The average merchant will sell thousands of different products to customers from one month to the next. With the widest range of products available on the market, Marley Eternit knows how vital it is that product knowledge and hands on training is given to help merchants advise their customers.
David Cassell, training manager at Marley Eternit, has trained over 1500 people,
including merchants and roofing contractors, at the company’s bespoke training centre since it opened its doors in 2001.
He comments: “Having a bespoke training centre is invaluable to our customers. There is so much added value in roofing products, merchants can increase their sales by being one step ahead and knowing how to help customers choose the right products.
“As well as our Roof Tile Product Knowledge training for those who sell Marley Eternit’s products, we also offer Roof Estimating and Dry Fix Roofing Systems courses. The Roof Estimating course allows merchants to familiarise themselves with roofing terminology and calculate roof dimensions and tile quantities, whereas the Dry Fix Roofing Systems course gives them a chance to examine the components of Dry Fix Systems and compare the benefits against traditional mortar bedding.”
The training centre also boasts a fully-equipped workshop, including a selection of custom-made roof rigs to enable delegates to experience ‘hands on’ practical sessions with the products.
Peter Jackson, from John Hughes Roofing Supplies has been on one of the training courses and comments: “Even having about 36 years’ experience in most aspects of this industry, I still found this course to be most educational, helpful and relevant to everyday practical working solutions.”
The company has continued to develop the centre with the Marley Eternit Museum, which was established in 2004 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Owen Aisher making the first Marley concrete roof tiles. The museum houses a unique collection of archive material, some of which has been donated by former employees.