European Business: What is the structure of Scarabee, and how is it organized? 

Jasper van Gend: Scarabee is owned by the majority shareholder Daifuku Co. Ltd., a global leader in material handling systems. Our headquarter is located in Hoofddorp, the Netherlands, with operations in Germany, Japan, and the USA. The company has around 150 employees worldwide, and is experiencing rapid growth, with revenue more than doubling in 2023 compared to 2022. This global presence allows us to serve key airports and clients across different regions, providing tailored solutions for the aviation sector. 

European Business: Can you describe Scarabee’s product portfolio and innovations? 

Jasper van Gend: Our product portfolio includes smart security lanes, baggage handling systems, and self-service bag drop solutions. We combine mechanical components with cutting-edge digital technology to improve efficiency and optimize the flow of passengers, for example, we integrate state-of-the art 3D CT scanners for carry-on baggage screening, as well as e.g., effective predictive- and preventive maintenance systems using AI. We also ensure that our products pass rigorous Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT). We are certified both in Europe (ECAC) as well as in the US (TSA) with various scanner suppliers, such as e.g., Smiths Detection. We often act as prime contractor for the whole smart security lane, handling all the engineering, assembly, and services ourselves. The result is a robust and reliable product lineup that meets the needs of modern airports. 

European Business: What types of customers does Scarabee serve, and which regions are you active in? 

Jasper van Gend: Scarabee serves major airports worldwide, primarily focusing on Level 1 airports, with more than 25 million passengers per year, and Level 2 airports, with more than 10 million passengers. Our portfolio spans international markets, with a significant presence in Germany and the USA. Approximately 80% of our revenue comes from exports. We have a strong foothold in key regions, including Europe, North America, and Japan, supported by our majority stakeholder Daifuku and strategic partnerships. 

European Business: How does Scarabee manage its export activities and international operations? 

Jasper van Gend: Export activities account for around 80% of our revenue, with a strong presence in markets like e.g., Germany and the USA. We operate in the Benelux region from our Hoofddorp office, and we have a dedicated sales team in Munich for the DACH region. In the USA, Daifuku handles distribution and servicing for our products. Notable projects include the installation of security lanes at Houston Airport, as well as projects in Denver, Portland, and San Francisco. Our products are increasingly in demand as airports worldwide look for innovative solutions to optimize passenger flow while adopting the highest security standards and regulations. 

European Business: What is Scarabee’s vision for the future, especially in terms of sustainability and company culture? 

Jasper van Gend: Looking ahead, our vision is to continue providing intelligent, future-proof solutions for the aviation industry and meeting the highest regulatory standards. We want to optimize the passenger journey, not just in airports but also in adjacent industries like logistics. We are exploring new products from Daifuku, such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for baggage handling, which we plan to introduce to the European market. Our expansion efforts focus on growing in Europe, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Additionally, we are looking to expand into related markets, such as logistics, where we see opportunities to leverage our technologies for further growth. Sustainability is central to our strategy – we design products with long lifecycles. For example, our lanes at Schiphol Airport have been in operation for over nine years and through refurbishment of mainly wear and tear parts, we can extend these lifetimes significantly. We focus on energy efficiency, low maintenance and conduct regular sustainability audits. Internally, Scarabee maintains a professional, yet startup-like culture with an emphasis on enthusiasm, creativity and inclusivity. We offer a flexible work environment and have a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, ensuring that everyone feels valued. Personally, I’m driven by the opportunity to implement Daifuku’s goals while having the freedom to shape Scarabee’s future. I feel responsible not only for the company’s growth but also for our employees and their families. It’s about creating a culture where people are respected. This human approach is something I’m passionate about – it’s not just about business success, but about building an environment where everyone can thrive.