Core Big Maxx HD Cargo Bar
This week’s manufacturer spotlight is Core Products USA, makers of such awesome products like the Core Trax Tie Down Track System and Core Ratchet Tie Down Straps. Although Core has been around for 12 years, the founders have been kicking around the industry for over 22 years. That’s what we call experience under your belt. (Some might mistake that for gray hairs in the beard!)
They’ve got a lot of new changes coming this year and we had the opportunity to talk to Mark A. Crisafi about what’s on the horizon. In addition to a first ever full sized catalog, Core is going to be getting an all new website to provide consumers, OEM and retailers with easier access to information. You gotta love that!
What new products or developments does Core have coming out in 2011?
Several new additions: Lock-IN-Load attachments for our CORE Trax Systems.
“TuGGer” Rope Pull Ratchet (tie down locking rope)
“Cobra” Retractable Ratchet Strap (Pull feed & retracting 8′ X 1 7/8″ mounting ratchet strap)
“End Cap” (finishing cap for the end of Uni Trax 1000 tie down systems)
New MSK packages (Money Savings Kits/Containment Packages) Part of our “consumer designed” packages, They include:
- RV/Toy Hauler Kit
- Service Bed Kit
- P/U Truck Kit
- Utility Trailer Kit
Mark A. Crisafi at Core
We have also made several “Value added” upgrades to some of our leading/current items such as:
- Cargo Sport Bag – Not only have we added a free shopping tote bag and pair of d-rings, we have added a clip to the Core Lok Adjusting Perimeter Strap, as well as a new Cam-Lock easy release lever for easier adjusting of the perimeter strap.
- Cargo Safety Cover – we have added a clip to the Core Lok Adjusting Perimeter Strap, as well as a new Cam-Lock easy release lever for easier adjusting of the perimeter strap and carabineers for quick attachment to truck beds or trailers.
- The Uni Trax 1000 has been redesigned for extra holding prowess!
- We now offer our MAXX TRAX (commercial grade) Tie Down Trax to consumers through our “Money Saving Kits.”
How has Core changed the aftermarket accessory industry?
When the founder (Mark Crisafi) began selling these types of products in the early 90′s there was little understanding of the benefits from key products such as our Core Trax. Now you can see our products on OEM’s within the RV and Trailer industry and similar/competitive designs on a host of the “Big five” OEM’s.
What is the best kept secret about your tie downs?
The Strength and Versatility of the Trax tie down systems. Once it is used your wonder how it got along without it!
What do you think the future holds for your product?
We continue to expand and refine our line-up. We also continue to expand internationally, as well as to militaries throughout the world. We feel our outlook is strong.
What do you think the aftermarket industry will look like in five years?
Much the same as it is now, however the biggest change will be in the B & M retailers. I believe there will continue to be significant thinning of brick and mortar retailers. The retailers that exist in a few years will be much more professional and competitive operations. The online retailers will be the main force/push in the changes that will occur within B & M retail store.
As to the aftermarket, it has and will be driven first by automotive enthusiasts, this has been, and will be the nature of the aftermarket and will adjust with the vehicles of the time!
What challenges has Core faced over its lifetime?
Like every business, growth comes with its set of challenges and Core has not been immune to these. That said; working to keep cost down and stable and finding the right mix of staff to emulate the philosophy of the company would be among the top two challenges.
What has been your most popular product recently? Has it change compared to years past?
The two retail markets “Brick and Mortar” and “Online Retailer” have a different mix. One large change would be in our MSK’s (Money Saving Kits). These kits are packaged with a selection of Core Products chosen by consumers. These five select MSK’s also have a special reduced price as a package than if the consumer purchased the items separately.
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Mark is a pretty awesome guy. He knows his product and his industry pretty well. Realtruck carries an extensive line of Core products, including:
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