Leeuw Kunststoffe GmbH goes out of business

Local plastic sheet trader Leeuw Kunststoffe goes out of business. Does local plastics trading still have a future at all? We say yes!

Cessation of business of Leeuw Kunststoffe GmbH from Kleve

55 years of company history come to an end

We were sorry to learn that a Leeuw Kunststoffe from Kleve is giving up the company.

Leeuw Kunststoffe GmbH was able to celebrate its 50th anniversary only a few years ago. Even though it is a competitor, we find it a great pity that the company has announced to go out of business at the end of the year. Especially in the stationary trade, Leeuw Kunststoffe en was a very strong company and the perfect partner for many craft businesses from Kleve and the surrounding area. Especially in the area of terrace roofing made of corrugated sheets or multi-skin sheets or flooring for terraces and balconies, we have always considered Leeuw Kunststoffe to be very strong and have been happy to refer customers who have made enquiries with us in these areas to the Kleve company instead of displaying a competitive mentality here.

Leeuw was also a reliable supplier for local companies in the construction industry in the field of façade design with HPL panels. In a small district town like Kleve, people know each other and a lot is done via local suppliers. This is no different with our company, although we are primarily oriented towards online trade with a Europe-wide sphere of influence. We supply our façade panels to many craftsmen's businesses in Kleve, Goch and the surrounding region and, if required, deliver them cut to size directly to the construction site. Some also collect their orders directly from our site.

However, this does not only apply to HPL sheets, but to our entire delivery programme. Especially in the area of technical plastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene or PVC, we are very flexible due to our very good purchasing conditions and the high material stock. We are also very strong locally in optical plastics such as solid sheets of acrylic glass or polycarbonate. It is quite possible that some customers from the region have overlapped. That's just normal competition. However, we are certainly willing to help those companies that have purchased their plastics from Leeuw up to now. Not only with our plastic sheets, but also with our extensive expertise.

Local trade with no future?

Local trade will not die out

However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to sell products only through a shop, because online trade is growing steadily. This is not only true for plastic sheets, but extends across the entire range from A for car to Z for folding rule. In times when almost everyone uses a smartphone with internet access, it has never been easier to compare prices and place online orders comfortably over a coffee on the couch. Payment methods such as PayPal or bank transfer can be done directly and the goods are delivered to your home. You don't have to stick to opening hours and can buy whatever comes to mind at any time.

Stationary trade is powerless against online trade

Advantages of online trade over local trade

• An online shop is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
.
• Orders can be placed from anywhere
.
• Delivery is fast and convenient to your home
.
• Prices and products can be compared online very easily
.
• Often larger assortment online than in a retail store
.
• No annoying search for a parking space or long queues at the checkout
.
• Direct, personal contact often falls by the wayside
.
• The exchange of goods is associated with returns
.
• Emergency errands are available more quickly locally

If you look at the advantages of online trade, you can clearly see that stationary trade is hardly able to keep up. Many companies, like us, therefore go both ways and sell their products and services both locally and online. For example, via an online shop or via online marketplaces such as eBay or Amazon.

Are we an online retailer or a brick-and-mortar shop

S-Polytec is both. With our online shops we are focused on the online trade of plastics, adhesives and silicones. Thanks to comprehensive product descriptions, our customers are able to obtain comprehensive information and determine prices. Sometimes, however, neither our online shop product range nor the specialist knowledge we impart is sufficient, especially when it comes to special requirements for a plastic sheet. For this we have our sales staff who are specially trained for such requirements. During opening hours, however, many customers come to us for advice or to pick up their orders.

Our advantages for craft enterprises from the region

• Comprehensive advice by telephone support or on site
• Millimetre-precise cuts of our plastic sheets at best prices
• Individual processing by CNC milling or CO2 laser cutting
• High stock levels for the entire standard delivery programme in our own warehouse
• Fast delivery times for extended delivery programme due to good supplier agreements
• Orders can be placed online, by e-mail or by telephone for regular customers
• Direct delivery to the address of your choice or collection from our warehouse
• Flexible payments online, on collection or conveniently on account