Selling products under three main brand names; Silverline, Triton and Torino Lamborghini, Toolstream is probably the fastest growing supplier of top quality hand and power tools to wholesalers, merchants and retailers in the UK. Established in 1978 and now based in Yeovil at a new purpose built office and warehouse complex the company carries huge stocks enabling it to supply ex-stock and offer next day delivery.

When they presented Matrix with the following challenge; Create, bespoke, populate and install a CMS system ready for creation of a 5000+ product catalogue that needs to go to print at the end of August, the task seemed difficult. To add to the complexity of the task, they had no pre-existing system, the data wasn't ready, page designs weren't finished, the system was to be installed at two sites, staff were about to all go away on summer holidays and it was already July!

The task was difficult, many problems arose, nerves were frayed but the print deadline was met, and the system has become a great success. The Matrix CMS system has allowed Toolstream to create the initial proof of their catalogue in around half a day. This initial proof contains the correct images, logos and icons, correct proofed text displayed in the correct typographic style and price tables laid out correctly. The designers then spend a few days making the layouts more aesthetically pleasing and less computer generated with the whole process takes about half a week as opposed to about 6-7 weeks. This flexibility allows them to create smaller more bespoke catalogues and do more targeted as well as more responsive marketing.