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Columbus, OH -- Whether a bridge, a hospital or a new baseball park, commercial projects have demanding deadlines. Deadlines that can't be altered because supplies are late or tools don't perform.

"When we need something, we usually need it now," laughs Tami Cox, supply purchasing coordinator for Kokosing Construction Company, Inc., a multi-million dollar regional general contractor headquartered in Fredericktown, OH. "We're an hour away from the Ohio Power Tool store but we know that if we need something in a hurry Jim Amstutz will get it to us. Service is the key to our relationship and they have gone 'above and beyond' so often it has become the norm."

Cox handles the purchasing for the multifaceted company and has anywhere from 30 to 50 active jobsites to supply at any given time, with projects ranging from dams on a nearby river to highways and bridges. She and her department of five people buy everything from tools to saw blades and rain suits.

"Repairs have always been a significant part of the process," she adds, "and we know we can rely upon Jim and his staff for quality work. Finding one source that can provide new tools and repair what we have isn't easy -- especially when it comes to some of the air-powered tools and hydraulics that we use.".

Kokosing is known for combining a traditional approach to construction with the use of the latest in technology and up to the minute techniques. That is evident on a uniquely designed bridge project near the downtown in Columbus. The Main Street bridge has a single arch in the center of the span with pedestrian traffic directed to one side of it and vehicular traffic to the other.

On this bridge job, Kokosing Construction has been using a variety of air-powered tools from Ohio Power Tool, including impacts in the 1-inch to 1 1/2-inch size. It's also put the newer Bosch 36-volt battery powered tools to the test on this demanding project.

While some areas within the construction world have slowed, Kokosing's divisions have been able to stay busy. With a diverse group including building, utility, highway and marine divisions, along with its projects in

Ohio and expanded into Illinois, Indiana and West Virginia.

Areas of specialty

Rich Hartman, director of service for The Superior Group, Electrical Contractors, echos the same thoughts. "While the economy is having serious impacts all over the area, we are able to keep busy because we are heavily into projects relating to health care and public works right now."

Heading into the end of 2008, the company had 20-30 jobs in various stages of completion including about half a dozen that required as many as 30 people on-site.

As with its contracting counterpart, The Superior Group understands the value of prompt service and sound advice.

"We rely upon Ohio Power Tool even more now than usual because repairs have become even more important in a tight economy," points out Dave Smith, warehouse supervisor and keeper of the tool crib. "One of the most important aspects of our relationship is that we can trust them when it comes to helping us make a decision on what's worth fixing and what really needs to be replaced. That kind of advice is worth a lot."

The company once did repairs in-house, but realized it could put its resources to better use by employing a professional team. "Besides, it was such a natural thing since Ohio Power Tool is actually right across the street from our warehouse," Hartman adds.

That proximity has been beneficial in more ways than one.

"Jim is here whenever there's something new on the market that he thinks would make us more efficient," Hartman continues. "He's shown us new coring tools, and recently we went to a bigger, bulkier hammer drill based on his evaluation of what we were using, what we were doing to our tools--based on repairs and increased workloads. He recommended that we consider something more substantial. We probably wouldn't have found the time to do that kind of research and it would be costing us right now.

"In an area like Columbus, we obviously have alternatives, but Ohio Power Tool has proven itself on all scores. They always go that extra step," he concludes.

In a company that has both maintenance and construction divisions and counts among its clients such worldwide notables as Limited Brands and Abercrombie & Fitch -- they provided the electrical work for both group's world headquarters -- knows the importance of timing. A recent project for Abercrombie & Fitch required the completion of a one million-square-foot distribution center in 180 days. The Superior Group put a team of more than 65 people on the jobsite and got it done on time and under budget -- that doesn't happen without exceptional support at every level.

"Keeping us aware of what's new and what can make us better is something Ohio Power Tool does very well. And, it's not something you can put a price on -- but it is so very valuable. Chances are we'd never be able to keep up on our own," Hartman concludes.

And there is a long list of Ohio Power Tool customers that agree.