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Interview with André Bousser, President of AB Serve SAS Quality on the safe side The benefits of outsourcing are becoming clear to a growing number of manufacturers in many branches of industry, first and foremost in the automotive sector. Along with recog- nized advantages such as reduced investments in infrastructure and resources, there are drawbacks, for example the need for more stringent quality controls. This is where AB Serve SAS in Woippy, France, comes in. The company has earned international recognition in the fields of containment, compliance, metrology and workflow logistics, and delivers corrective and preventive services to the industrial world. Quality control has become a key to contribute to the continuous part of automotive engineering – improvement of manufacturing and for good reason, too. “It is very standards. “Naturally, zero defect expensive for a car manufacturer is hard to achieve,” admits Mr. to first deliver a vehicle and then Bousser. “Due to our full commit- have it returned with faults that ment and our professional attitude, have to be remedied,” points out our clients are very satisfied.” André Bousser, President of AB Serve. “It makes far more sense to AB Serve has been providing cor- invest a bit more in quality control rective and preventive services in than carry out repairs at a later the fields of inspection and quality date.” AB Serve aims to support its management for over 15 years customers in achieving their qual- now. The focus has been on the ity targets. The company’s dedi- automotive industry so far, but the cated teams of experts develop company has been making efforts reliable and sustainable solutions to diversify and has started serving tailored to clients’ specific require- different industries in recent years. Careful correction of small blemishes in the car varnish: part of AB Serve’s comprehensive quality control service ments. Its comprehensive range “It is a development that involves the President adds. “It has actually the AB Serve Group. In 2008, the of inspection and quality manage- our operations both in terms of led to the establishment of the AB group was able to set up a subsidi- ment services enables AB Serve substance and geographically,” Serve Group with its different core ary dedicated to quality control in CAO data of a manufac- tured part is generated using the principle of reverse engineering areas.” The history of AB Serve Morocco, and in 2011 a similar dates back to 1996, when Robert subsidiary was established in Tu- Vaglio and André Bousser estab- nisia, along with a Moroccan base lished a service company for the for the original business to provide steel industry. Thanks to the qual- services to the steel industry. All ity and high standard of workman- companies organized within the ship they offered, the company holding serve the manufacturing grew and prospered, and services sector and heavy industry, provid- were expanded to include qual- ing services in the fields of quality ity assurance. In 2004, a holding control, industrial logistics, metrol- company was created in the Grand ogy, compliance, steel co-products Duchy of Luxembourg under the treatment, scrap yard manage- name of ARPAAN, later renamed ment and refractory maintenance. www.european-business.com 4 N A E P O R U E business

erpabsnslyt Interview with Allen Hong, Marketing Director at Active Tools Europe GmbH A global company on the move The obligation to carry a spare tire as a replacement means extra weight and increases the fuel consumption of a vehicle. As car manufacturers are looking for innovative alternatives to serve the needs of a more fuel-efficient industry and society, Active Tools has become a tier 1 supplier to most of the major OEM brands. The global enterprise, headquartered in Hong Kong, ranks as the world’s leader in next-generation roadside tire repair solutions. Active Tools Europe GmbH in Bad Salzuflen, Germany, is the European head office and distribution center for the company’s full range of tire repair inflate and seal systems. Roadside emergencies caused by during their driving history is quite fuel consumption. About 16% of tor, but also an environmental ne- bursting tires are more frequent high, depending of course, on how all global emissions stem from cessity. Vehicles equipped with a than most people realize. Statistics much and where they drive. In any automobile emissions. Consider- show that in the US alone about case, they need to be prepared. ing that the worldwide production seven punctures occur every The conventional spare tire and of new vehicles is running into second, resulting in 220 million tools required to carry out a road- billions every year, replacing the light and compact Active Tools tire repair solution reduce CO2 emis- sions by about 10 g/km CO2 and contribute to greener driving. “All flat tires per year. The likelihood side repair burden the vehicle by spare wheel by lighter repair solu- governments are determined to get of drivers experiencing a flat tire up to 50 kg, which results in extra tions is not just an economic fac- the automotive industry to produce A tire repair technology that is safe, fast and easy to use for the motorist; Active Tools offers alternative solutions that spare motorists the stress and strain of cumbersome wheel changes cars with cleaner engines,” points out Allen Hong, Marketing Director. “Eliminating the need for the bulky spare tire helps to reduce the fuel consumption of vehicles.” Space, of course, is another factor in favour of the company’s alterna- tive roadside tire repair solutions. “The big manufacturers are now redesigning their cars without the space for a spare tire,” says Mr. Hong. “Our kit measures around 30 cm and is normally placed in the position where the old spare wheel used to be. We have differ- ent models, because each car is different and has different tires.” Based on a ‘green’ formulation, the Active Tools tire sealant is biodegradable and can be rinsed off the tire – and the motorist’s skin – using water only. It causes www.european-business.com 6 N A E P O R U E business

Interview with Holger Drewing, Managing Director of Herth+Buss GmbH & Co. KG Independence guaranteed Independent garages make up 50% of the German automotive after- care market. With no strings to a single brand, they can often offer motorists a better deal on repairs and servicing. They can also source spare parts from the most competitive supplier. For automotive elec- trical parts and spare parts for Japanese and Korean car models, that supplier is Herth+Buss GmbH & Co. KG. The family-owned company has been specializing in industrial parts manufacture since 1925. With its comprehensive portfolio of high quality parts and efficient distribution network, it is a key part of the auto- motive aftermarket supply chain. Affiliated garages and car dealers niches, Herth+Buss offers one of als. “The only choice left to the but the benefits in accident reduc- tend to dominate when it comes to the most comprehensive product consumer is which professional to tion, particularly in poor visibility, servicing and repairing new cars ranges in the market. “As special- consult and, as in so many areas, mean that many motorists accept during the first four years of use. ists in vehicle electrics, we offer an they are voting with their feet (or this as a reasonable trade-off,” During this time repairs are gener- exhaustive range of products un- wheels) for the independent sector says Mr. Drewing. ally covered by warranty or the der our Elparts range that will meet and its more favourable prices,” conditions of the warranty stipulate any requirement,” says Mr. Drew- says Mr. Drewing. “Our transparent Herth+Buss’s specialization in that any work must be carried out ing. “We have over 7,700 specialist pricing structure and high quality parts for Japanese and Korean by an authorized dealer. However, parts in the portfolio, including products make us the first choice vehicles began in the early 1980s once the warranty period has parts for the latest models.” The for vehicle electrics.” as these competitively priced and ended, there is a huge migration to electronic and electrical content of well-built cars began to make sig- independent garages where there modern vehicles continues to rise The Elparts range of electrical nificant inroads into the European are significant savings to be made as modern technology is increas- components covers signal devices market. “Honda was one of the by the car owners. “The used car ingly used to monitor a growing and units, relays, control units, pioneers in this market and it was servicing market is dominated number of aspects of the vehicle’s switches, actuators and sensors, followed by a number of other by the independent sector,” says performance. Where once the voltage transformers and invert- makes that have since carved out Managing Director Holger Drew- electrical equipment was limited to ers, alternators and starters, wash strong positions in Europe,” says ing. “We target the market for cars the lights and radio, today’s motor water pumps and ignition systems. Mr. Drewing. “When people buy a aged between four and nine years vehicles offer an almost fly-by-wire It accompanies this with a com- new car it is with one eye to future old, which owners are still having level of complexity with multiple prehensive portfolio of universal maintenance costs and ease of regularly serviced but at an inde- electrical and electronic systems parts for installation as well as servicing. By assuring custom- pendent rather than an authorized and multiple ways in which these installation tools. Finally, it offers ers that there will be no difficulty garage.” can go wrong. a comprehensive range of vehicle obtaining parts in the future, the Herth+Buss brand covers two key This is good news for the servicing replaced car components and a tiveness of their models. We were ranges. Elparts is the range for garages as the ability to identify vital safety feature. “The advice to approached by the Japanese electrical parts while Jakoparts is problems has been taken out of drive with the lights on even during manufacturers in the early days for the range for wear parts for Japa- the hands of the hobby mechanic daylight hours means that light- exactly this reason.” nese and Korean vehicles. In both and placed firmly with profession- bulbs need replacing more often lights, one of the most commonly car makers increase the attrac- N A E P O R U E business www.european-business.com 8

Interview with André Gerbert, General Manager of Bergmann Spritzguß und Formenbau GmbH & Co. KG Early adopter In injection moulding, providers have to constantly adopt the latest technologies in order to sustain their competitive edge. Bergmann Spritzguß und Formenbau GmbH & Co. KG has pursued this strategy since it was established 28 years ago. Using advanced processes, such as laser sintering, the medium-sized enterprise delivers preci- sion parts with the most complex geometries. Bergmann is specialized in high- cooperation with our customers, such as laser sintering, mould precision plastic injection mould- in toolmaking and mould design, flow analysis or laser plastic weld- ing technology and was founded in in serial production and in sys- ing. “We are focused on using 1989. “Since then, the company tems solutions for a broad range the latest technology in order to has developed from a small injec- of industrial sectors, including distinguish ourselves from our “The people operating sophisti- tion die caster into a major provid- automo- competitors and always be one cated processing equipment have er of injection moulded, complete systems solutions,” explains Gen- eral Manager André Gerbert. Berg- mann provides made-to-measure, high-quality plastic parts for all application areas, from small pre- cision components to large assem- blies. The company is equipped with modern 3D simulation step ahead,” says Mr. Gerbert. to develop jointly with the technol- The newest piece of technol- ogy,” concludes Mr. Gerbert. “Both ogy was added last year when are mutually dependent. One is Bergmann installed a fully au- not possible without the other.” tomatic drying and assembly With regard to the environment, line for injection moulding Bergmann operates machines that machines. are energy efficient with a high life The company’s dedication to cycle meeting all standard regula- tions. Sustainability plays a major role in its daily activities. ❙ software, skilled toolmakers and tive, construction, mechanical pioneering innovative technolo- more than 70 injection moulding engineering, heating and air-con- gies is complemented by its com- machines with locking pressures of ditioning, medical technology, toys mitment to providing excellent up to 1,000 t. It employs a total of and many more.” 280 people at its main production customer service. “The customers’ requirements are the main goal in site in Telgte in North Rhine-West- Bergmann is particularly strong in our processes and it is our main phalia and a second manufactur- advanced processing technologies, concern to meet the individual ing plant in Poland. Bergmann covers the entire processing chain, from planning and engineering, mould design and construction and prototyping to injection mould- ing in small and large series, in- cluding two-component processes, laser welding, laser sintering and complete systems solutions. “Our core competences are in four ar- eas,” states Mr. Gerbert. “In devel- opment and engineering in close N A E P O R U E business demands,” Mr. Gerbert describes Bergmann’s customer philosophy. Last but not least, Bergmann at- taches great emphasis to person- nel development and continuous education and further training. Bergmann Spritzguß und Formenbau GmbH & Co. KG Kortenkamp 5b 48291 Telgte-Westbevern Germany Using innovative laser sinter- ing technology, Bergmann can supply components with complex geometries, such as workpieces with integrated cooling ducts (red line)  +49 2504 98030  +49 2504 980350  info@spritzguss- bergmann.de  www.spritzguss- bergmann.de www.european-business.com 10

Interview with Gábor Vass (left) and Balázs Kotányi, Directors of TMX Mobile Solution Szerviz Kft. Rapid, reliable repairs TMX Mobile Solution Szerviz Kft. provides repair services for mobile equipment, including smartphones, tablets and notebooks. It is one of the leading after-sales service businesses in Central and Eastern Europe and an authorized Samsung European Repair Center. The com- pany is also the official service partner for many other manufacturers of mobile devices such as Alcatel, Apple, Asus, Huawei, Lenovo, LG and Samsung. European Business spoke with the Directors of the company Balázs Kotányi and Gábor Vass, who both love what they do, which is developing a promising business in a fast-evolving market. The modern TMX repair center is equipped with the latest repair tools Balázs Kotányi: That is true. You cannot compare our business with that of ten years ago. Mobile phones are becoming smarter and smarter, and demands with regard to customer service and logistics have increased significantly. Short turnaround times are much more important today than in the past. The customer wants his mobile phone back as soon as possible. EB: Mr. Kotányi, you call your to 435. Today, we are the leading expansion. If the prerequisites are We even have replacement devices company the missing link between provider in Hungary. right, growth comes by itself. that are delivered to the custom- producers and consumers. er’s front door. Gábor Vass: Growth, however, is no EB: You are operating in a fast- Balázs Kotányi: Yes, we have 4,000 value in itself. Reaping synergies evolving market with new players EB: What other services do you of- m2 of modern working space in and working together as partners, and products emerging almost fer, apart from mobile repairs? Budaörs in the Budapest met- as we do, is more important than every day. How are you managing ropolitan area where we provide rapid repair services for any type of mobile equipment. EB: The development of your com- pany is an unequalled success story. Balázs Kotányi: You are right. Within the last eight years, we have grown from two million HUF in revenues to more than ten mil- lion HUF and from 30 employees N A E P O R U E business this rapid change? TMX offers Western European repair standards at Eastern European costs TMX employs over 400 technicians providing quality, rapid service www.european-business.com 12

erpabsnslyt Interview with David Hogg, CEO of S.A.G. Solar GmbH & Co. KG The expo center in Freiburg is powered by a solar plant on the roof installed and maintained by S.A.G. Solar Despite cuts to the feed-in tariff, solar energy is still a profitable investment for commercial clients with high energy demands and a big enough roof All you need is a roof David Hogg, CEO of S.A.G. Solar GmbH & Co. KG has spent 30 years working in the solar industry on three continents. The Australian-born engineer participated in the development of thin-film crystalline solar technology as Business Manager at the University of New South Wales between 1985 and 1995, before successfully spinning the technology off into a com- pany, Pacific Solar Pty Limited, and raising 100 million AUD in capital investment. In 2004, he brought the business to Germany, setting up a production site near Leipzig before it was taken over by Suntech. After a period in China as COO of Suntech’s European business, he returned to Europe in 2011 and was asked to take over the reins at S.A.G. Solar by Sun- tech’s new owner, Shunfeng International Clean Energy Group, in 2014. European Business talked to Mr. Hogg about the future of the solar industry. EB: The sun hasn’t shone as bright- that price down, so the perceived the same as the costs for produc- lower the price they pay. That is the ly on the solar industry in recent burden on the public purse is ing any other electricity. That has totally wrong approach. If they need years. Why is that? greater than anticipated. Subsidies already happened in large parts of more energy they should pay more. have been cut drastically and the the world. That was the objective of We are all going to compete for David Hogg: The solar industry has focus of stimuli has shifted. We the government support schemes. volume, we are all going to compete been a victim of its own success to have seen that reaction in Spain The German support system was on price. S.A.G. Solar is in a good a certain extent. Many governments and obviously Germany, and most well thought through and quite in- position to compete in the market. in Europe have been supportive of recently in the UK and in Italy. novative. Only the Japanese model If you want solar energy, you can solar energy and specifically photo- was better. What we now need to do just take it. voltaic. They provided government EB: Where does the solar market go is regulate the market. support to stimulate demand. The from here? problem has been that the industry EB: In what way? the solar market? EB: What is S.A.G. Solar’s role in has consistently outperformed. The David Hogg: The Holy Grail for the subsidies they set were based on solar industry was always said to David Hogg: Utility companies are David Hogg: S.A.G. Solar was one the assumption of higher prices. have been reached when the pro- competing for the bigger customers of the absolute pioneers of the solar But as the industry’s success drives duction costs for solar electricity are on price. The bigger the user, the industry in Germany, which makes N A E P O R U E business www.european-business.com 14

Interview with Éva Hegedüs, CEO and Chairperson of GRÁNIT Bank Zrt GRÁNIT Bank is a digital bank, which prides itself on its industry knowledge and experience, innova- tion, and up-to-the-minute service portfolio The future of banking is digital For the banking industry, the golden days of huge growth and sufficient business for all are well and truly over. Today the sector is highly competitive, and to prosper, a bank must offer its customers something very special. GRÁNIT Bank Zrt in Hungary, a relative newcomer to the market, has already achieved remarkable success as a digital bank, which has found its niche through its innovative and up-to-the-minute online product range. European Business spoke with GRÁNIT Bank’s CEO and Chairperson, Éva Hegedüs. EB: Ms. Hegedüs, GRÁNIT Bank network. It was also obvious that a phone banking. This has proved to Éva Hegedüs: Our service is fast, was launched as a purely digital digital bank would be more cost ef- be the right decision; today mobile cost effective and easy to use. A bank in 2010. Why was this strat- fective. Finally, in 2010 the market phones are used for a huge vol- customer can open an account egy chosen? was already extremely competitive, ume of banking business. with us within six minutes. We and in that situation you need a have focused on creating a portfo- Éva Hegedüs: There were four key unique selling point to stand out. EB: Who are your target customer lio of innovative products. We were factors. I have worked in the bank- Based on these criteria, we opted groups? ing sector for over 20 years, and to create a business model based the first bank to launch a video bank service – GRÁNIT VideoBank my experience has shown that the on digital banking, with conserva- Éva Hegedüs: We have a good – which enables customers to internet has significantly changed tive credit politics and a decentral- track record in retail banking, and talk directly to an advisor in the the attitude and behaviour of ized deposit structure. Our goal in corporate finance for both SMEs comfort of their own home, using customers. Secondly, even in the was to establish an online banking and large corporates. a PC, tablet or mobile phone. We early 2000s, it was clear that there platform, not just for standard were also the first bank in Europe was no further potential for growth electronic banking but one which EB: What is special about the ser- to offer new generation mobile in offering customers a branch could also be used for mobile vice offered by GRÁNIT Bank? payment – GRÁNIT Pay – where N A E P O R U E business www.european-business.com 16

Interview with Wioletta Wenklar, Managing Director of Polfood GmbH Ethical Polish poultry Today, more than ever, food made from animals is under the microscope. In particular in the meat industry, the public increasingly demands high quality, fresh produce that not only has minimal impact on the environment but which is also made from animals that are treated humanely and with respect. For Polfood GmbH, a Berlin-based importer of meat from Poland, these criteria are high on its own agenda, and it selects its suppliers of poultry, beef and pork extremely carefully. “We often buy geese in Janu- which, in the 18th century, walked Wenklar. “They are not reared for ary,” explains Managing Director from Poland to Germany. I don’t use in Fois Gras – in Poland this Polfood specializes in importing quality, ethically-produced meat from Poland Wioletta Wenklar who owns 95% know if it is true, but the fact is that is strictly forbidden.” In addition, let or a full load,” stresses Ms. of Polfood. “They then grow free- it is a tradition to sell Polish goose Polfood has developed its own Wenklar. 70% of its products are range during the year which is one to Germany.” range of products including leg delivered within Germany, with the of our important criteria; animals and breast joints roasted in their UK, Austria and the Netherlands must be reared as humanely as Polfood specializes in fresh poul- own juices. “We developed the as well as Asia forming its export possible. This also ensures a high try, beef and pork which it imports recipes in partnership with the market. As a result of its success, quality meat. In Germany, goose is from Poland and sells to the hotel producer and they are exclusive to both Focus and the Financial especially popular; the St. Martin’s and gastronomy trade, wholesalers us,” states the Managing Director. Times have recently recognized Day goose is a favourite dish, and and the food industry in general. “We are also responsible for the Polfood as one of the fastest grow- of course, goose is also a feature of The company markets geese presentation of our products. The ing companies in Europe. the Christmas dining table. It is a under its own brand, Gold-Gans. eyes eat before the mouth, and our historical thing. Polish goose farm- “The geese are slaughtered and high-value packaging provides a The company is also very aware ers like to tell the story of geese then plucked,” underlines Ms. visual feast.” The company motto of the constantly changing mar- is ‘produced today – delivered ket, and is quick to adapt to new tomorrow’. Polfood uses its own trends. “Over recent years there vehicles for delivery and also has has been a noticeably stronger contracts with reliable logistics demand for poultry products,” partners so that its products reach notes Ms. Wenklar. “This has its customers quickly and in a been matched by a decrease in supremely fresh condition. Its con- the demand for pork products. cern for the environment does not People are also more aware of stop with animal welfare. “We use what they are eating and how it software to plan optimal routes and was produced; ethical treatment track our deliveries to ensure our of animals is a priority.” The abil- drivers use the shortest possible routes and reduce CO2 emissions as far as possible. This applies, ity to listen to customers is one of Polfood’s strengths, and new products which meet the changing whether the order is for one pal- demands are already in devel- www.european-business.com 18 Polfood boasts a strong, experienced team; the company offers apprenticeships and supports ongoing development for all its staff N A E P O R U E business

Interview with Henri Dias, General Manager of Cidi Groupe Henri Dias and his school friend Jean Philippe Civalero founded the company in 2003 Cidi Groupe Zac Bois Briard 8 rue de la Mare Neuve 91080 Courcouronnes France  +33 1 60871600  contact@cidi.fr  www.cidi.fr Advertising at the point of sale Amid increasing competition from online channels, advertising at the point of sale has become even more impor- tant. Large-format advertising can attract the attention of customers and have a positive influence on their purchasing decisions. Cidi Groupe based in Courcou- ronnes, France, offers large-format textile advertising spaces. The company is an expert in the area of large-format textile advertising displays service portfolio. Today, the spe- Coca-Cola, Seat, Nike, Renault, cialist for advertising at the point Honda or Total. They all rely on of sale is able to offer complete Cidi’s expertise and flexibility when store concepts and designs. “With it comes to individual advertising our different services we are able solutions at the point of sale. The Cidi Groupe has become a to cover the entire process chain,” French business is an expert in the preferred partner for renowned says General Manager Henri Dias. area of high quality, large-format customers in France when it “Our 360 degree offer comprises textile advertising displays. Howev- comes to textile advertising the consulting, printing, finishing er, it provides a broad range of dif- spaces. Since its foundation and installation as well as the com- ferent advertising solutions for the at the beginning of the 21st plete shop fitting.” point of sale. “We have many years century, the company has The company’s reference list in- of experience in this industry and continuously developed its cludes renowned brands such as know which of our solutions work N A E P O R U E business www.european-business.com 20

A E P O R U E Nfood EUROPEAN food blends the flavours of the world with carefully crafted B2B marketing. Our print magazine has been a vital part of the Anuga for 10 years. This year we are expanding our activities to include opportunities through our website european-food.com, digital editions (ePaper), food newsletter and product presen- tations. We help your company to be a part of the exhibition and enjoy the attention of its international visitors – even if you are not represented with a stand at the Anuga 2017. N A E P O R U E business A N U G A 2 0 1 7 www.european-business.com 22