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SPECIAL WESTERN EUROPE 12 Lars Bork Dylander, CEO of 2BM A/S 14 Leif Wartacz, Regional Sales Manager of Elfa Distrelec A/S 21 Bengt Ahlqvist, Area Sales Manager for Europe at Swed- ish Lorry Parts AB 22 Leif Snellman, Operations Director of Oy Karleby Limetec Ab 10 Wolfgang Linster, Managing Director of Georg Schüne- mann GmbH 04 Mike van Snek, CEO of the HVEG Fashion Group 06 Nicolas Bearelle, CEO of Revive NV 08 Piero Manzoni, CEO of NeoruraleHub 16 Paolo Gadotti, Founder and CFO of Adeo Group Spa 3 www.european-business.com 18 Dr. Martin Ferch, Director of Business Development, and Marc Nicolaudius, CEO of MAGNETEC GmbH IMPRINT Publisher: International Business Verlag GmbH Address: Landersumer Weg 40 48431 Rheine Germany Phone: +49 5971 92161-0 Fax: +49 5971 92161-854 info@european-business.com www.european-business.com Editor-in-chief: M. J. Brinkmann N A E P O R U E business
Invisible yet everywhere Interview with Mike van Snek, CEO of the HVEG Fashion Group Everyone knows the big names in the fashion industry; from haute couture to the high street, we are constantly surrounded by familiar brands. In contrast, some names are less well known or even completely obscure, but have an equally huge presence in our lives. The HVEG Fashion Group, headquartered in the Netherlands, is a company which most of us have never heard of, yet its clothing and accessories are all around us, sold under the brand names of a multitude of retailers around Europe. The group itself proclaims: “You don’t see us, but we are everywhere.” With over 30 years in the business, requirements, explains CEO Mike HVEG Fashion is the number one van Snek. “For fashion retailers, private label player in the fashion for example, we design and pro- sector in the Benelux countries, duce complete collections; for su- supplying everything from cloth- permarkets, key demands are that ing and underwear, to shoes, the products are packaged and spectacles and other accessories. must fit the supermarket shelving. The company serves four distinct Our business managers have to customer groups – fashion retail- be aware of new market develop- ers, online retailers, supermarkets, ments, and continually innovate to and discount retailers – and sup- meet emerging demands.” HVEG plies a number of major chains Fashion is proud of its huge ex- in the Netherlands, Germany and pertise. “Our forte is that we make France. “Every group has specific collections that suit our clients; We are financially very strong, and our clients regard us as a one-stop business partner; our business units cover the whole product spectrum. HVEG Fashion’s own brand, Bamboo Basics, was launched in 2018 and is already booming; plans are in hand to develop other new in-house brands N A E P O R U E business HVEG Fashion spe- cializes in private label clothes and accessories for a range of different client groups we produce the goods and even but what we did in the past is not keep stocks for our customers if by definition the way we’ll work in required,” adds Mr. van Snek. The the future. We are very proud that company’s stability is another huge HVEG Fashion has no debts, and advantage which customers value. we are ready to make choices in “We are financially very strong, terms of the way forward.” so retail partners like to work with us. We are regarded as a one-stop One of the choices that HVEG has business partner; each of our made is to diversify the business business units has its own design, and use its expertise and know- merchandising and sales person- how to create new brands of its nel, and collectively they cover the own. The company has recently whole product spectrum,” con- introduced Zense yoga wear and, tinues Mr. van Snek, who was ap- in Q3 2018, it launched Bamboo pointed CEO at the start of 2018. Basics, a range of men’s t-shirts “What really fascinates me about and boxer shorts which are sold this sector is that there is so much both in-store and online. Bamboo going on; the challenge is to find Basics is booming, and HVEG your own way forward,” he says. Fashion is now in the process “Our core business is private label, of acquiring some established www.european-business.com 4
Panorama trade fair in Berlin: a great opportunity for HVEG Fashion’s staff to meet current and prospective clients, and for its own teams to learn from each other Headquartered in Amersfoort, the company has offices in Eindhoven, Gronau and Asia, and a distribution center in Heerenberg; production is outsourced lish how digitalization can make age two-way dialogue between things faster, and will integrate the management and staff. “We want whole chain by creating an infor- to understand the challenges our brands. “If it feels good, we do it,” service. While the company offers mation-sharing portal. “Our reason staff face, and how we can best the CEO underlines. “We treat a a number of ‘speed concepts’, for being is to unburden our cus- address them – that is our role as new brand like a start-up that can including production in Turkey with tomers and support their success,” managers,” Mr. van Snek stresses. be added to the group, a bit like a time to market of just three to six Mr. van Snek emphasizes. HVEG is a somewhat unique ‘plug and play’. It’s important to weeks, in general clients have to By improving the customer experi- company, which continually dif- find the right group of people to predict fashions up to six months ence, this innovative project is ferentiates itself from the competi- market a brand. New teams get all in advance. “We are digitalizing the likely to enhance customer loyalty; tion. “I think our business unit the support they need.” entire supply chain and shortening with great products and a fast sup- structure is hugely advantageous,” the time to market,” notes Mr. van ply chain, there will be no reason the CEO sums up. “It covers the Just as with other industries, Snek. “By speeding up our pro- for clients to look elsewhere. “I tell whole spectrum, and every client digitalization is enhancing the cesses, we can give clients more my staff that you are only as good is allocated a design team in each fashion sector, and HVEG Fashion time to decide what they want.” as your last delivery – we have to relevant unit. In addition, we only is embracing new opportunities This 2019 project will involve close exceed expectations every day,” work with factories which offer to further improve its customer analysis of every process to estab- says the CEO. Not only custom- ethical working conditions, and we If it feels good, we do it. We treat a new brand like a start-up that can be added to the group, a bit like ‘plug and play’. ers are loyal. HVEG fashion prides actively monitor this. This is very itself on its stable team – rare in important for consumers and our the fast-moving fashion sector, and clients; not all suppliers can guar- no doubt due, at least in part, to antee this. All in all, I believe our the open communication culture clients consider us a solid player in at the company. Quarterly staff the market – a great legacy to take meetings keep staff up to date with forward.” new developments and encour- HVEG Fashion Group Databankweg 20 3821 AL Amersfoort The Netherlands +31 33 7523232 +31 33 7523231 The largest private label spectacle specialist in Benelux: HVEG Fash- ion’s reading glasses, contact lenses and sunglasses are sold in drug- stores and supermarkets info@hvegfashiongroup.com www.hvegfashiongroup.com 5 www.european-business.com N A E P O R U E business
Interview with Nicolas Bearelle, CEO of Revive NV Spreading a positive spirit More than a half of the world population lives in urban areas. The ongoing urbanization is one of the central challenges of our times – costs of space to live in the cities are on the rise while the average size of it is decreasing. Against this backdrop, new innovative con- cepts of urban living are in demand. Revive NV from Ghent is a real estate developer that puts great emphasis on building society, not real estate. The company makes the difference – by developing vi- brant living communities where people can live happily. This urban villa will be surrounded by a park Revive follows a clear vision – cre- Depending on personal ambitions ating high-quality, sustainable and and capital, the company offers affordable residential areas, trans- different investment opportuni- forming old industrial sites into ties – large investors buy whole attractive urban neighbourhoods, blocks to rent, smaller ones more making things in a different way. homes or apartments to rent out or “When we founded the company to live there themselves. “We have We are a successful real estate developer because of the way we work; a purpose-driven company in an intensive capital market. ten years ago, we believed that a long-term vision guaranteeing time was ready for change,” says safe investments,” points out Mr. CEO Nicolas Bearelle. “Our main Bearelle. “The decisive factor is ambition was to make the differ- that we are interested in the bal- ence in the real estate sector; a ance between social, ecological traditional sector where innovation and economic added value. We is hard to find.” are a purpose-driven company in a capital-intensive market. We can Together with Piet Colruyt, Nicolas raise the capital to create oppor- Bearelle established Revive in tunities in answering some of the 2009. In 2010, they started the great challenges of our time – the first investment fund and collected creation of affordable, sustainable 20 million EUR and in 2012, a housing. Our investors identify with Revive NV wants to develop urban areas that make inhabitants happy second fund with 60 million EUR this philosophy. They are people was set up, followed by a third – seeing the big picture, looking at Revive’s innovative approach cap- the company has projects in all ‘The Good Life Development Fund’ the whole world.” tures the spirit of the times. Today, major cities in Belgium, in Gda- – in 2016 with 100 million EUR. with a headcount of 35 employees, nsk, Poland, and is searching for N A E P O R U E business www.european-business.com 6
What The Firms in Ghent – Revive’s home base and home to various creative enterprises Revive excels at making non-places places to be new opportunities in France, the good and liveable place. We start that make inhabitants happy, that companies in Europe – and we are Netherlands and Portugal. “We with polluted industrial sites, revive spread a positive spirit. We tackle growing by 20% each year which always look at urban areas that the whole area and create a new problems in easy ways; simplify is huge. We are an ambitious lot. are dynamic, have a good geogra- contemporary city district with the problems, see opportunities and Our mission is to create added phy, high education and enough smallest possible ecological foot- solve the problems.” So far, Re- value for everyone. We generate economic growth combined with print.” innovation, a good public transport vive has developed 17 projects of which six are finalized. Sites urban areas, building CO2-neutral and sustainable areas and helping infrastructure and policies that Revive is keen to create places are large – 3 to 4 ha and up; the cities to manage the transition into support those elements,” sums up where people meet each other, largest one has a size of 16 ha. a new era. At the end of the day, Mr. Bearelle. “We operate in the where private space and open “We looked at 1,000 dossiers we are successful because of the niche market of urban regenera- space go hand in hand, where and bought 17 of them,” states way we work. It is all about doing tion and typically buy real estate whatever the area needs is on of- Mr. Bearelle. “And I am proud of well by doing good.” like old factories with polluted soil, fer – shops, child care facilities, all 17. We are one of only three construction problems, located co-working spaces or an adequate in an environment that poses mobility infrastructure for walking problems. We purchase so called and riding a bike. “Basically, it is distressed assets and add value; very easy,” sums up Mr. Bearelle. we give non-places a place – a “We want to develop urban areas It is all about doing well by doing good. We deliver afford- able houses and additional services and infrastructure – answers to essential challenges of today’s cities. Revive NV Nieuwewandeling 62 9000 Ghent Belgium +32 9 3955020 info@revive.be www.revive.be Enjoying life in green and dynamic Gentbrugge – a new, interesting Revive project 7 www.european-business.com N A E P O R U E business
Interview with Piero Manzoni, CEO of NeoruraleHub Allowing agriculture and biodiversity to co-exist through innovative solutions Agriculture has left an indelible imprint on the landscape, transforming formerly wooded areas into open fields and pastures where modern monocultures have had a detrimental effect on biodiversity, fertility and environment. Are we sure this is the only feasible model to be fol- lowed? NeoruraleHub has demonstrated in Italy that biodiversity can exist alongside agricul- tural production and a return to a natural landscape is possible. By partnering the rural areas with urban development, it is possible to create synergies to transform agricultural suburbs into environmental services providers for the cities, where energy is recovered, waste recy- cled and the resulting enjoyable environment can become the place for promoting innovation and start-ups. NeoruraleHub has created the first real-scale project just 18 km away from the center of Milan. The term ‘neorurale’ has been nothing of wider ecological value rebuilt to encourage native plants by the philosophy of a circular coined to refer to agricultural was set to return part of the land- and fauna to repopulate the area. economy used by nature,” says land that is repopulated with wild scape to its previous natural state The result is a new ecosystem Mr. Manzoni. “Many of the prob- areas to encourage biodiversity and the resulting positive effects on soil fertility and fight against desertification. The concept has been applied to an 1,500 ha area of rural land known as La Cas- Many of the problems with modern agriculture arise from the intensive use of fertilizers. With our methods, we can increase harvests by as much as 36% per hectare while pre- serving soil fertility. lems with modern agriculture arise from the intensive use of chemi- cal fertilizers and insecticides to replace the nutrients taken out of the soil by crops so that the land can be replanted. Learning by sinazza. “The project was initiated while still retaining rice cultiva- where ducks, deer and many other Nature, a new technology, called in 1996,” says CEO Piero Manzoni. tion.” Over time, trees and hedges animals co-exist peacefully with Nutrient Recovery Center, has “When land used for rice cultiva- were planted and water channels, modern agriculture. “The success been developed. Such technology tion in a series of paddy fields and wetlands and the ecosystem was of the project can be explained demonstrated already the capacity The La Cassinazza project is home to 20,000 ducks, seven species of birds of prey, 20,000 pidgeons, all the European airons and 650 free-roaming deer and much more Aerial view of NRC – the Nutrients Recovery Center N A E P O R U E business www.european-business.com 8
NeoruraleHub Innovation Center Giulio Natta 27010 Giussago PAVIA Italy +39 0382 1578201 www.neoruralehub.com Trees and hedges planted in the margins between the rice fields encourage native plants and fauna to repopulate these spaces “Despite the challenges, we re- transformation and distribution. main very optimistic about the This is done at the Innovation future,” insists Mr. Manzoni. “We Center Giulio Natta, within the Ne- have a steady stream of visiting oruraleHub area where renovated academics coming to see what has agricultural buildings have been been achieved here.” converted to host value-added to increase harvests by as much as cation of the EU’s Common Agricul- In NeoruraleHub many other chal- companies, start-ups and laborato- 36% per hectare, while reducing tural Policy. The imminent change lenges have been addressed such ries to cultivate and test innovation. costs and environment impact.” in the CAP should encourage such as energy saving in a very innova- NeoruraleHub also initiated a “By treating organic matters in an an approach and foresees incen- tive way, utilizing the heat content similar project in Kenya where it innovative way and rebuilding eco- systems, we enrich the soil, allowing crops to grow strong and well bal- anced and saving biodiversity,” says Mr. Manzoni. “Together with tech- nology, around the agricultural fields Consumers are looking at agricultural production methods and their impact on the environment and are choosing to pay for food that has been produced ecologically. is supporting the local popula- tion and helping them to cultivate crops preserving natural habitats, and keeping the wildlife safe. NeoruraleHub is even involved in companies in North America. “It we created conditions that encour- tives not just for production but of the water traditionally used for is no secret that we are at an envi- age the proliferation of protecting strictly linked to the contribution, irrigation saving about 40% com- ronmental tipping point in so many ecosystems.” This method is called while producing food, to create posi- pared to traditional technologies. areas,” says Mr. Manzoni. “We Environment Field Margin. What NeoruraleHub achieved has tive externalities such as better CO2 sequestration in soil, less soil degra- Innovations are also studied know that we are doing our part to and developed along the whole improve things – there is no better been possible with the smart appli- dation and landscape regeneration. agri-food industry, up to industrial feeling.” La Cassinazza is a green oasis of biodiversity amid intensive monoculture farming all around The picture shows the result in biodiversity and fertility in 20 years Insects are in decline across Europe with grave consequences for the environment. The La Cassinazza project shows a way to grow crops without decimating fauna 9 www.european-business.com N A E P O R U E business
SAB develops and produces hard-wearing valves and filters operating in some of the harshest environments The new F480 filter is a further development of the F450 and offers higher flow performance Producing profitably in these parts More and more medium-sized enterprises are relying again on Germany as a manufac- turing location instead of expanding to the Far East. With cost benefits getting smaller, other factors such as quality and flexibility are receiving more attention. One of the mid-size companies that makes everything at home is Georg Schünemann GmbH. The valve and filter specialist relies on optimum batch sizes and maximum product availability to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. Georg Schünemann GmbH – also known as SAB, an abbreviation of the company’s former name With the right organization and decisions, you can run a profitable, competitive production operation in Germany. Wolfgang Linster, who joined SAB eleven years ago after having worked for one of the company’s customers. “Later, it started de- Schünemann Anlagen Bremen – gas industry and offshore installa- municipalities, paper mills, power veloping valves for military ships.” designs, produces and markets tions worldwide. The filter portfolio suppliers, steelmakers and many Particularly in the last decade, high-pressure valves, special filters comprises single and duplex fil- other industrial clients. Originally SAB has grown tremendously. and complete filtration systems ters, self-cleaning automatic filters, founded as a tobacco trader in “Today, we employ 70 people and for marine and industrial appli- marine filters and special designs 1937, SAB was newly established have a turnover of 12 to 16 million cations. The company supplies made to meet technically challeng- as a mechanical engineering busi- EUR, depending on project size,” shut-off valves, flow-regulating ing projects or individual customer ness in 1946. “At the start, the explains Mr. Linster, whose leader- valves, safety valves, distributors, requirements. Custom- company focused ship style is based on partnership pressure reducers and complete ers include shipyards, on filters,” and flat hierarchies. “I am in close valve systems to the German and chemical and pet- says Manag- touch with our staff, at every level international navies, shipyards, the rochemical firms, ing Director of the company. A cooperative N A E P O R U E business www.european-business.com 10
Interview with Wolfgang Linster, Managing Director of Georg Schünemann GmbH Made from high-strength spheroidal graphite iron, SAB duplex filters are ideal for continuous operation High quality manifolds operating at pressures up to 400 bars competitive advantage.” We want to acquire new customers through unique product solutions that add value to our customers’ processes. SAB is also following up with robotics and additive manufacturing atmosphere is very important for a but especially for our valves which technologies such as 3D motivated workforce. It is important are designed for pressures of up to printing to enhance its to analyze existing procedures and 400 bars,” states Mr. Linster. SAB competitive position fur- improve them if necessary, but it is a highly international business ther. “Our goal is to be among the the company will is even more important to involve with customers across the globe. frontrunners in these areas in our continue to modernize each individual employee in this The company works together with industry,” states Mr. Linster. “The its manufacturing equipment and process. We have a very informal international distribution partners challenge lies in keeping qualified push new product development. work climate, which is appreciated and exports a lot to Europe, South jobs for our employees over the “Particularly in the filter segment, by most but not everyone. But I Korea, India and the Arabian next ten or 20 years.” In the near we want to acquire new custom- believe it is better to be authentic Peninsula. In contrast to this, it future, SAB will implement several ers through new, unique product than a pretender.” is firmly rooted in Germany as a construction measures to adapt solutions that add value to our manufacturing location. “We make its production capacity to growing customers’ processes,” explains The product offering of SAB is almost everything at home,” says market demand. At the same time, Mr. Linster. complemented by comprehensive Mr. Linster. “With the right organi- services ranging from emergency zation and the right decisions, you repairs to periodical maintenance can run a profitable, competitive through to spare parts deliveries production operation in Germany. and continuous research and de- The secret of our success lies in velopment. “We help our custom- batch size optimization. We define ers design new products, develop our lot sizes with the objective of customer-specific solutions and attaining maximum profitability. create new, innovative valve and In addition, unlike many of our filter products to meet changing competitors, we attach great im- market demands,” Mr. Linster portance to maximum product describes the company’s R&D availability and have a rather large strategy. In all new developments, stock that enables us to meet first-rate quality is given top prior- customer demands at the shortest ity. “This goes for all our products notice. This gives us a significant 11 www.european-business.com Georg Schünemann GmbH Buntentorsdeich 1 28201 Bremen Germany +49 421 559090 +49 421 5590940 info@sab-bremen.de www.sab-bremen.de N A E P O R U E business
Interview with Lars Bork Dylander, CEO of 2BM A/S Direct contact and open dialogues are key tools when it comes to 2BM finding the right solutions for clients’ needs Lars Bork Dylander is CEO and founder of 2BM A/S, the largest privately owned SAP consultancy in Denmark Mastering SAP in digital transformation For countless companies worldwide, one software solution has been an absolute godsend: SAP. It structures and streamlines company processes, no matter the area of business or the size of the company. Due to SAP’s market presence over the last four decades, other com- panies have been developing in line with it to support SAP users with advice and customized solutions. One such company is 2BM A/S, headquartered in Copenhagen. Since its establish- ment in 2000, 2BM has grown to become the largest privately owned SAP consulting busi- ness in Denmark, but SAP is not the only feather in 2BM’s cap. The Danish consultancy 2BM is specialists know how to combine a leading specialist for SAP en- business acumen with digital ex- terprise solutions and software, pertise to offer the right solution. throughout Scandinavia and is “When push comes to shove, we a preferred partner for SAP. The put business first,” notes Mr. Dy- Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things are really changing the game. We need to help our clients understand what they gain from them and why they need to change. name 2BM actually comes from its lander, describing the priorities. Dylander notes. “We also offer fa- cites an example. “It’s a matter of driving concept: to be mobile. “We “The technology has to suit the cility management solutions for en- both safety and security, especially have focused on mobile software people using it and how they need terprises to maintain its factories.” in the energy and rail sectors.” from the start,” says Lars Bork Dy- to work, not the other way around.” In addition, 2BM provides apps for lander, CEO and founder of 2BM. warehousing and stock manage- Active solely in the B2B market, “We then created an SAP consult- In the field of digital solutions, ment. Another field of expertise is many of 2BM’s mobile solutions ing group, and over the years, that 2BM especially focuses on main- in qualification audit. “The national relate to Industry 4.0 or the In- has become our primary focus. tenance and facility management. grid in the US has to know that the ternet of Things. “Digitization is SAP accounts for 70% of our rev- “One of our references here is people working in high-voltage ar- driving immense change. Every enues today.” 2BM is a full-service Danske Statsbaner, the Danish eas or with direct access to back- day, there are new breakthroughs SAP partner, covering all aspects Railways, whose employees man- end systems have the right quali- that each contain the potential of the core of SAP, including HR. age track maintenance all over the fications to do the work or even to alter the world as we know it. The company’s 100 highly skilled country via tablet computer,” Mr. have access to the area,” the CEO Many companies have experi- N A E P O R U E business www.european-business.com 12
2BM has a team of 100 highly skilled experts who know how to combine business with technology for the best solution Tackling the challenges of Industry 4.0 and Internet of Things involves helping cli- ents understand why they need to change and how they can benefit enced the digital transformation. New technologies and services continually demand more of us as human beings, which requires companies to focus more on the employees in the process. They’re We’re working on IOT and AI concepts to be one step ahead of our clients. When it comes time to implement the solu- tions for them, we’ll already have several years’ experience and be better equipped to advise them. will be for production companies. Then there are businesses, like malls, which benefit from several of our solutions, such as security, maintenance and facility manage- ment.” really changing the game,” Mr. “We’re working on IOT and artifi- an office in Malmö.” Nonethe- Dylander emphasizes. “We need to cial intelligence concepts to be one less, 2BM is striving to gain a 2BM’s greatest challenge this help our clients understand what step ahead of our clients,” the CEO foothold in China and Singapore, year will be the transition to the they gain from digital transforma- continues. “That way, when the and obtain greater traction in the new SAP S/4 HANA system. “It tion, exponential mindset and In- time comes to implement the solu- US and Europe. “The German can mean big changes for some dustry 4.0. It’s important for them tions for them, we’ll already have market is very appealing to us,” companies, so it is important that to understand why the change is several years’ experience and be the CEO says. “There are quite a we support them, not only during necessary, why they can’t stick to better equipped to advise them.” few major brands we’d like to add the transition itself but also before the way things used to be.” Two to our reference list.” In terms of that, during the planning phase,” major skill sets are required for The company largely provides its sectors, there is no one industry Mr. Dylander explains. Regardless this undertaking. First of all, 2BM consultancy services in Denmark, where 2BM is at home. “Human of the actual work to be done, the has to listen to its clients carefully while its mobile solution activities resources solutions can be applied CEO holds steadfastly to his vision: to understand how they work and are more international. Altogether, to any sector,” Mr. Dylander says. to invest in knowledge and exper- what they need. Direct contact and 2BM operates in 15 countries “Some solutions are better for tise to offer clients the best advice open dialogue are the two tools and eight languages, serving certain areas than others. For ex- possible. at work to master this task. Once the United States and Europe in ample, our work with Industry 4.0 2BM knows how the company particular. It hopes to acquire its works, it can advise the client on first client in China soon. “In the where it would benefit and what future, the Nordic countries will can be upgraded. The consultancy remain our most important region, also has to provide the means with which is good because they’re which its clients can operate at the also the easiest for us to serve,” next level, so 2BM exerts the in- Mr. Dylander concedes. “Sweden, novative strength essential to stay- for instance, is a huge market for ing at the forefront of technology. us for consulting. We even have 2BM A/S Livjægergade 17 2100 Copenhagen Denmark +45 35 555575 info@2bm.com www.2bm.com 13 www.european-business.com N A E P O R U E business
Interview with Leif Wartacz, Regional Sales Manager of Elfa Distrelec A/S A company on the move From humble beginnings as a family-owned, Swedish based compa- ny, to the successful adoption into the Datwyler portfolio, Elfa Dis- trelec is now one of the leading electronics suppliers in Europe. Since 2008, the company has undergone rapid growth in response to the needs of their newly merged supplier and customer networks. Their promise: to deliver a truly personalised customer experience. EB: Elfa Distrelec’s experience now shifted from the former focus Leif Wartacz: The resources that EB: Elfa Distrelec promises to de- as an electronics supplier spans of pure electronics, to a much became available have allowed for liver within 24 hours of receiving more than 70 years. How has your broader range of electromechani- locally based, highly knowledge- an order to most of Europe. What product portfolio changed over the cal components, tools and auto- able sales managers, guiding their are the most important factors in last decades and what were the mation equipment. teams in localised offices to deliver building up a logistics system that biggest changes and challenges to personalised customer support, as makes this possible? your business? well as access to an industry lead- Leif Wartacz: Since 1945, Elfa Datwyler Group, a global industry over 17 languages. ships with strategic courier part- EB: You are part of the Swiss ing digital platform, available in Leif Wartacz: Due to solid relation- Distrelec has grown from delivering supplier. How does Elfa Distrelec primarily electronics and electrical benefit from being part of a major, components, to offering an exten- multinational group? sive line of test and measurement tools, to now having the capacity to provide industry knowledge, appli- cation advice and expertise in the robotics and automation industry. With the business now six times its original size, the supply chain has had significant changes in order to sustain the rapidly growing product line and shipping demands across Europe. The product range has ners, we are able to offer next day delivery to 90 to 95% of industrial areas across Europe. Elfa Distrelec benefits from a cohesive network of systems where sales, warehouse management and courier transport management processes are all aligned. Through significant invest- ment in internal infrastructure, inclusive of our warehouse manage- ment system, Elfa Distrelec has the capacity to pick and pack certain articles from the warehouse within two hours of the order being placed. N A E P O R U E business www.european-business.com 14
Elfa Distrelec A/S Haslegårdsvej 8-12 8210 Aarhus V Denmark +45 8624 6422 +45 8624 6433 danmark@elfadistrelec.com www.elfadistrelec.com EB: Your mission is ‘We are satis- ing their bespoke requirements ers demand a more personalised fied only when we know you are!’ and treating them as partners, we experience, and it is our mission to How are you achieving this goal can deliver a more personalised provide that. today and what are your plans to response to their needs. Key to maintain this high level of cus- this is providing customer support EB: The responsible treatment tomer service in the future? in the local language, with highly of resources is part of your com- Leif Wartacz: Through commit- market knowledge to better under- as a pioneer. What are your ways ment to supporting our customers stand project requirements. For us of protecting our planet now and in trained staff who can share local pany’s identity, you regard yourself and their business at each stage at Elfa Distrelec, it is not enough the future? of their procurement, understand- to offer the basics, our custom- Leif Wartacz: As an importer of large amounts of electrical equip- ment, such as batteries and ac- cumulators, Elfa Distrelec is a of similar products are removed member of waste management from the market and recycled compliance schemes in each appropriately. Elfa Distrelec also country it operates in. Each year, implements a supplier screening the business provides detailed process, requiring written declara- sales information to the compli- tions and in some cases evidence ance schemes and, based on of chemical testing to ensure the these reports, pays fees to ensure products sold do not contain any that in the next year, quantities restricted substances. 15 www.european-business.com N A E P O R U E business
Projecting success in audio and video systems Hotels and businesses around the world count on projection equip- ment and audio systems to put on banquets and other larger events successfully. The Italian company Adeo Group Spa is an expert in professional audio and video equipment in addition to systems for home use. Not only does it sell and distribute these systems, it also produces the equipment through its Polish subsidiary, Adeo Screen. Businesses are not the only ones Adeo Group spa is a provider of and CEO of Adeo Screen Sp Z o.o. who require top-of-the-line audio both professional and home audio Poland. and video systems. Where would and video systems and through its Adeo Screen produces top-quality screens for video projection modern home entertainment be subsidiary Adeo Screen Sp z.o.o. Among its more recent innova- without state-of-the-art audio and in Poland is a leading manufactur- tions, Adeo Group has designed “Our biggest direct customers are video systems? There would be no er of projection screens. “We offer and developed an innovative pro- distributors and system integrators pleasure in Super Bowl or World all sorts of professional projection fessional home cinema system, for professional grade home cine- Cup parties, no at-home cinema screen systems, many different which will be implemented and mas, audio and video systems. Our experience, no music to set the projection surfaces, necessary for offered in hotels as an entertain- projection screens are very popular mood for dates, dinners or holiday presentations and video projec- ment service for guests. “We have and successful among famous film get-togethers. The latest ultramod- tions at universities, companies agreements with film studios, film companies, wealthy clients and ern audio and video equipment is and professional-grade home cine- production companies in Holly- famous directors.” in high demand at home and in mas,” says Paolo Gadotti, Founder wood and streaming services for professional settings. and CFO of Adeo Group Spa Italy the development of small cinema Screen Research, a French company acquired by Adeo Screen in 2010, is a leading provider of projection screens N A E P O R U E business packages to create hotel movie theaters for about ten viewers,” Mr. Gadotti describes the new creation: “These private movie theaters, which we’ll be offering to hotels under the brand Adeum Cinema Suite, will allow them to We are a leading producer and distributor of home and professional audio and video systems and home cinema equipment in Italy and Europe. offer current films at the same time Adeo Group Spa Italy was estab- as cinemas throughout the city.” lished in Lavis, Italy near Trento in 1989 as the exclusive distribu- Adeo Screen produces a huge tor of the brand Sanyo, a leading variety of rolling screens, projec- specialist in video products, which tion surfaces, framed and fixed was taken over by Panasonic in screens. “We are a leading pro- the 1990s. In 2006, Adeo Group ducer and distributor of home and sought to expand its production professional solutions throughout site and made investments. Trento Europe,” Mr. Gadotti points out. proved unsuitable for the group, www.european-business.com 16
Interview with Paolo Gadotti, Founder and CFO of Adeo Group Spa Adeo Group was founded by Paolo Gadotti (right) and has a production subsidiary called Adeo Screen Sp. Z o.o. in Poland (above) however, so it looked abroad and mestic market,” Mr. Gadotti says. fond Zlotoryja, Poland, where it still 25% of Adeo’s projection screens operates its production facilities are exported to Italy, 25% stay in as Adeo Screen Sp Z o.o. a 100% the domestic market Poland, and subsidiary of the group. The ac- the remaining 50% are sent to quisition of the French company international customers, largely in Screen Research in 2010 allowed Europe. the group to broaden its horizons even further. “The company was and still is a leading provider of state-of-the-art video projection screens designed for custom home theaters and commercial and pro- fessional cinema applications,” Mr. Gadotti notes. “All of the projec- tion screen systems we design at The best design and the best equipment of the highest quality is still produced by our long-standing suppliers in the domestic market. Screen Research, are produced at With 25 employees at the group’s our Polish facilities.” The group’s headquarters in Italy and an ad- R&D and design activities take ditional 23 at Adeo Screen, Adeo is place at the headquarters in Italy. confident about its future endeav- The vast majority of its suppliers ors. “All of my partners and I need- are Italian, a decision made after ed great passion and a lot of effort comparing other suppliers from to invest in and establish an im- other countries in Europe. “The portant production facility for video best design and the best quality projection screens in Poland,” Mr. equipment is still produced by our Gadotti says. “We are happy and long-standing suppliers in the do- proud of this investment and that 17 www.european-business.com Adeo Screen produces projection screens, such as Elegance motorized version, for professional and home cinemas use the equipment produced there we can count on our young, well- is if the highest quality with huge trained Polish employees.” success. We are also pleased that Adeo Group Spa Via della Zarga, 50 38015 Lavis (TN) Italy +39 0461 248211 +39 0461 245038 info@adeoproav.it www.adeoproav.it Adeo Screen Sp. Z o.o. ul. B. Krzywoustego 31 59-500 Zlotoryja Poland +48 76 8505301 +48 76 8505370 info@adeoscreen.com www.adeoscreen.com N A E P O R U E business
Interview with Dr. Martin Ferch, Director of Business Development, and Marc Nicolaudius, CEO of MAGNETEC GmbH High performers in compact shape Its products can be found in every other ground fault circuit breaker in Germany and Europe, its main activities are in fast evolving markets such as renewable energies, e-mobility and smart meters, and its customers comprise automotive industry leaders, including electric car pioneer Tesla. As an expert in electromagnetic compatibility, MAGNETEC GmbH supplies soft magnetic tape wound cores for all types of power electronics applications. Made from a spe- cial nanocrystalline material NANOPERM®, the cores are exceptionally high in performance but very low in weight and compact in design. MAGNETEC is a medium-sized units, air conditioning systems and the transformation of the energy nanocrystalline, soft magnetic, enterprise specialized in magnetic a broad range of industrial manu- system as integral components in iron-based alloy that offers several engineering and power electron- facturing equipment. In the auto- wind turbine generators, photovol- benefits. “The material ideally ics. Based in Langenselbold in Hesse, Germany, the company develops and manufactures high- permeability tape wound ring cores We are a problem solver and solution provider. combines high permeability and low losses at high frequencies,” explains Dr. Martin Ferch, Director of Business Development. “These for industrial, automotive, energy motive industry, they safeguard taic plants and electronic energy characteristics make it suitable for and safety applications. The prod- the electromagnetic compatibility meters. The fourth major market many applications.” uct range comprises a wide selec- (EMC) of the vehicles’ electrical segment served by MAGNETEC is tion of standard cores as well as system and are part of residual safety where the company’s cores Established in 1984, MAGNETEC custom-engineered solutions for current devices for personal safety are built into all kinds of residual is celebrating its 35th anniversary special applications. MAGNETEC in stationary and mobile charg- current devices to ensure personal this year. “We started with cores cores are used in frequency con- ing devices for electric cars. The safety. All MAGNETEC cores are for ground fault circuit breakers, verters, switching power supply company’s cores also support made from NANOPERM, a special a very common product found Compared to conventional ferrite solutions, MAGNETEC single and multiple phase common-mode chokes are up to 60% more compact in design Current transformers for energy applications used in smart meters, wallboxes and charge couplers for e-cars N A E P O R U E business www.european-business.com 18
Made from nanocrystalline material: CoolBLUE toroids and NANOPERM line absorb- ers (NaLA) for industrial filter applications CEO Marc Nicolaudius (right) and Dr. Martin Ferch, Director of Business Develop- ment, with a Tesla Model 3 in every household,” states Dr. Finland, China, India and the USA. of our products, their nanocrys- a medium-sized enterprise. We are Ferch. “Today, we have 50% of “We want to be the world leading talline structure, their compact now an automotive supplier and the European market in this seg- provider of value adding solu- design, light weight and superior see great potential in this market ment.” MAGNETEC employs 700 tions in the field of soft magnetic energy efficiency, make them because we offer very short times people and generates revenues products,” Dr. Ferch describes the ideal for e-mobility applications,” to market, from designing a new of 40 million EUR. “The goal is vision of the magnetic engineering states Dr. Ferch who was one of core to making it ready for serial to double our sales within the specialist. In particular, MAG- the first Tesla drivers in Germany production. In an almost disrup- next five years,” says Dr. Ferch. NETEC aims to achieve its vision and Europe. “Four years ago, we tive market like e-mobility where Owned by the second generation of three families, the company has a long-term orientation and focuses on achieving healthy, sustainable growth. In addition to Renewable energies, e-mobility, the smart grid – that is our common theme. everything changes so quickly, this is a major competitive advantage.” Another differentiating characteris- tic of MAGNETEC is that the great majority of the company’s cores the headquarter in Langenselbold, in rapidly growing markets such helped Tesla solve a specific tech- are individually tailored products. MAGNETEC has manufacturing as renewable energies, e-mobility nical problem. Since then, we have “We are a problem solver and plants in Hungary and China and and the development of the smart been supplying the electric vehicle solution provider,” Dr. Ferch de- sales representatives in Denmark, grid. “The special characteristics pioneer. Not a bad achievement for scribes how he sees the company. The strengths of MAGNETEC are probably best summarized in the company’s slogan ‘Small size – big performance’. “We are hidden champions,” says Dr. Ferch. “You cannot see our components. But you can see when they are not there because something critical is missing then.” Operating in a niche market with very specific requirements, MAG- NETEC is one of the technology leaders in this segment worldwide. “In many cases, we define new N A E P O R U E business The MAGNETEC team comprises 700 people at the headquarters in Langenselbold and manufacturing plants in Hungary and China 19 www.european-business.com
Interview with Dr. Martin Ferch, Director of Business Development, and Marc Nicolaudius, CEO of MAGNETEC GmbH Dr. Martin Ferch, Director of Business Development (right), with Tesla CEO Elon Musk MAGNETEC organizes regular sales conferences with its representatives from Ger- many and abroad In brief Core Competence Magnetic engineering and power electronics Facts & Figures • Founded: 1984 • Structure: medium-sized enterprise • Branch offices: Hungary, China • Employees: 700 • Turnover: 40 million EUR • Export: 60-70% (Europe, North America, Asia) Products & Services High-permeability tape wound ring cores (standard cores, CoolBLUE toroids, NANOPERM line absorbers (NaLA), NANOP- ERM low mu-cores, single/multiple phase chokes, CoolTUBE core sets, low cost cores, cut cores) Target Groups Industry, Automotive, Energy, Safety Fairs & Exhibitions PCIM Nuremberg, electronica (worldwide) Philosophy Small size – big performance: highly efficient magnetic cores in compact design Future Sustainable development and technological progress in four defined market segments: Industry, Automotive, Energy and Safety market trends and are the first to sector. “We are an Aston Martin develop solutions for new applica- that is becoming more and more a tions,” explains Dr. Ferch. “We are Volkswagen,” Dr. Ferch makes an constantly questioning ourselves apt comparison. “We are commit- and looking where we can shape ted to actively contributing to the new developments in magnetic en- transformation of the energy sys- gineering and power electronics,” tem. Renewable energies, e-mo- adds CEO Marc Nicolaudius. While bility, the smart grid – that is our being in a niche industry, MAG- common theme.” “It is all about NETEC is increasingly expanding sustainable market development, its presence in some of the most making an impact on technological dynamically evolving markets in progress in a sustainable, positive the context of the energy revolu- way,” concludes Mr. Nicolaudius. tion, especially in the automotive MAGNETEC GmbH Industriestrasse 7 63505 Langenselbold Germany +49 6184 92020 +49 6184 920220 magnetec@magnetec.de www.magnetec.de N A E P O R U E business www.european-business.com 20
Interview with Bengt Ahlqvist, Area Sales Manager for Europe at Swedish Lorry Parts AB Mr Bengt Ahlqvist and his colleagues at SLP provide clients all over the world with great service and spare parts of a quality comparable to that of OEM parts SLP is headquartered in the southwestern part of Stockholm and has an automated warehouse about 200 km to the west in Kumla, with up to 14,000 parts in stock As good as new Swedish Lorry Parts AB sources and produces spare parts, suitable for Volvo and Scania, that are as good as or better than original parts. The company is headquartered on the outskirts of Stockholm. With 45 employees and a flexible base of 20 agency staff, SLP realizes a turn- over of 19 million EUR and supports customers all over the world. “In the last five years we have accessories, and is continuously senger cars. In 1991, he founded tion is important for the company’s enjoyed a continuous increase in expanding its range. The company SLP with its current focus on activities. “When a particular re- our turnover, with growth of around offers between 13,000 and 14,000 heavy goods vehicles and trucks, gion slows down, we do have the 10%,” says Bengt Ahlqvist, who items, 95% of which are mostly expanding it later on to include opportunity to focus elsewhere, be- is responsible for European sales delivered from stock. “We provide off-road and construction vehicles. cause we serve customers in over as Area Sales Manager. “60% of a high level of service in combina- In 2014, SLP decided to develop 90 countries in the world.” the spare parts we sell are sourced tion with high quality products,” spare parts for Scania as well. from different suppliers, while the Mr. Alhqvist notes. “Our founder The company has a particularly other 40% are produced according to our own drawings.” At present, SLP provides spare parts, suitable for Volvo and Scania, heavy goods vehicles, trucks, busses and off- road vehicles. Most heavy goods We are one of the strongest independent suppliers of high quality spare parts for heavy vehicles. vehicles have a Volvo motor, as the always insisted on a quality level strong presence in Europe and brand has a long history, while the that is comparable to that of spare South America. Close to home, the market for Scania parts has great parts by the original manufac- Nordic region and Russia are the potential to keep growing. The turer.” spare parts sold most are motor most important markets. “North America is a huge market and is components, like cylinders, repair Founder and owner Mr. Lars one of our main target markets kits for overhauling motors and so Hedlund started his activities in for further expansion, along with on, but SLP also provides parts spare parts in the 1970s, at first Germany and Italy,” observes Mr. for transmissions, mirrors and with parts suitable for Volvo pas- Ahlqvist. The global political situa- 21 www.european-business.com Swedish Lorry Parts AB Hans Stahles väg 7 14741 Tumba Sweden +46 8 55597800 +46 8 55597898 info@slp.se www.slp.se N A E P O R U E business
Interview with Leif Snellman, Operations Director of Oy Karleby Limetec Ab Easy to load and unload: a custom-built Limetec semitrailer with doors that conveniently open to the side Limetec dollies are high in quality and functionality and low in weight and maintenance Making life easier It is in a rather traditional line of business but among the fastest evolving competitors in the sector: Oy Karleby Limetec Ab aims to grow by 40% this year and by another 30% in 2020. The Finnish manufacturer of trailers and related transport solutions has ambitious growth plans and is increasingly expanding beyond Scandinavia to the rest of Europe. Its strengths lie in genuinely customer-specific vehicles and special solutions that make life easier, such as doors that open to the side or roofs that can be opened by remote control from the driver’s cabin. Limetec designs and manufactures Snellman describes the difference. markets are the Baltic countries, Limetec started manufacturing heavy goods transport solutions At its factory in Kokkola in western the Netherlands, Russia, Switzer- trailers and boxes for trucks and including trailers, truck superstruc- Finland, Limetec has two separate land and the UK.” kept developing new solutions. tures and dollies. The trailer range assembly lines for its two product “Today, we offer a complete port- includes full trailers, semitrailers, lines. Nevertheless, production is Limetec was established only in folio,” says Mr. Snellman. With city trailers and center-axle trailers highly efficient because customiza- 1994 but has more than 60 years over 60 employees and a turnover as well as trailers for temperature- controlled transports. The com- pany also produces a wide choice of truck superstructures for bulk, We do what the client wants, we are a solution partner. of twelve million EUR for last year, Limetec is a medium-sized player in the Nordic market. “We expect this year’s sales to reach around refrigerated and dangerous goods tion takes place only in the final of experience in the transport 17 million EUR. The main growth transport applications and high- stages of the assembly process. sector. “We started as a service comes from the dollies. We have quality, low-weight dollies. The In addition, the company provides for Ahola Transport, which is also special know-how and solutions in product range comprises two dis- maintenance and spare parts ser- based in Kokkola and was founded this segment. Our goal is to grow. tinct lines: Limetec Next and Lime- vices. “We have dealers and ser- in 1955,” explains Mr. Snellman. In the past, we were limited by our tec Specials. “Limetec Next is our vice points across Finland, Norway “Ahola Transport is one of the size, but now we have paved the standard product line, and Limetec and Sweden,” states Mr. Snellman. largest privately owned logistics way for achieving a new market Specials offers individually tailored “Our biggest market is Sweden. providers in the Nordic region, and level.” solutions,” Operations Director Leif Besides Scandinavia, our main we are now part of the Group.” N A E P O R U E business www.european-business.com 22
Limetec presents its trailers and superstructures at truck trade shows throughout Scandinavia Limetec offers a wide range of high-quality full trailers, all built to meet individual customer needs Our vision is to grow to 50 million EUR in revenues in the coming years. Owned by the four founding the solution was great,” states Mr. brothers, Limetec is known in the Snellman. “We have many satis- market for its special solutions like fied customers who are our best trailers with doors that conveni- advertising. Apart from that, we ently open to the side and thus are exhibit at various truck trade fairs, easier to handle. “We have our including Hanover’s IAA Commer- own special system that works cial Vehicles, and focus on social better than other systems, and the media.” In particular, Limetec back of the trailer is made of stain- wants to grow abroad. “We started less steel,” explains Mr. Snellman. in Switzerland and Poland, are now “And the floors are very heavy entering Germany and the next and among the best available in country will be Italy,” Mr. Snellman the market.” Of course, Limetec describes the internationalization offers standard trailers and super- strategy of the dynamically evolv- structures, too, but the company’s ing company. “There are many strength lies in customer-specific new possibilities and challenges solutions. “Everything depends as well.” To support its growth on the kind of transport they do,” ambitions, Limetec does a lot of says Mr. Snellman. “Some need research and development that re- special axles, others open tops that sults in new, high quality transport can be opened with a joy-stick by solutions. “We never stand still,” the driver. We do what the client says Mr. Snellman. “Our vision is wants, we are a solution partner.” to grow to 50 million EUR in reve- Its solution-oriented approach nues in the coming years. The only has brought Limetec many loyal thing that could prevent us from customers across Scandinavia. achieving that goal is the growing “Often, customers try us once and skills shortage. We desperately many of them come back because need qualified people.” 23 www.european-business.com Oy Karleby Limetec Ab Isokalliontie 4 67600 Kokkola Finland +358 20 7475000 +358 20 7475444 lars.ahola@limetec.fi www.limetec.fi Limetec serves the Swedish temperature-controlled specialist Widéns and many other Scandinavian transport businesses N A E P O R U E business
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