Manitowoc Cranes is an industry leader in crane and food service equipment with operations in more than 20 countries. Its cranes are revered the world over and there are many cases of operators using Manitowoc cranes for 20, 30 or even 40 years.
So when Manitowoc needed a translation firm, a long-term partner was key. For over five years, Argos has been that partner, translating publications in more than a dozen languages, as well as helping the company save on translation costs. By any measure, it’s a win-win partnership.
Why Translate with Argos?
For Manitowoc, Argos’ experience translating materials for other heavy equipment was appealing since cranes have unique terminology. Argos also has expertise translating technical information found in operator and technical service manuals – the kind of translation most translators shy away from.
That said, it was Argos’ business practices that stood out. “Argos has some technology advantages,” said John Alexander, Director of Integrated Technical Communications. “But, all in all, I think it was just their willingness to do their best to make us happy as a customer.”
A promise made. A promise kept.
Argos’ promise to clients is to be on the mark, on time and on budget. Argos has given Manitowoc five years of keeping that promise.
Alexander’s experience says it all. “I don’t know if I can recall at any point in our partnership together that Argos has ever missed a delivery date–be it a small operator manual or a larger more technical service manual. They’re always on time with their deliveries. They’re always on budget with their quotes. There have never been any issues whatsoever that have come up.”
Saving Money, Not Just Making It
These days, every company is trying to cut costs. From day one, Argos made it a business priority to show Manitowoc how to take advantage of cost savings with translation memory.
For example, Argos visits Manitowoc several times a year to educate the company’s technical writers on ways to write that lower translation costs. Other times of the year Argos puts on webinars on similar topics, with the idea that the more the Manitowoc writers understand the translation process, the better they can take advantage of opportunities for cost containment.
Said Alexander, “Argos spends their money, their time, their resources to come to us to teach us how to actually reduce our dependency on them. I think that says a lot in terms of their dedication to make us a better provider of technical manuals to our customers.”
The feeling is mutual at Argos. “Manitowoc has been great to work with. They have a terrific team and have been very receptive to our suggestions,” said Jackie Smith. “Together, we’ve developed a smooth translation process that has delivered more bang for their buck.”
In 2008, Argos added an account coordinator who is dedicated to the Manitowoc account. She is available at all times to provide support to any Manitowoc personnel who need information or quotations for translation requirements.
A Partnership Focused on the Future
As Manitowoc continues to grow and expand its global footprint, Argos is committed to being the company’s translator of choice. In the past year alone, the partnership has grown with the addition of the marketing group and other Manitowoc divisions that have selected Argos for translation.
“We now use Argos as our sole translation supplier for U.S. products,” said Alexander.
For Argos and Manitowoc, it’s the best type of partnership – one where each company benefits and the relationship brings out the best in each company.
