Arrow Fastener embraces the project

Las Vegas — Arrow Fastener Company made headlines last week as it agreed to be acquired by Hangzhou GreatStar Industrial Co. Here at the National Hardware Show, the Saddle Brook, N.J.-based company promoted the benefits of the acquisition.

The company's National Hardware Show booth also promoted a project-oriented approach to sales and marketing.

The acquisition by GreatStar, based in China, will require another 60 days or so to be official. "The real benefit of the acquisition is that GreatStar has the ability to provide us with tremendous technical and operational resources," said Gary DuBoff, president of Arrow.

The acquisition, he said, was a popular topic at the Arrow booth here on the NHS exhibit floor. One of the key messages, DuBoff said, was that Arrow will continue business as usual after the transaction. "Customers will keep the same personal and working relationships that they have had in the past," he said.

Also a topic at the booth is the project use cases of staple guns — Arrow's signature product. Statistics were on display under a headline: "Staple gun purchasers are project focused."

The top three projects were upholstery, craft/hobby projects and home decor/decorating.

The idea that Arrow products are project-focused is a big emphasis at the company.

"Our products are project driven, and we are promoting the project," DuBoff said. "It's not the case where our customer has saved money for the last seven years, and now is going to go out and buy a T50 [staple gun>."

To that end, the company is investing in a series of how-to videos that bring project information to the consumer and pro.