Solutions
Customers
All our customers are chemical companies. At that point, the similarity ends.At one end of the spectrum we support small, family owned businesses that have developed a specialism over a number of generations. Some are commodity manufacturers.
At the other end of the spectrum there are multinational corporations, who are known from their leadership in their chosen markets and their global brands.
The majority are to be found somewhere in-between.
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“SDS Pro is an essential tool – we couldn’t
generate our safety data without it.” Click
here to read the full case study
CASE STUDY: JAMES BRIGGS ITW LIMITED Mention the name James Briggs ITW Limited to most people, and it probably won’t ring many bells. Yet this Greater Manchester-based company is one of Europe’s largest contract manufacturers of aerosols and consumer chemicals, and while its own name may not be a household one, products it makes for clients may be a little more familiar. There’s Hycote, for example, the popular paint brand for cars and other vehicles, Addit engine additives and maintenance products, the Nilco range of cleaners for commercial and industrial uses and – probably the best known – Antiquax polishes and care products, for materials including wood, marble and glass, as used in stately homes and historic buildings worldwide. James Briggs has come a long way since the firm was founded in 1830 in the north of England, specialising in chemical lubricants for the local textile industry. Now it employs a total of around 220 people at two seven-acre sites, in Oldham and nearby Chadderton, and can produce 60 million aerosols and 30 million litres of bulk products each year. For around two decades, the company has used Safeware Quasar products, including SDS Professional. Andrew Taylor, James Briggs’ Technical Services Manager, says: “SDS Pro is an essential tool – we couldn’t generate our safety data without it.” Andrew remembers a time when hazard labelling was created by manually checking and interpreting the regulations, but with much tighter controls now in place, plus a huge chemicals portfolio – James Briggs has 8,000 product formulations and intermediates on file – SDS Pro has become an integral part of the business. He explains: “Over the years, we have worked with Safeware Quasar to tailor the product to our business requirements. We now have a system that is integrated with our mainframe computers, so that we can draw information back out of SDS Pro to generate items such as hazard labels and dangerous goods notes. “It is also linked in to our research and development laboratory, which allows our chemists to use it as a formulatory tool. In other words, if a client has specific parameters – for example, to develop a product which displays no harmful symbols or associated phrases – SDS Pro will assist that process.” James Briggs is such a well-established user of SDS Professional that Andrew is more than happy to recommend it, and he and his company have hosted visits to their manufacturing site by other businesses interested in seeing the system in action. Andrew says: “Our database is vast, probably the largest SDS Pro has ever dealt with: if it can handle that, it can cope with anything.” Click here to minimise the case study
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“A giant step forward”: that’s how Stuart Bridge of Castle Colours describes the difference that Safeware Quasar’s SDS Professional software has made to the company." Click here to read the full case study CASE STUDY: Castle Colours Castle Colours, based in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent and part of a family-owned business, has been manufacturing and supplying colouring systems to the heavy clay industry, to use in producing attractive bricks, pavers and roof and floor tiles, for almost two decades. The company, which employs around 25 people, is a main player in the sector in the UK and also has customers in Europe. Stuart, Castle Colours’ technical director, first came to the company around four years ago. At the time, he says: “Our health and safety data sheets were limited to being produced on an as and when required basis.” Immediately, Stuart designed a Microsoft Word template to improve the record-keeping of material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and support more effective working practices. The company deals with around 200 raw materials, both natural and synthetic, although none represents a major hazard – the main danger is dust, as many are in powder form, which is controlled by limits on respirable components. However with the new European REACH regulations coming into force from 2007 – creating a central database of all chemicals used in Europe, with new responsibilities for manufacturers and distributors to identify and communicate risk management measures – Stuart knew it was time for Castle Colours to move forward. He investigated database systems and after he had seen SDS Professional in action at a company that had recommended it to him, Castle Colours installed the software in May 2007. Stuart is delighted with the results. He says: “It is very user-friendly and the customer support has been excellent. I can ask any question - and I stress that they have been questions and queries, rather than problems. “There have been one or two areas that needed fine tuning and the Safeware team has thought outside the box to come up with modifications to make the software more specific to our needs, without affecting Safeware’s ability to issue regular updates.” SDS Pro links seamlessly with Castle Colours’ Hibiscus system, a labelling solution for the chemicals industry, for consistency throughout the operation. Stuart says: “In the past, there were certain things that we did as and when required – now the ease of inputting information into SDS Pro means that the relevant information such as the safety data sheet and labeling requirements are available to meet the customer’s needs. |
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"The Safeware team have been extremely supportive throughout our time working with them and are always able to help out with any new query we have. In working with Safeware, we can feel fully confident that all our products are being sent out with the correct classification, which is crucial is our line of business." Click here to read the full case study CASE STUDY: BaySystems Baysystems Northern Europe was first established under the name of Tectrade A/S in the late 1960s as an import agency for Italian polyurethane equipment and has since grown to become one of the most advanced and innovative polyurethane solutions companies in Europe. Having been acquired by Bayer MaterialScience in 2002, the world´s leading supplier of polyurethane raw materials and systems, the firm now operates as a subsidiary section, providing polyurethane systems in house predominantly for the North European markets including the UK and Ireland, the Baltic Sea States, Poland, large parts of Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. Operating from a central office in Denmark, BaySystems also has a range of development and test laboratories and production facilities throughout Denmark and Finland. Serving such a vast and varied range of countries, compliance and legislation are a top priority for the firm, as they have to ensure that all communication information is tailored to meet the different requirements for each different location and as a result they work with Safeware Quasar. Safeware provides the company with high quality software which ensures legal requirements are adhered to and additionally saves the firm a great deal of time. Tine Seeberg, environmental manager at BaySystems comments: "Safeware provides us with a software package to help with the production of labels for our products, together with the correct classifications. We currently cover 17 different languages and Safeware has helped us to not only translate product information for each different language but ensure we adhere to the differences in national legislation. "The Safeware team have been extremely supportive throughout our time working with them and are always able to help out with any new query we have. In working with Safeware, we can feel fully confident that all our products are being sent out with the correct classification, which is crucial is our line of business." Tine concludes: "I have been extremely satisfied with the service provided by Safeware. They are extremely professional, obliging and reliable and always respond to any query quickly. Not only do they have really good products but they also provide an excellent level of customer service and I would definitely recommend them." |
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Halfords is the UK’s leading retailer of car and cycle products with over 400 stores across the UK, so reliability and knowledge are essential. “Safeware do exactly what we want them to do. They help us to conform to legislative requirements; a key element in our business and something we cannot afford to take risks with. Safeware staff are always very helpful and friendly, and significantly reduce the burdens on my working time with their pro-active approach.”
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WD-40 is a manufacturer household products and one of the world’s most recognisable brands. "We have been working with Safeware for nearly a year now after completing a benchmarking exercise to find the best partner. They have been great; incredibly pro-active, which you really need in a technical environment. They are the professionals and we have come to rely on them.” CASE STUDY: MARTIN COLOUR COMPANY LTD Established in 1938, Martin Colour Company Ltd has, for nearly seven decades, manufactured inorganic ceramic colours. In 1995, when challenged with the changes in legislation ruling the supply of materials under COSHH and CHIP, the company’s health and safety consultants advised the directors to consult Safeware Quasar. Following the initial meeting with Simon Robinson, the decision was taken to invest in a Safeware system linked to a compatible labelling system. Time has proved that taking this route was fortuitous if the company was to avoid contravening the regulations in force. Over the years since the system was installed, Safeware has updated all changes in the regulations enabling the company to maintain its legal obligation for compliance. On rare occasions when assistance is required in clarifying a particular query, a remote access link with the software team resolves the problem in minutes. Director Paul Martin comments: “On a visit from a factory inspector we were asked how we prepared our labelling and MSDS sheets. After informing him about our working relationship with Safeware, he said we needn’t say anymore! I think this clearly exemplifies Safeware’s excellent reputation which is justly deserved, as they know their job very well and they instrument it extremely effectively.” Click here to minimise the case
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“I have always found Safeware to be very professional and knowledgeable in their field. In our business, we cannot afford to make mistakes, and Safeware are always reliable. I have recommended them in the past and would do so again.”
CASE STUDY: MARTIN COLOUR COMPANY LTD Established in 1938, Martin Colour Company Ltd has, for nearly seven decades, manufactured inorganic ceramic colours. In 1995, when challenged with the changes in legislation ruling the supply of materials under COSHH and CHIP, the company’s health and safety consultants advised the directors to consult Safeware Quasar. Following the initial meeting with Simon Robinson, the decision was taken to invest in a Safeware system linked to a compatible labelling system. Time has proved that taking this route was fortuitous if the company was to avoid contravening the regulations in force. Over the years since the system was installed, Safeware has updated all changes in the regulations enabling the company to maintain its legal obligation for compliance. On rare occasions when assistance is required in clarifying a particular query, a remote access link with the software team resolves the problem in minutes. Director Paul Martin comments: “On a visit from a factory inspector we were asked how we prepared our labelling and MSDS sheets. After informing him about our working relationship with Safeware, he said we needn’t say anymore! I think this clearly exemplifies Safeware’s excellent reputation which is justly deserved, as they know their job very well and they instrument it extremely effectively.” Click here to minimise the case
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“I was especially impressed with Safeware. They stood out
from the other companies as all their technical support staff
were qualified chemists.” Click
here to read the full case study
CASE STUDY: ALCOHOLS LIMITED Founded in 1805, Alcohols Limited is a private family company that distributes chemicals and solvents in addition to producing and supplying drinks. The head office is located in Hertfordshire with two further depots in Tottenham and a gin distillery in Langley which is situated near Birmingham. Alcohols Limited has a vast customer base. The solvents and chemicals division is aimed at pharmaceuticals and general chemists while the drink’s division is aimed at supermarkets and big drink houses. When technical manager Graham Morris joined Alcohols Limited in 1999 he immediately formed a working relationship with Safeware after researching what was available on the market. Graham comments: “I was especially impressed with Safeware. They stood out from the other companies as all their technical support staff were qualified chemists.” Graham concludes: “Safeware provides us with the safety data sheet system which has been extremely beneficial to our company. I would undoubtedly recommend Safeware to other businesses as they have a consistently professional approach and are very helpful, being on hand to answer any queries when needed.” Click here to minimise the case study |
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"I have already
recommended Safeware to other divisions in my company and as a result
Spain and Italy are now using the software. I will continue recommending
the company. Safeware is large enough to be experts in its field
but still listens to its customers, a skill which is hard to find." Click here to read the full case study CASE STUDY: MACDERMID Brian Haste is the product safety manager at MacDermid, a company that provides chemicals and processes for a number of surface finishing industries. The company's clientele base is varied and broad, ranging from jewellery manufacturers to aerospace. MacDermid has sites situated all over the world, including its eight bases in Europe. With 400 employees in Europe alone, MacDermid is a rapidly expanding business and is one of the major suppliers of chemicals for industrial finishing. Due its continuing world-wide expansion, MacDermid needs the best in computer software to keep on top of its game. This is why the company uses SDS Pro Software. Brian comments: "When I started working for Macdermind in 1996 the company was already using Safeware products. I decided to carry on using Safeware because they provide hi quality software, which is essential when you have over 4000 products that need classifying. I've stayed with Safeware for so long because the company listens to our specific needs and tailors solutions accordingly. If I request specific details they will assist me with my request and make sure that I receive what is needed. "I have already recommended Safeware to other divisions in my company and as a result Spain and Italy are now using the software. I will continue recommending the company. Safeware is large enough to be experts in its field but still listens to its customers, a skill which is hard to find." |
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"Quality and service
is very important to us but Safeware has never let us down and as
a result I have recommended them in the past to contacts." Click here to read the full case study CASE STUDY: CHRISTEYNS Christeyns is a Belgian based chemicals and detergents group active in various sectors such as industrial laundries and the concrete industry. With more than 250 employees across four countries, the UK division dates back more than 100 years. As detergent manufacturers, compliance and legislation are high on Christeyn's list of priorities and as a result they work with Safeware Quasar. Since 1990 Safeware has provided the company with high quality software which ensures legal requirements are adhered to, in addition to creating an efficient and effective way of working. Liz Kildunne, Technical Manager, at Christeyns comments: "I was personally responsible for choosing Safeware back in 1990 when I was looking for a suitable software package to help with production of labels for our products. Since then however our relationship has developed dramatically and we now almost work as a partnership. It's not only IT support which Safeware provides but a full advisory service with us frequently drawing on their expertise in the chemicals industry as a whole. Whatever my question they always come back quickly with the answers." Christeyns are also one of the first clients to take advantage of Safeware's latest addition to its SDSPro software package, the detergents module. This has been specially created following the introduction of the detergents legislation. Liz continues: "The new module is excellent. Without it we would have had real problems with a huge increase in our work load with the forthcoming introduction of the legislation." In addition to the detergents module, Christeyns also utilise the classifications, SDS order systems and safety data sheet elements of the SDS software. This assists with the production of labels for the variety of hazardous goods produced. In addition, Christeyns are in the process of linking their labelling software with SDSPro which will further reduce workload. Due to the international nature of Christeyns Safeware also provides language support, a service which could increase dramatically in the near future as Christeyns looks to expand into a further 14 countries. Liz concludes "Quality and service is very important to us but Safeware has never let us down and as result I have recommended them in the past to contacts." |
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"We decided to ask Safeware Quasar to help us achieve our objectives,
particularly as we were impressed with the application they already
had. A series of discussions have since taken place to enable the
software to be customised to meet our needs. The first phase of the
project is now drawing to a conclusion with customers successfully
uploading hazard information, which can now be accessed via our web
site." Keith Gates, Procedures Manager B&Q |
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"We have now taken delivery of the simplified Chinese Safety Data Sheets and transmitted Click here to read the full case study CASE STUDY: DOMINO UK LTD Over the past 10 years, Safeware Quasar has worked closely with Cambridge based non-contact coding and marking printer company Domino UK Ltd. Domino first started working with Safeware after Allan heard of their services in the trade press and met the team and their software solution at a Chemical Hazard Communication Society trade fair. As world leaders in total coding and printing solutions to industry, Domino requires a reliable, comprehensive and professional solution for the production of safety data sheets for its ink products. Allan Lewis, Regulatory Affairs Manager at Domino explains: "A large proportion of our work involves the printing of details such as 'best before dates', traceability codes and bar codes and other information onto products in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical and many other industries. "As a worldwide company, we have more than 2,000 employees and must ensure that the safety details of our ink products are accurate and readily available to all of those employees and our customers". Safeware meets Domino's needs through its SDS professional software and the specialist language support within the package. Safeware ensures Domino's safety data sheets are available in different markets, and comply with varying requirements of legislation. This is achieved by generating translated Safety Data Sheets and allowing for differences in national legislation. Allan continues: "As eighty per cent of our products are exported world wide icluding countries such as China and the US, the language and regional legislation difference support we receive from Safeware is essential, however their service is far more complex than that. "As a client we really have a unique and satisfactory relationship with Safeware. In addition to the software solutions they provide, we are also able to liaise with them over company specific issues and requirements. Safeware then invariably produce a working solution for us, sometimes a completely new one, to enable us to complete our objective. We also regularly attend their training events together in order to keep up to date with industry legislation and market news." |
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"I would like to thank the Safeware team for the excellent level
of support it has provided to M-I SWACO over the last 8 years in assisting
us to achieve our high level of Regulatory Compliance. The IT support
on the software has always been prompt, with updates provided well
in advance of changes to the regulations". Sarah Glover, Senior HSE Advisor, Eastern Hemisphere, M-I SWACO |
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"Our continued expansion into global markets is certainly facilitated
by your expert guidance through the regulatory minefield of packaging
labelling, and provision of required multi-lingual documentation to
cover these markets". Michael J Watson, Managing Director, Plasti-Kote Projekt Paint |
