Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Nyren, which events were particularly important in the development of the company, and where does Bepco stand today?

Mike Nyren: A significant step was the acquisition by the TVH Group in 2012. Until that point, we were only a supplier of technical parts and engine parts for tractors. TVH then went on to acquire more companies in the agricultural sector, so that we as the Bepco Group can now offer a complete range of spare parts for all agricultural machinery and applications. Together with the TVH Group, we operate 16 offices in Europe as well as in South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Brazil. Our German branch is located in Soest, but we supply our German customers from our warehouse in Belgium. Our network of around 15 regional warehouses in Europe enables us to deliver within 24 hours, usually overnight. That is one of our great strengths.

Wirtschaftsforum: How do you experience the changes brought about by digitalization in your position?

Mike Nyren: Since I joined Bepco in 2014 as Marketing Manager for Europe, a lot has changed. Our marketing strategy is closely linked to how agriculture is developing. Moreover, our marketing and sales activities are increasingly shifting towards the digital domain due to rising customer demand. On our E-Commerce platform myBepcoFinder, customers can order directly online. Nonetheless, a portion of our clientele still values printed catalogs.

Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Kruse, from which industry did you come to Bepco and what impulses do you want to give to the company?

Ralf Kruse: I have been the managing director responsible for the DACH region at Bepco since 2019. Previously, I was already active in the spare parts sector, although not for agricultural machinery. As my main task, I see guiding the direction for the team, which has just newly formed. This means in particular, communicating to the employees the identity of today's Bepco Group, so that they can also pass this knowledge on to the customers.

Wirtschaftsforum: Which products are currently particularly important for Bepco?

Ralf Kruse: We achieve very good results with our cabin windows, but we have also established ourselves well in the field of harvesting technology. With these products, we were particularly successful in this, somewhat difficult, year 2020.

Mike Nyren: Our good reputation is based on product development and the technical quality of our products. Here, we are known as specialists. Our USP is the knowledge of our employees, who partly come from well-known manufacturers and have the corresponding expertise. Among our product highlights from the last few years are parts for New Holland and John Deere tractors, engine spare parts for Deutz, Perkins, and Iveco, as well as the aforementioned range of cabin windows and parts for telehandlers. It should also be mentioned that we only operate in the B2B sector, so we do not sell directly to farmers.

Wirtschaftsforum: In your opinion, what has made the company so successful?

Mike Nyren: Reasons for our growth in Germany and Europe are certainly our services and the expansion of our assortments. We offer good quality at a good price. But an important role is also played by the fact that we, as a family business, continue to be independent of the manufacturers – just like our customers.

Wirtschaftsforum: What developments do you observe in the industry?

Ralf Kruse: This year, hardly any investment is being made in new vehicles; this means that the fleet is being maintained. This is of course very advantageous for us. The last three years have not been very profitable for the farmers, therefore this trend will continue, also in view of Corona. We will definitely continue to grow in the coming years.

Wirtschaftsforum: How would you describe your company culture?

Mike Nyren: We claim, ‘We are one’. That means, we all work together as a team, wherever in the world we are located. We share the same values, achieve successes together, and enjoy them together.

Ralf Kruse: You will see people who enjoy their work. That impressed me from the first day. Everyone operates on an equal footing. This company culture is indeed found at all locations.

Wirtschaftsforum: Let’s look into the future. Where do you want to see Bepco in the next three to five years?

Ralf Kruse: We are on a clear growth path. For the DACH market, we aim for similar growth as we have had this successful year. With a good concept, the right targeting of our customers, and a focus on the B2B business, we have established ourselves well in the market.

Mike Nyren: Our focus will continue to be on core Europe, with increased attention to Eastern Europe. We will continue to invest here. After various acquisitions, we now want to communicate our offerings accordingly internationally. For this, we will also use the large TVH network.