the overseas market. Additionally, the Company’s streamlined global eCommerce platform makes it easy for manufacturers to sell their products to long-tail, or niche, markets.

Toolots differentiates itself from the competition by providing the logistical, financial, and personnel support to get new products in the hands of new customers in addition to comprehensive after-sales services. This affords small to medium sized enterprises the ability to focus on the quality of their products, while Toolots handles the heavy lifting. To learn more or to list your company’s products on our eCommerce platform, sign up at www.toolots.com.

Toolots is pleased to announce the addition of a new vendor, Conquest Industries, to our E-Commerce marketplace and Global Commerce Services initiative! Conquest’s headquarters and manufacturing plant are located in a 43,000 square foot building in Santa Fe Springs, California. Conquest’s products are currently available on Toolots.com for sale to customers located domestically in the U.S. and internationally in China.

Conquest Industries' CutterMaster, versatile and easy to use.

For the last thirty eight years, Conquest has proudly manufactured quality equipment, tools, and supplies for the woodworking and metalworking industries. Products currently sold by the company include a variety of specialty metals, drill grinders, tool and end mill sharpeners, spindle line boring machines, Magnum vises, and more. In addition to their woodworking and metalworking product lines, Conquest also has an inventory of over 7,000 parts for repairs and provides excellent technical assistance to support each customer’s individual needs.

Toolots is happy to offer our domestic and international customers woodworking and metalworking machines, equipment, and tools through the inclusion of Conquest Industries. For purchasing information, visit Conquest Industries’ marketplace on Toolots.com.

Toolots works our vendors partners, like @ConquestInd to ensure our entire team has product knowledge on all items we sell. #woodworking pic.twitter.com/OQk66z1giz

— Toolots (@ToolotsUS) August 11, 2017

About Toolots

Toolots, headquartered in Cerritos, California, offers an online marketplace and international distribution channel for factory-direct industrial tools, machinery, and manufacturing technology. Our user-friendly platform provides fast, easy access to high-quality, affordable equipment for manufacturers. More than a simple distribution channel, Toolots provides comprehensive services for companies around the world who produce the  industrial machinery and equipment we sell, helping streamline the marketing, omni-channel sales, warehousing, fulfillment and after-sales service. On the customer end, Toolots simplifies the purchase, delivery, installation and warranty of industrial technology, machinery and components, and upholds product quality through a vetted network of vendors and service technicians. The company’s dedication to fostering international trade relations passes on cost savings to the consumer, contributes to reduced downtime, improves productivity and expands a manufacturer’s reach. Toolots has strategically located warehouses, showrooms, and offices across the United States, China and as of May 2017, has expanded into Taiwan. For more information visit us online at www.toolots.com.

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Atosa Catering Equipment President Michael Shao said his company's product quality and emphasis on service sets them apart from competitors.

BREA, Calif. – July 3, 2017 – Atosa Catering Equipment, Inc., a leading provider of commercial refrigeration, gas equipment, food warmers and smallwares, didn’t start out as a global business. But by focusing on providing excellent customer service, reliable equipment at aggressively competitive prices, and by funding research and development to enable product innovation, Atosa Catering has established a wide ranging customer base that has allowed them to extend sales to more than 100 countries so far.

Founded in 2003 and based in Hangzhou, China, the family-owned company now led by President Michael Shao started small. Ten years after it was founded, Atosa expanded its sales into the United States marketplace. Today, Atosa Catering Equipment now has 12 facilities stretched across the United States, all staffed with in-house technicians to provide after-sales service – an aspect of the business model Atosa leadership takes seriously.

Atosa first expanded its reach into the U.S. market four years ago, and now utilizes a network of authorized distributors to get its efficient and long-lasting refrigeration equipment in the hands of American commercial consumers, including on Toolots.com through a distribution agreement with Toolots’ sister company, Bolton Tools. Shao said customers have relayed that the quality of Atosa products greatly exceeds their expectations and that their extensive service network, with technicians available in 12 states and on-demand across the country, help ensure long-term sales into the future.

“Nobody in this industry has this kind of service,” he said. “Customers tell us they’re extremely happy with my company’s products and service. The American saying goes ‘you get what you pay for,’ but with Atosa Catering Equipment, you get more than you pay for.”

As a testament to the company’s emphasis on excellent service, the entire Atosa USA sales team has visited the company’s factory in Hangzhou, as part of an educational trip to help them become more familiar with not only the products, but the people and the technology behind them.

One of many Atosa products perfect for commercial and industrial applications is the bottom mount three-door refrigerator - promising not only energy cost savings but also reliability, competitive affordability and longevity.

“They were impressed by our China facility and were amazed at how much automation is available. The experience makes them more confident selling on the U.S. market,” Shao said.

Since Atosa products hit the Toolots Merchant Center in May through the Bolton Tools agreement, sales of the global company’s products have increased, as have inquiries from new customers looking for durable yet cost-effective commercial refrigeration units.

Speaking of Toolots Founder and Chief Executive Officer Jason Fu, whom Shao has developed an effective business relationship with since, he said, “Jason is a visionary businessman. What he is doing with Toolots is inspiring.”

“With the help of Toolots, we’ll be penetrating markets we didn’t expect to be in,” Shao added.

When asked what sets apart Atosa products from its competition, the company president said heavy, longstanding investments in research and development, striving for increased energy efficiency and durability, are a top priority. The company does not cut corners, but strives to serve as a responsible ambassador of what the best of Chinese manufacturing can truly accomplish.

“You have to invest heavily in R&D. Your quality cannot be dropped,” Shao said. “You need to keep investing to do everything you can to defend your brand, your reputation. Conquer the problems in order to make your product better and better.”

One of the challenges faced by many foreign companies considering entering the U.S. market, Atosa included, are the shifting legal standards, import restrictions, labor laws and many others. With Toolots’ help, Atosa has access to logistical, capital and other types of support that makes the manufacturer’s job easier.

“Toolots allows them to focus on product development, education and guiding them to comply with U.S. laws and standards,” Shao said.

Shao added he believes himself to be an ambassador for the Chinese manufacturing industry, taking pride in the heavy investments into research and development to make his company’s products more efficient year after year and of increasingly high quality. Additionally, an emphasis on growing the company’s service team, both from a customer service and technical perspective, has helped grow Atosa’s reputation, Shao said.

Looking ahead, the Atosa Catering Equipment president added, “I am excited about the future of Atosa. I have great faith in Toolots. It has great leadership and a professional team. It’s an excellent platform for Chinese manufacturers to enter the U.S. marketplace."

Atosa Catering Equipment Inc., products are currently available on Toolots.com and are distributed through Bolton Tools. For additional information, visit Toolots.com or contact our Customer Service Representatives at (844) 866-5687.