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Interview with Luca Vici, President of Vici & C. SpA A new way of measuring Ask any manufacturing company how it can best improve profit- ability and the answer is likely to involve increasing productivity. For manufacturers of turned cylindrical parts, Vici & C. SpA in Italy offers the latest innovation to take productivity to the next level, even for smaller batches. The new Vicivision Techno series of optical measur- ing machines allows every part produced on a CNC lathe to be meas- ured within the production environment, thereby guaranteeing that time is saved. The new Vicivision Techno range Mercedes, amongst others.” The the production environment with from Vici & C. SpA represents a new Techno range enhances flex- the possibility to implement a sin- revolution in the industry and has ibility through a number of innova- gle measuring system to monitor made correspondingly big waves at tions. With measurement capacity tolerances on as many as 30 CNC the industry fairs where it has been from 40 to 180 mm in diameter lathes. “Enhancing productivity presented. “We launched the new and 300 to 1,250 mm in length, was the key priority in the develop- Techno range at this year’s Control the modular range of the Techno ment and design of the Techno exhibition in Stuttgart, Germany, series can provide customers with series,” says Mr. Vici. “The Techno and were more than satisfied by the most suitable machine for their series offers an ergonomic piece the amount of interest it gener- production and meet both current clamping lever featuring a wider ated,” says President Luca Vici, and future demands. grip, preventing obstruction of whose parents founded the com- the view when clamping and un- pany in 1977. “It comes at a fitting One of the key advantages is di- clamping the piece. Additionally, moment in our history as we cel- ebrated our 40th anniversary this mensional control directly on the retractable sensors enabled dur- production floor. This saves time ing loading and unloading provide year by looking back on four dec- by allowing measurement within reinforcement, alongside the new ades of growth and innovation.” The Rimini-based company has been developing optical systems since 2000. “We diversified from our traditional activity making electrical cabinets, on-board ap- plications and industrial automa- tion systems in order to add a new string to our bow,” explains Mr. Vici. “We now generate 30% of our turnover from optical measuring machines sold under our Vicivi- sion brand to major clients such as Thyssen Krupp, Rolex, Fiat and The new Techno range of optical measuring devices generated a lot of positive in- terest when launched at this year’s Control exhibition in Stuttgart www.european-business.com 4 Vici & C. SpA Via J. Gutenberg, 5 47822 Santarcangelo di Romagna (RN) Italy  +39 0541 350411  +39 0541 623897  info@vici.it  www.vicivision.com www.metrios.net Immediate inspection ensures reduced downtime and increased productivity Techno measuring systems can operate next to multiple CNC lathes N A E P O R U E business

››› Interview with Luca Vici, President of Vici & C. SpA The new generation of Metrios measuring machines features an even larger measur- ing field In brief Core Competence Manufacturer of electric cabinets and optical measuring devices Facts & Figures • Founded: 1977 • Structure: Family-owned company • Branch offices: Germany and the USA • Employees: 140 • Turnover: 55 million EUR projected for 2017 • Export: between 25 and 30% Products & Services • Electrical panels, on board applications, industrial automation • Optical measuring machines • After sales service and support Target Groups • Manufacturers of turned parts in the automotive, dental implant, medical technology sectors • Manufacturers of automated production machinery Fairs & Exhibitions Control in Stuttgart, Samumetal in Pordenone, Mecspe in Parma, Bimu in Milan Philosophy Deliver on time and within budget Future Continue to grow in export markets N A E P O R U E business Vici & C. works closely together with manufacturers of automated machinery in the wood process- ing, packaging, medical, alu- minium processing and cutting and turning industries to develop high-performance, highly efficient machines. “Our research and development department assists our clients in the development stages of their product, providing the benefit our our expertise in mechanical, electromechanical, electronic and software design to make a better product,” says Mr. Vici. “We also offer flexibility in pro- duction. As our panels are assem- bled by hand and are based on a modular construction, they can be adapted. This is the case in 90% of the panels we deliver.” As a family-owned company, Vici & C. is defined by the human factor. “Our company is made of people, and we want their voice to be heard,” insists Mr. Vici. “Here we make and create things that are born out of people’s ideas. We wel- come those ideas wherever they come from, whether it is from the shop floor or the president’s office. Everyone’s input is valued and rewarded. As the head of the com- pany, I feel it is my responsibility each day to do the best I can for the people who work here.” ❙ Metrios systems feature an intuitive touch screen command system The new Metrios machine ushers in a new way of measuring Simply place the piece to be measured on the screen and the machine does the rest Metrios enables dimensional in- spection on the shopfloor

Interview with Theo Cornielje, Regional Director EMEA at Hypertherm Europe B.V. Cutting to the chase: planning for a secure future ‘Our people are at the heart of our business’ – a statement that is often made, but one which is not always supported by actions. No one could accuse the American firm Hypertherm of empty words; all 1,400 employees, or associates, to use the correct Hypertherm terminol- ogy, are shareholders of the firm, bringing enormous benefits for both staff and customers. The manufacturer of plasma cutting machines for metal work is represented in the EMEA re- gion by Hypertherm Europe B.V., headquartered in the Netherlands. The subsidiary is respon- sible for sales of the advanced cutting technology, which is produced exclusively in the United States. Hypertherm was founded in 1968 cal support, logistics, and finance leads to an ionization of the gas, tral, and we try to design products by Dick Couch, who is still actively across the EMEA region. The causing the metal to melt, and that are application specific. This involved as Chairman of the Board. company supplies plasma cutters superfluous material is removed.” has enabled us to develop a wide Today, the company belongs not for metal. “Unlike laser or waterjet In contrast to other technologies, range of standard machinery.” to Mr. Couch but to its associates. technology, plasma cutters use plasma equipment can cut thick Digitalization has also made its “All of our associates share in our gases heated to extremely high metals at high speed, offering the mark. “Digitalization is starting stock program and therefore jointly temperatures,” explains Mr. Corn- customer a significant increase in to impact every manufacturer,” own the company,” says Regional ielje. “Different gases – known as productivity. “Today there is a clear continues the Regional Director. Director EMEA Theo Cornielje. ionized gases – are selected, de- shift in our internal development,” “Accordingly, we have to prepare “This offers tremendous advan- pending on what type of metal is to Mr. Cornielje points out. “The way our tools to deal with this. The best tages for our associates, of course, be cut. For example, to cut steel, the equipment will be used is cen- solution would be if machinery had but their increased motivation oxygen is heated to a temperature and sense of ownership creates of 30,000 °C. The temperature just two buttons – on and off – but, unfortunately, we are still a long Hypertherm’s XPR 300 plasma cutting system can sever metals of up to 80 mm thickness and pierce up to 50 mm huge benefits for our customers too. Mr. Couch’s motivation was never purely to maximize profit. It was also to secure the long-term existence of the firm through the well-being of staff, their communi- ties and the environment. This philosophy is fully anchored in the company. Today, every associate is given four paid days to under- take community work. Over time, this has created a huge level of pride, and our associates continue to support local causes enthusi- astically and with a real sense of pleasure.” Hypertherm Europe is responsible for sales and market- ing, customer service and techni- N A E P O R U E business www.european-business.com 8

Interview with Thomas Lang, Managing Director of dtms GmbH Intelligent communication is key Interrupted availability of customer services as well as slow, expensive and poor services in call centers – getting into contact with a company, organization or public authorities often proves to be a challeng- ing task. However, modern-day communication de- mands constant availability and optimization of the customer dialogue – at least this is what dtms GmbH is all about. As a specialist for service phone numbers, value-added services and smart dialogue solutions, the company is passionate about innovative communi- cation solutions on behalf of its 2,500 customers. “Have you ever tried to get into munications market. Its roots Looking at the product portfolio, ing via the telephone bill. We have contact with a company, and you go back to the year 1998 when dtms has continuously increased focused on a new strategy and waited a long time on the phone telecommunication was liberal- its presence, although it has oper- have had to make some tough de- until finally you got someone on ized in Germany. In those years, ated under various ownerships in cisions, including restructuring our the line who was able to help you? service phone numbers like the past years. Today, it is owned by staff base. We have streamlined It can be quite a nuisance some- 0800 numbers required an intel- the private equity fund Paragon structures and procedures in order times,” says Managing Director ligent network. “We were one of in Munich. “Since I have been on to face the challenges that will Thomas Lang, who is thrilled by the first who had dealt with this board, we have clearly focused confront us in the future,” says Mr. the company’s ability to discover issue before, so it did not come on our core business, recently Lang. “So, we have incorporated a new horizons. He is convinced that as a surprise that we were soon excluding sms operations and bill- new spirit that will carry us through artificial intelligence will be a solu- leading the way in the segment tion to determine customer com- of telecommunications, introduc- munication in the coming years. ing intelligent solutions that even The company’s focus is clearly on from other competitors,” says Mr. today are miles ahead of the ones traditional products like service Lang. phone numbers, which form the basis for availability when it comes In addition, dtms concentrates on to service centers. In addition, software-based call management innovative customer dialogue solu- in call centers. “We created archi- tions based on artificial intelligence tecture and applications before, are part of daily operations at the and thus it was the most sensible company’s headquarters in Mainz. step to find a logic that would not just encourage questions but also dtms can look back on almost 20 generate answers,” explains Mr. years in the German telecom- Lang. dtms in Mainz works on intelligent customer dialogue solutions N A E P O R U E business www.european-business.com 10

Interview with László Bárán, Managing Director of BÉFLEX Zrt. Communicating with minds and hands Successful companies know that a strong brand is essential: Potential customers instantly recognize the name and, more importantly, know exactly what it stands for. Since relevant marketing plays a key role in communicating a brand, expert support can be hugely advanta- geous. BÉFLEX Zrt. in Hungary is a specialist in point-of-communication marketing. The firm works closely with its clients to design innovative concepts and then creates state-of-the-art point-of-communication materials using the latest technology. European Business spoke with the Managing Director of the family enterprise, László Bárán. EB: Mr. Bárán, what is point-of- sign at company premises, and in communication marketing, and many other situations where our why is BÉFLEX so successful? clients have a contact point with their customers. For example, László Bárán: We have a minds we undertook a complex project and hands philosophy. Every to design the reception area for firm has its colours, slogans and Coca-Cola HBC. We were involved pictures, but for marketing, these from planning to installation, incor- have to be translated into creative porating printed decor, illuminated concepts – this is our real strength. Coke bottles and other features. Our specialist teams advise clients We have also completed projects and then create products to reflect for supermarkets, theaters, hotels, the concepts. We produce printed banks and large corporations. Our and digital materials, digital sig- aim is to be the reliable partner nage, and point-of-sale displays, our client will build future strate- BÉFLEX designed the reception area for the new Coca-Cola HBC in Hungary using printed decor and illuminated Coke bottles which are used at exhibitions, in gies with. We always try to ensure clear advantages and benefits for Nevertheless, it was starting to shops, as part of the interior de- our products and services provide our clients. We essentially create plateau. My focus is the strategic the contact point between them development of the company. At and their own clients. What we the moment, that means tapping do impacts everyday life. When into the potential in foreign mar- customers shop at Tesco, we are kets. Our quality is excellent, our involved. That is our added value. prices are reasonable – we can offer a great package. As a Central EB: You were appointed Managing Eastern European company, we Director two and a half years ago. also speak a number of foreign What have been your priorities? languages. 50% of our turnover is now generated abroad, in par- László Bárán: My parents founded ticular in Germany, but also in BÉFLEX in 1991 and had created Scandinavia, Switzerland, Austria, a very solid business in Hungary. Benelux, France and the UK. From Both the business and the product an internal perspective, I am trying portfolio had grown continuously. to create more of a team culture. It www.european-business.com 12 BÉFLEX has completed point-of-communication projects for hotels, banks, theaters, supermarkets and large corporations N A E P O R U E business

Interview with Pia Fredberg, Area Sales Manager Europe at Scanpan A/S Your culinary masterpiece Cooking is a universally intimate process that brings families and friends together to share a long-standing cultural tradition – a common thread that connects people of all ages and backgrounds. For professionals and amateurs alike, Scanpan’s collection of versatile pots, pans and kitchenware will add flavour to any culinary venture. They are the tools that will enable you to take your gastronomic creations to the next level. Not only are Scanpans im- maculately engineered and hand-cast in Denmark, they are also made from recycled materi- als and are completely PFOA-free. stick technology. “We developed on the export market.” Scanpan Green Tek, a coating that is 100% is so convinced of the durability of free of PFOA and PFOS chemi- its kitchenware that it offers a ten- cals,” explains Ms. Fredberg. year warranty on all of its products. Futhermore, Scanpan’s newest Moreover, customers are welcome coating, Stratanium, debuted at to use their metal utensils while this year’s Ambiente trade fair in cooking with Scanpan non-stick Frankfurt, Germany, and has since pans – something that is expressly received rave reviews. This top-of- prohibited by other brands. the-line non-stick coating is trade- marked and is up to 30% better The newest Scanpan product on reinforced than previous coatings. offer is the deep sauté pan, ideal Test results have shown improved, for countless one-pot recipes. This long-lasting non-stick performance pan, as well as all other Scanpan and wear resistance. “As we products, including lids, can be speak, we are still improving the used in the oven up to 260°C, The new CTX deep sauté pan is ideal for one-pot recipes, suitable for both oven and stovetop Realizing the importance of family new aluminium. The aluminum is non-stick,” adds Ms. Fredberg. although most conventional house- tradition, Scanpan has developed repurposed by hand in Denmark, “We are already among the best in hold ovens do not reach such high a range of products that are both ensuring the highest standards in class when it comes to non-stick temperatures. “You can actually practical and environmentally cookware are met. “We focus on coating, but there is always room bake in our products,” adds Ms. friendly. “100% of the aluminium quality, which is why we produce for growth.” used in the Scanpan production in Denmark,” elaborates Ms. Fred- Fredberg. “I’ve seen bread baked to perfection using our pots and process is recycled from beer berg. “Robots are used in produc- Scanpan products are not only pans – they are truly versatile.” cans, cars, engine blocks and so tion, for instance for coating and incredibly wellmade and practical, on,” explains Pia Fredberg, Area sand-blasting, but the casting is all they are also sleek and visually Because of their exceptional crafts- Sales Manager Europe at Scan- done here by experienced crafts- appealing. “The Danish have the manship, Danish Scanpans are pan. Extracting 1 kg of aluminium men.” This attention to detail is unique ability to combine design exported globally, and are enjoyed creates 85.4 kg of waste, while 1 prevalent throughout other aspects tradition with simplicity and mini- by professional chefs and food- kg of recycled aluminium creates of the design process as well. malism in both form and function- ies everywhere. Currently, exports just 3.5 kg of waste. Furthermore, Since Scanpan’s flagship prod- ality,” says Ms. Fredberg, adding make up the vast majority of sales, producing recycled aluminium uct is the frying pan, significant that. “Danish designs have a good with 80% being sold outside of requires considerably less energy resources have been invested in reputation internationally, which Denmark. than extracting and processing developing safe and durable non- is another reason for our success N A E P O R U E business www.european-business.com 14

Breaking all records in no time Today the most renowned Korean car brand worldwide, the history of Kia began in 1944 when the company was founded as a moped manufacturer and later turned to producing cars for the local market. More recently, Kia entered the worldwide market and became a global player within an incredibly short space of time, which Michael Cole, COO of Kia Motors Europe GmbH, Kia’s Frankfurt-based subsidiary and European business headquarters, rec- ognizes. “The company continues to develop at a phenomenal rate,” he enthuses. For good reason: With a great price-performance ratio, excellent customer service and award-winning design, Kia is on its way to achieving a top position, and not only in the European market. “Korean people are very ambi- this has brought us a huge level of on an emotional rather than on a Kia named Best Car Brand with the tious,” says Mr. Cole. “They work at trust on the part of our customers, purely rational basis.” lowest overall average vehicle prob- a fast pace with the aim of making enhanced by the fact that we trans- lem score of any manufacturer. steady progress. These are quali- ferred part of our production to The quality and reliability of Kia With the Stonic, a compact cross- ties that all our team possesses Europe and provide a broad service products was recognized in the over with SUV-inspired design, Kia to a high degree.” This may not network, as well as very good after- independent J.D. Power Vehicle will introduce an all-new model this be the only reason for the brand’s sales service. In addition, our prod- Dependability Study. An evaluation year, developed especially for the increasing worldwide prosperity ucts excel in their design. Since of 71 models from 24 brands by European market. As well as 20 though. “One of the main pillars our German chief designer Peter 14,000 drivers in Germany saw the two-tone paint combinations and of our success is the positioning of Schreyer joined us in 2006, we Kia Sportage ranked first amongst several interior color packages to the Kia brand,” points out the COO. have won several design awards. all models for the second consecu- choose from, the Stonic boasts a Whereas in former years, Kia’s cars Today, we convince our customers tive year. The 2017 study also saw range of new driver systems and were perceived as market-entry products available at favourable prices, the perception today is much different: The company’s price-performance ratio is no longer the main reason why cus- tomers decide to buy a Kia model. “For one thing, we manufacture cars of a very high quality, so much so that we were the first and still are the only brand in the market to implement a seven-year guaran- tee,” explains Mr. Cole. “In return, N A E P O R U E business Award-winning power package: the Kia Sportage www.european-business.com 16

Interview with János Rákovics, General Manager of VIVBER Kft. Electrifying the market Locked away behind the Iron Curtain, Eastern Europe was not only cut off from the rest of the world culturally but also technologically. In so many key progress parameters, such as production efficiency, quality standards and technical advances, the countries of the old East- ern Europe lagged far behind their Western European counterparts. However, companies like VIVBER Kft. in Hungary have worked hard to close the technology gap. Today, they are able to operate according to EU standards and compete successfully in a reunited Europe thanks to their lower cost structures. VIVBER Kft. specializes in the exposed and recessed installation, standards (MSZ). We can also other group companies are BAU- manufacture and distribution of in various degrees of protection make equipment to conform to VIV Kft., DÉLVIV Kft., ÉSZAKVIV low-voltage main and sub-distribu- up to IP66. “Our switch-gears are any other standards that may be Kft. and GYŐRVIV Kft. Through tion switch-gears up to a short cir- suitable for the most diverse areas in force in the market in which it the various operating companies, cuit strength of 65 kA. Its product of use, be they industrial applica- is to be used.” This is particularly the group is able to offer its cus- range encompasses bay switch- tions, hospitals, shopping centers, important for VIVBER as 90% of tomers a turnkey service from the gears, main switch-gears, main schools, banks, office buildings its turnover is generated in export design and manufacture to the distributors, sub-distributors, mo- or even traffic engineering equip- markets. tor distributors, control equipment ment,” says General Manager installation and maintenance of complete electrical installations. and installation distributors for János Rákovics. “Most importantly, VIVBER is part of the VIV Group, “We combine all of the required our low-voltage switch-gears are which was founded in 1997 by a skills and competences under made in conformity with the group of partners who recognized one umbrella,” says Mr. Rákovics. specifications of international the need for an electrical special- “Our customers have a single point standard IEC 60439-1:1999 and ist operating to Western European of contact for their entire project the relevant VDE and Hungarian quality and safety standards. The while we are able to exploit syner- gies to tackle ever-larger projects.” The skills upon which the group is able to draw from within the organization include cable manu- facture, powder coating, metal working, electrical engineering and project engineering. “We rec- ognized early on that there was a real need in the Hungarian and wider Eastern European market for a supplier that could provide electrical installations according to Western European standards,” explains Mr. Rákovics. “On the www.european-business.com 18 Electrical cabinet production line Cable assembly is another area of expertise mastered by the Hungarian electrical switch-gear specialist N A E P O R U E business

Interview with Marcin Czyczerski, Vice President of CCC S.A. and Managing Director of CCC Germany GmbH Step by step in style CCC S.A. 6, ul. Strefowa 59101 Polkowice Poland  +48 76 8458400  +48 76 8458431  info@ccc.eu  www.ccc.eu In the case of Polish billionaire Dariusz Milek, it is not so much clothes that make the man but shoes. The owner of leading European footwear manufacturer and retailer CCC S.A. was named the fourth- wealthiest man in Poland by Forbes Magazine in 2016, thanks pri- marily to the phenomenal success of his shoe company. With close to 900 stores in 16 countries, the company generated sales of 800 mil- lion EUR in 2016 from the sale of its own-branded footwear as well as fashion and sports shoes from leading international brands. In the spirit of continuous expansion, it has set its sights even higher. CCC S.A. is the largest manu- been able to establish a strong range of formal, casual and sports facturer of footwear and the presence thanks to the quality of shoes. “We stock nearly 6,000 fastest-growing footwear retailer our products and the volume of different shoe models and sell in Europe. In a highly competitive shoes we sell. As the largest player more than 40 million pairs each sector, it has carved itself a leading in the market, we can offer our year,” says Mr. Czyczerski. “Our position by taking advantage of the customers unrivalled economies house brands are all manufactured benefits that high product volumes of scale.” allow it to pass on to its customers. entirely in Europe and are comple- mented by ranges from licensed In its native Poland, the company CCC also offers its retail partners brands. In addition to footwear, is striding out ahead of the com- an outstanding service. With a fully we also offer handbags, shoe care petition with about a 25% share of automated, centralized warehouse products, accessories and small the footwear market. Since 2011, at its headquarters in Poland pro- fancy goods.” it has also been making serious viding a highly efficient logistics inroads into the European market service, it ensures its clients can Retail success nowadays also de- such that its distinctive CCC logo stock the shoes their clients want. pends on the quality of a compa- and in-house brands are now com- In reflection of the wider footwear mon sights on high streets across market, CCC’s sales are slanted the continent. “In terms of growth, heavily in favour of women’s fash- we have definitely experienced a ions with ladies’ shoes account- snowball effect both in physical ing for 60% of sales and shoes and online sales channels,” says for men and children Vice President of CCC S.A. and accounting for the President of CCC Germany GmbH remaining 40%. Marcin Czyczerski. “The sector is The company hugely competitive, but we have stocks a full Elegant leather pumps for special oc- casions are part of the range N A E P O R U E business www.european-business.com 20

Interview with Christophe Pouille, Deputy General Manager of Balsan Moquette ANZEIGE Rubrik For comfort and colour underfoot There is nothing more luxurious underfoot than wall-to-wall carpet. Soft, quiet and attractive to look at, textile floor coverings offer a range of functional advantages including noise re- duction, enhanced comfort and thermal insulation. They can also be manufactured in an end- less variety of colours and patterns. French carpet manufacturer Balsan Moquette in Arthon designs and produces textile floor coverings that are positioned at the haute couture end of the market. With a history that can be traced back to 1751, the company is one of the most experienced industrial carpet manufacturers in the business with a worldwide customer base. Around 50% of Balsan’s annual 65 a standard catalogue with over “Whatever the need, we have the just the catwalk. The new César million EUR turnover is generated 2,000 different products. Its car- suitable product.” in export markets. The French peting is aimed at both the private carpet in the French Couture col- lection combines various motifs company has a sales presence in and commercial sectors. “We can Balsan’s designers are also known to give an overall impression over 70 different countries and is supply floor coverings suitable for their creative boldness. Its reminiscent of an oriental carpet. known for the high quality of its for domestic bedrooms and living new French Couture collection is Its solution-dyed polyamide fibres products. “We are the specialists rooms and for high traffic areas in certainly illustrative of this, but the are, however, much more robust for floor coverings,” insists Dep- public spaces in hotels, cinemas design team takes its inspiration and resistant to even the harshest uty General Manager Christophe and casinos,” outlines Mr. Pouille. from various environments, not cleaning products and discoloura- Pouille. “We sell by the meter as well as pre-cut tiles in various sizes. Where we stand out from the competition is in the range and vibrancy of our colours and pat- terns, and our ability to produce to customer order.” Balsan’s expertise in dyeing means that it can either colour the yarn before tufting the carpet or dye the finished carpet. “We work exclusively with polyamide yarn which is extremely robust and hard-wearing,” explains Mr. Pouille. “We source the yarn from a supplier company that uses recy- cled nylon mainly from fishing nets to produce its yarns. That means that our products are environmen- tally sustainable and have a very low carbon footprint.” Balsan has N A E P O R U E business The new pattern César in the French Couture collection was designed specifically for the hotel sector Lily a new pattern in the French Couture collection is in- spired by traditional Japanese floral art www.european-business.com 22

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