industrial manufacturing

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 CEO Jason Fu (right) with Vice CEO XiaoLiong Li (left).

Toolots recently hosted executives from the China Hi-Tech Group Corporation, a Chinese textile manufacturing company, for in depth talks regarding global manufacturing and trade.

CERRITOS, California- December 5, 2017- Toolots, an online platform and marketplace for factory-direct industrial tools, machinery, and supply, hosted esteemed guests from the China Hi-Tech Group Corporation (CHTC) on November 29^th.  The purpose of their visit was to discuss international trade, the textile industry, and how Toolots’ innovative business model can streamline global e-commerce.

According to the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) the U.S. textile industry employed over half a million workers, and had an overall value of $74.4 billion in shipments in 2016.  The same year, the U.S. exported roughly $26.3 billion and globally was the forth largest exporter of textile products.   Of these countries, China was the third largest export market for the U.S. totaling $1.8 billion, including Macau and Hong Kong.  China Energy Group, the Energy Analysis and Environmental Impacts Division of the U.S. Department of Energy, found China supplies the world with 40% of its textile and clothing products, therefore ranking it as the #1 exporter of textiles in the world.  Furthermore, with over 24,000 enterprises in China operating in textile and apparel manufacturing and supply, the textile industry is the largest manufacturing industry in the country.

Toolots and CHTC Executives examine products from Toolots' showroom in Cerritos, CA.

One of the largest textile enterprises in China is the CHTC which employs over 60,000 workers, has 23 direct subsidiaries, operates in 20 provinces in China, and has additional offices in over 20 countries and regions.  Founded in 1998 under supervision of the State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC), the CHTC focuses on the production of textile machinery, commercial vehicles, and textile materials and trade.  As one of the company’s six business units, CHTC’s fiber material subdivision is currently focusing on the development of high-tech, environmentally friendly fibers to be used in a variety of industries.

Toolots Executives give CHTC executives a tour of their headquarters and warehouse.

CHTC’s meeting with Toolots first began with a tour of their Cerritos headquarters, including the company’s 128,000 square foot warehouse, showroom, and office.  With over 17 years of experience in industry supply through sister company Bolton Tools, Toolots CEO and Founder Jason Fu discussed the company’s desire strives to promote cross-border e-commerce between the U.S. and China.  As one component of the business model, Fu explained, Toolots helps U.S. manufacturing companies establish a brand in China while also helping Chinese manufacturers create a brand in the U.S. as well.  An example of this can be found in Himalia, the legally registered U.S. entity of Haida, which created a brand of plastic injection molding machines tailored to fit U.S. manufacturers’ technical specifications and needs.

Toolots and CHTC during their open discussions regarding global commerce and the textile industry.

CHTC and Toolots executives then began open discussions regarding the state of global manufacturing, and the possibility for future partnerships to improve global commerce. Fu discussed how digital marketing, social media, and email marketing strategies can be used in the global manufacturing community to increase brand awareness and drive sales for manufacturing companies.  He explained that smaller manufacturing companies often are used to traditional sales through word of mouth or brick and mortar establishments.  Conversely, SMEs familiar with digital marketing often don’t have the budget for it after paying overheard costs.  Fu then highlighted several components of Toolots’ comprehensive services like adwords, advertising, and YuuTool, that make the company unique and offer partnered SMEs access to affordable solutions.

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, PolyShield LLC, to our E-Commerce marketplace and Global Commerce Services initiative! Based in Pickerington, Ohio, PolyShield manufactures protective plastic films that can be used in a multitude of applications. PolyShield's products are currently available on Toolots.com for sale to customers located domestically in the U.S. and internationally in China.  

Specifications for PolyShield's ProtecTuff ML72 Clear Multi-Layer Protection Film.

PolyShield's films help extend surface life by protecting or minimizing scratches, preventing chemical damage, reducing unit surface soiling, and protecting surfaces from repeated handling. Traditionally, each film consists of 4-7 layers, unless customized for specific projects, that easily tear off to provide new, undamaged surfaces overtime while the original surface remains protected. PolyShield's films can be adhered to metal, plastic, stone, glass, laminates, and painted surfaces. Additionally, all PolyShield's polymer films are proudly Made in the USA in a variety of sizes. 

Toolots is happy to offer our domestic and international customer quality plastic protective films through the inclusion of PolyShield LLC! For purchasing information, visit PolyShield’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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Creating processes and an ERP system to sustain efficiency and accuracy

CERRITOS, Calif. - September 19, 2017- Toolots Inc., a southern California based online marketplace and distribution channel for the latest high quality industrial equipment, machinery, and technology has named Rubab Ali as their new Account Manager. In this role, she will oversee all accounting processes, systems, and related matters on behalf of the company. 

Ali has over 10 years of experience in the accounting field working for a variety of companies ranging from large corporations like Red Bullto start ups like Toolots.In her previous role, Ali was the Senior AP Manager for Revolve Clothing, a fashion and designer eCommerce site based in Cerritos, CA where she managed a team of 11 individuals. When detailing her understanding of Toolots, Ali described the company as a new, unique eCommerce platform offering its' vendors and customers vital services, in addition to industrial products,to assist in the daily function of their businesses. 

As the first Accounting Manager for Toolots, Ali's main focus will be the implementation of a new Enterprise Resource Planning(ERP) system. ERP is a database software package that manages a business's processes and operations. The use of this integrated system allows the organization and automation of office functions related to technology, services, and human resources. She will also handle optimizing and maintaining all other aspects of the business that correlate to accounting functions. In addition, Ali will be working in tandem with Toolots' current CTO William Andreozzi, as well as Toolots' contracted Odoo Solutions Architect Adam O'Connor to ensure the system meets  Toolots' exclusive needs. 

"Essentially I get to create an entire Accounting Department. I've created new processes for departments in my previous roles, but this opportunity is unique because I get to start from the ground up," Ali stated. 

We’re excited to welcome our new Accounting Manager Rubab, to our team! Learn more about her & her work here: https://t.co/VxTOAZN4eu pic.twitter.com/KQLGU6HMp7

— Toolots (@ToolotsUS) September 20, 2017

Ali defined Toolots as an "exciting" company due to the value and multitude of benefits gained from the creation of organized systems and processes. Specifically, she mentioned data and transparency as the largest benefits both the company and its vendor partners will acquire from having defined accounting systems in place. Ali stated she aims to "build the best accounting department, that is efficient, accurate, and fun," to help increase efficiency and organization throughout all levels of the company. This in turn will allow Toolots' and its vendors to use the data provided to make well informed executive decisions for their businesses. 

"I've done a little bit of everything in the accounting field really, from clerical level work all the way to senior management," Ali stated when summarizing her background. She continued by recalling her first job as was an entry level position as a bookkeeper while pursuing her accounting degree. After finalizing her degree and years of hard work, Ali's desire to grow and improve eventually allowed her to hold several titles in senior management. 

"I've always been interested in growing my skill set," Ali said. In fact she cited the potential learning opportunities as a major factor in her decision to join Toolots' startup team. "I love to learn new things and expand my knowledge," she stated. 

With the expansion of their Made in the USA vendor category and Global Commerce Services, Toolots has seen a significant increase in vendors since its' establishment May 2016. "We're excited about this period of growth our company is experience right now. Our company will be continuing to hire through the end of the year to keep up with the number of vendors and products onboarding to our platform," Hiring Manager Emilie Sperling stated. 

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 has announced its 2nd Annual US-China Manufacturing Exchange Summit will take place Sept. 24-26, 2017 at the historic Grand Pacific Hotel in Yuyao, China.

Join Medical Device Manufacturers, Trade Associations, Government Officials and More in Yuyao, China

CERRITOS, Calif. – July 3, 2017 –With the 2nd Annual US-China Manufacturing Exchange Summit, Toolots, Inc. continues to cultivate fruitful relationships between American and Chinese advanced manufacturing communities. Hosted by the China Chamber of Commerce for Import & Export of Medicines & Health Products (CCCHMPIE) and the Sino-Italy Ningbo Eco Park, involving high-level industry professionals, regulators and government officials, the Summit provides a platform to accelerate international expansion and expand your global network. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to experience China, learning first-hand what it takes to effectively sell innovative medical devices, health-related products and more on the Asian marketplace, directly from venture capitalists, investors, and executives who take advantage of a unified cross-border strategy to succeed globally.

The 2nd Annual US-China Manufacturing Exchange Summit, centering on the medical device industry and related regulations, logistics and more, will take place Sept. 24-26, 2017, as part of Toolots’ yearly initiative to promote improved relations between both countries and simplify global commerce within the advanced manufacturing community. The event will be hosted at the historic Grand Pacific Hotel in Yuyao, China, part of the eastern Zhejiang Province close to the busiest port in the world, based on shipping volumes, the Ningbo Zhoushan Port.

Some participating companies in the medical device and health product industry include China MEHECO Corporation, Shanghai Medicines & Health Products Import & Export Co., Zhejiang Medicines & Health Products Import & Export Co., Tianjin Medicines & Health Products Import & Export Co., Jiangsu High Hope International Group, China National Scientific Instruments and Materials Corporation.  In addition to a host of large, influential Chinese companies, Toolots and its partners have arranged for a significant presence of venture capitalist firms interested in investing in innovative American companies and products. Some of the principal firms attending the Summit include Sequoia Capital, Cybernaut, Histtone Capital, Hill House Capital, TusPark Ventures and Yangming Capital.

Panel discussions on how to succeed in the global marketplace, protecting intellectual property, and industry developments, among other topics, will help to inform attendees from the U.S. and China, and serve as an educational tool to guide their businesses and organizations. Scheduled discussions will involve officials from the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, the China Chamber of Commerce for Import & Export of Medicines & Health Products, a wide range of executives from both U.S. and China-based medical device companies, and others.

Attendees have the rare opportunity to connect directly with authorities and other professionals in China who can provide logistical or capital assistance, whether you are seeking to register a medical device or other innovative health product, or wish to expand your business operations and network. Space is limited to 30 medical device companies in total, so secure your place today. To sign up, please register via our Eventbrite page here or send us an email at summit@toolots.com. To stay up to date with the latest event information, be sure to visit http://www.toolots.com/summit2017.

Benefits:

• Enjoy personalized matchmaking of U.S and Chinese manufacturers for more meaningful and productive networking.

• Roundtable dialogues between international trade experts, manufacturers, and government leaders will help inform and guide real-world business decisions.

• Tour advanced manufacturing facilities in Ningbo, an industrial stronghold, to see first-hand what China and its industrial capabilities are truly like.

Co-Hosts:

The China Chamber of Commerce for Import & Export of Medicines & Health Products is the leading national trade association in China, aiming to improve international trade and relationships within the biomedical and healthcare industries. With over 2,400 companies in the association, including major manufacturers in the pharmaceutical and medical product sectors, the CCCMHPIE has the most extensive network of any organization in the industry. As a guest at the Summit, you will have an incredible opportunity to connect with these industry professionals who routinely market and sell the products you, as a US-based manufacturer, develop and distribute.

The Sino-Italy Ningbo Eco Park, a collaborative effort between the Chinese and Italian governments for a new industrial development focusing on advanced manufacturing, is planning for a new 18-square-mile manufacturing district, a residential/commercial district and an ecological park to guide sustainable industrialization. The goal is for the area to become a hub for innovative research and development involving cooperation between Chinese, American, and European companies.

Panels will be held on topics including:

•         Protecting Intellectual Property Rights
•         Land, Labor and Capital in China
•         Navigating Customs and Globalized Logistics
•         Effective Marketing and Sales in China

What: 2nd Annual US-China Manufacturing Exchange Summit

When: Sept. 24-26, 2017

Where: Grand Pacific Hotel, 168 S Binjiang Rd, Yuyao, Zhejiang, China, 315400

CERRITOS, Calif. – June 27, 2017 – Toolots, Inc., a Southern California-based online marketplace and distribution channel for factory-direct industrial machinery, equipment, and manufacturing equipment, is pleased to announce the addition of a new vendor in Long Beach, Calif. Morgan Industries, Inc., founded in 1968, is a manufacturer of plastic injection molding machines perfect for short-run manufacturing and prototypes.

President of Morgan Industries, Chuck R. Land, demonstrates the operation for the company's Morgan-Press. The injection molding machine is perfect for short-run and prototype manufacturing, is simple to use, and utilizes minimal energy.

Morgan Industries has been based in Long Beach since its inception, and over the years has continuously produced quality, hand-crafted hand press injection molding machines. President Chuck R. Land, who joined Morgan Industries in 1970, said the company got its jumpstart after one of the world’s largest toy manufacturers sought their expertise to develop a machine for prototype design and production. After back-and-forth with the manufacturer and a few prototypes, the Morgan-Press was created. To date, thousands have since been shipped domestically and abroad.

Land said it’s a source of pride knowing hundreds of factories, shops, educational institutions and others around the world have Morgan-Press injection molding machines running, even decades after purchase. “We have machines out there that have been running for more than 30 years,” he said.

Morgan Industries’ Morgan-Press injection molding machines come with the following standard features: solid state temperature controllers with a digital setpoint and readout, three-mode proportioning and programmable controls from 0-800 degrees Fahrenheit (0-430 degrees Celsius). The long-lasting and time-tested heavy duty cast aluminum construction provides additional longevity for your machine, including hardened and chrome-plated barrels. The Morgan-Press includes a generous 8” by 11” inch maximum mold plan area, and injection speed control provides variable cavity fill rates into the mold.  

Hooking up Morgan-Press injection molding machines is convenient with 120 volt AC and compressed air (maximum psi of 160), and 240 Volt AC upon customer request. A wide range of optional, add-on equipment provides additional customization and functionality for each unique job. Add-on equipment currently available includes a pre-heat plate, standard and anti-drool nozzles, a nozzle adapter and pneumatic hook-up kit. The all-inclusive hook-up kit simplifies installation of the Morgan-Press machine and includes a shut-off valve, in-line filter and lubricator quick disconnect, and all necessary fittings and hoses needed to connect the press to a compressed air outlet.

Land said Morgan Industries is firmly dedicated to workplace safety, and their injection molding machines have had these safety features for decades, long before federal requirements. All Morgan-Press machines come with a safety cage surrounding the mold assembly, and a safety gate protecting the hopper to protect the operator from heated plastic and moving machine components.

Additionally, Morgan Industries offers a mold spacer block to increase table height, a purging mold, barrel cleaning kit, as well as a start-up kit that includes testing material – 15 pounds of easy-flow polypropylene for initial machine tryout, mold testing, and purging.

Morgan Industries has been a reliable, profitable operation serving hundreds of different companies, educational institutions for over 45 years, according to Land. One element that sets the Morgan-Press apart from its competitors is its ease of use. No special skills are needed to operate the injection molding machine, and it utilizes very little electricity.

“We deal with a lot of beginners in the industry,” Land said. “We’ve found that almost anyone with practical shop skills can quickly learn to produce at rates of up to 180 shots per hour…it’s not rocket science, but it’s practical. From an industry standpoint, it’s also an energy saver.”

To purchase the Morgan-Press, visit the Morgan Industries portal on the Toolots Merchant Center here. They are available to U.S. and international customers.

CERRITOS, California - June 22, 2017 -  Toolots, Inc., a Southern California-based online marketplace for advanced manufacturing technology, is delighted to announce the addition of Tekscope lab equipment to their growing online marketplace. Offering a range of microscopes, imagers, and pedagogic kits, these products bring new technology and solutions for both manufacturing and non-manufacturing industries.

The Tekscope M2-1B-E200 monocular compound microscope has interchangeable WF10X and WF25X eyepieces, a 45-degree incline and a 360-degree rotation head for comfortable viewing. This microscope and many others are in stock and ready to ship from our California headquarters.

By partnering with Tekscope to provide reliable laboratory equipment at competitive prices, Toolots further expands into new categories of manufacturing products to supply domestic and international companies with cutting-edge technology.

A wide range of types of microscopes are in stock now and ready to ship on Toolots.com, with both compound and stereo magnification capabilities and built-in cameras. With a magnification of up to 100x, stereo microscopes are typically used to view specimens visible to the naked eye and many industries use these scientific tools to ensure the quality of their products. The textile industry utilizes microscopes to source the best materials for their products, for example, while the electronics and watchmaking industry use the tools for small parts assembly. Many others in the industry use these items for final inspection before shipment and delivery. From beginning to end, this equipment is used to guarantee a standard of excellence for each industry.

Offering powerful options, Tekscope supplies compound microscopes with magnification ranging from 4x to 100x, and Toolots is proud to offer these competitively priced systems. Capable of seeing cell structures, this type of equipment is most often utilized in the medical and education industries providing academic institutions with standard research and learning tools.

For added power, Toolots also has in stock a trinocular series with magnification capabilities from 40x to 1600x, complete a Kohler illumination system with a 3W LED. Complete with a 3MP digital camera with 40x magnification and a 0.37x reduction lens to provide a field of view similar to the microscope eyepiece, this product is capable of streaming live videos to a computer or projector. Used to research microorganisms, bacteria, viruses, and more, these products help to deliver new medical treatments and technologies that benefit millions of people.

Toolots is deeply committed to providing the medical industry with the products needed to propel research and increase biomedical innovation, all at affordable prices and with equipment in stock at its Cerritos, Calif. headquarters. This dedication is visible through a recurring initiative to bring together manufacturers from the U.S. and China, most recently via the 2nd Annual US-China Manufacturing Exchange Summit. Co-hosting the September 2017 event, taking place in Yuyao, China, is the China Chamber of Commerce for Import & Export of Medicines & Health Products (CCCMHPIE), the leading and most influential national trade association in China responsible for governing the import and export of all medicine and health-related products.

Focusing on improving international trade relations and streamlining industry innovation and cross-border growth, the summit will continue dialogues between U.S. and Chinese manufacturers interested in expanding their distribution or operations overseas. These dialogues are an incredible opportunity to learn about how to sell U.S. products into the Chinese medical device market, or simply learn what it takes to sell your products effectively on the Asian market. With personalized matchmaking of U.S. and Chinese manufacturers, as well as roundtable discussions with international trade experts, manufacturers, associations, and industry-related government officials, attendees will have the chance to develop strong relationships, learn about successful  and enter or expand their international commerce and economic growth.

The event will be held Sept. 24-26, 2017, at the prestigious Grand Pacific Hotel in Yuyao, China. If you have any questions or would like to discuss logistics for you, your company or industry colleagues interested in learning more, please contact Toolots Director of Public Affairs Chris Foy at cfoy@toolots.com or call (844) 844-5867. For the latest updates about the event, visit us online at http://www.toolots.com/summit2017.

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.

CERRITOS, Calif. – May 31, 2017 – YuuTool, a smartphone application developed by Toolots to revolutionize the way industrial machinery users service their equipment, has officially launched and is now available for free download in both the App Store and Google Play Store. The new platform allows users within the manufacturing community to connect with quick access to repair services, and discuss innovations within the industry, individual projects, machinery tips or best practices to complete the job at hand. By connecting users of industrial machinery with qualified service technicians in a similar manner to the way Uber connects those in need of a driver with a quick, affordable ride, YuuTool brings people together.

YuuTool uses geolocation data to identify locally available technicians for industrial machinery repair as well as open jobs for those same professionals.

The primary focus of YuuTool is to provide quality repair service for machinery owners and open new work opportunities for technicians, all based on a user’s relative GPS location through the Finder Feature. Machinery owners can post maintenance or repair work requests, which are visible to technicians who may then view and bid on each request. Technicians searching for local jobs to complete can view posts and submit quotes,

YuuTool users can also find technicians or jobs using the app's list function in addition to searching based on the user's current location. Open jobs or work requests are publicly available to decrease operational downtime and generate new revenue for machinery technicians in the United States.

decreasing operational downtime for machinery users. Through an interactive chat function, machinery users are able to record video and submit photos of a machinery or equipment problem to solicit more accurate estimates, as well as possible solutions that may be able to solve the problem remotely. Technicians can even save videos to sell as solutions for common machinery problems for users to implement on their own, or feature them on their profile to demonstrate their expertise.

In addition to simplifying repair services for machinery owners and technicians, YuuTool offers a variety of functions for daily use that connect the manufacturing industry. The Industry News Feature is updated regularly to showcase recent industry innovations, new product lines, press releases, and relevant industry events like upcoming trade shows and networking opportunities. Users looking for troubleshooting tips, general manufacturing discussions, or to share industry knowledge can use the interactive Forum Feature and join the discussion. The app’s Marketplace Feature operates similar to classified ads, allowing any app users wanting to buy or sell used machinery, components, or accessories to trade within their local community.

Users can also connect with other individuals or businesses through YuuTool, and may save contacts using the Friends Feature. Via the Messenger Feature, users have the ability to communicate with their new network and expand their contacts within the manufacturing community. YuuTool connects people for much more than simply industrial machinery repairs, but also for general discussion to guide the next job, a marketplace to sell used machines and components and networking to better support the United States’ growing manufacturing community. YuuTool is available for free downloaded today in the App Store and Google Play Store. Users can login using existing LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Google + accounts, or create a non-linked account for sign-in purposes.

YuuTool includes a Marketplace for users to purchase or sell used machinery, equipment and components. Think of it like a classified ads section that is always current.

As a bonus to demonstrate our commitment to quality service, Toolots is offering an extra one-year parts warranty for free to users who register for YuuTool and purchase products through Toolots. That is in addition to the standard one-year parts warranty already offered by Toolots. Join the growing YuuTool community today, at no cost, via the App Store and Google Play Store.

For more information about YuuTool or to give us feedback, please email us at info@yuutool.com or call (562) 653-4165. To stay up to date with the latest news and updates regarding the app and its features, be sure to follow YuuTool on social media: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

About Toolots

Toolots, headquartered in Cerritos, California, offers an online marketplace and international distribution channel for factory-direct industrial tools, machinery, and technology. The user-friendly platform provides fast, easy access to high-quality, affordable equipment to manufacturers. Toolots provides comprehensive services for companies around the world who produce industrial machinery and equipment, 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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Founder of Growing Platform, Toolots.com, Aims to Revolutionize Industrial Equipment Market

Toolots Founder Jason Fu addresses his employees in the 2017 State of the Company Address.

CERRITOS, Calif. - May 22, 2017 - Toolots Founder Jason Fu is building much more than his business, a full-service online marketplace based in Southern California that fuels the global manufacturing industry. The early veteran of industrial eCommerce and chief executive officer said he is building an “ecosystem” with Toolots – a platform to revolutionize the eCommerce marketplace for industrial machinery, equipment, and technology.

In remarks to all Toolots employees as part of his State of Company Address Friday, Fu outlined this message, envisioning the future of the company he formally launched in May 2016. The chief executive for Cerritos-based Toolots described his own personal journey as a business owner – the lessons learned, the ground gained, and effective strategies to push the enterprise far beyond a simple distributor of the tools of the manufacturing trade.

Fu, also Chief Executive Officer for Toolots, outlines the fiscal growth of the company he launched in May 2016.

With plans to streamline the current business model and develop nationwide brand recognition as the company’s international footprint expands, Fu pointed to recent growth in Asia, citing the establishment of Toolots Taiwan last month. The company has two additional facilities in China, located in Hangzhou and Ningbo, as well as a distribution center in Houston, Texas. But the growth isn’t limited to the physical realm. As part of the flourishing Toolots supplier network, Fu reported that more than 120 businesses from the United States and China have partnered with the California company to sell their industrial products – both domestically and internationally – on Toolots.com.

“We are adding a lot of new products on a daily basis,” Fu said. “We are moving along very fast.”

Providing genuine customer service is one of the most important components in any successful business, Fu said. As an immigrant from China who followed his dream of building businesses in the United States and becoming a U.S. citizen, the Toolots chief executive learned English, striving to be able to more effectively communicate.

In his first State of the Company Address, the Toolots founder spoke directly to all his employees and outlined the company's expansion plans.

When Fu arrived to the U.S. in 1996, he was motivated by his dream to open an online marketplace for industrial equipment. More broadly, he yearned to bridge the gap between U.S. and Chinese equipment manufacturers, fostering improved relations between both countries, he said. The language barrier leads to lots of dollars lost for companies, he said, and it demonstrates the need for clear communication – not only with customers and potential customers, but also employees and colleagues within the industry from around the world.

“For us new immigrants, we hit the same roadblocks, but we all succeed when we try,” Fu said.

The industrial space has additional roadblocks, the chief executive pointed out. Some customers are uncomfortable purchasing heavy machinery online, without the ability to see it in person, and are more accustomed to the traditional distributor model complete with segmented territories. Toolots changes that; the Cerritos showroom includes some of the most popular online items, and new machinery or stock is proudly displayed for walk-in customers, in addition to high-quality photos and videos of many products posted on Toolots.com.

Toolots engineers install a robotic device on a plastic injection molding machine to greatly speed up production.

Another roadblock for the industrial equipment industry, particularly eCommerce businesses, is providing effective warranty protection, service and maintenance to online customers in a simple way.

“After-sales service is the biggest barrier for industrial supply” Fu said. With the release of its companion smartphone application YuuTool, Toolots is redesigning how online marketplaces provide after-sales services to customers. By connecting users of industrial machinery with qualified service technicians, in a similar manner to the way Uber connects those in need of a driver with a quick, affordable ride, YuuTool brings people together. This focus on service distinguishes Toolots from its competitors and other providers of industrial equipment, Fu said.

“We’re providing big services through YuuTool. It’s all within the Toolots ecosystem, where everything has value,” he said.

Toolots Chief Strategy Officer ZeMing Gao speaks to the company's employees May 19 during a companywide address.

“The Toolots business model is revolutionary,” added Toolots Chief Strategy Officer ZeMing Gao, stressing how Fu intelligently constructed a vertical business that can be easily scaled to other horizontal markets.

A business only succeeds with its employees, Fu pointed out. Addressing all Toolots employees in a video broadcast in Mandarin and English, the chief executive said, “You are all part of the foundation, what we build upon. It is on this foundation that we are constructing a building, one that went from zero to something that will bloom.”

It is vital that each department within Toolots has a “good foundation,” he added, and strives to continually inject fresh vision through the hiring of powerful leaders.

“New blood is bringing big experience, and this will help us in ongoing efforts to continue building a great team,” Fu said. In the coming weeks, Toolots will have significant announcements about new executives joining the enterprise. Those announcements will be released soon.

Fu pivoted from discussion of Toolots, its business model and its growth to Alibaba, an eCommerce firm that has grown exponentially in recent years. Alibaba started as a simple directory of information, similar to Yellow Pages, to help manufacturers find and locate new suppliers. What began as a simple online platform created by Chinese national Jack Ma to provide an online marketplace of suppliers has evolved to become a behemoth as the world’s largest retailer, even surpassing Walmart in domination of the marketplace, according U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings in 2016. As of 2014, Alibaba had a market value of more than $231 billion.

Explaining that the key to Alibaba’s success was creating a platform to connect businesses worldwide and fulfill their needs, Gao suggested that Toolots is on track to one day become an influencer in the global trade environment. “You want your platform to be so essential that you can’t imagine what life or business would be like without it,” Gao said, stressing the need to offer something completely original from your competitors. He is confident Toolots is that platform.