Belgian SMEs make sheet metal working more profitable

Swiss precision. That is what is at the heart of Bystronic's machines. And although it is gaining name and fame for this worldwide, there are still too many companies in Belgium that are not familiar with this specialist in bending, laser and automation. From its Benelux office in Meerkerk, Holland, Bystronic wants to prove with a Belgian team of sales and technicians that its machines can be of gold value for our SMEs.

Peter Buggenhout: "The quality of the machines shows and feels. Even in the basic models, that know-how is embedded."

That Bystronic has its largest customers in Belgium on the one hand and still lacks name recognition among many Belgian companies on the other, makes the quality of its sheet metal working technology a well-kept secret. Nevertheless, there are already some great references on the list: Deca Construct, Faymonville, Joskin Stevens Punching, Thyssenkrupp ... "In the Netherlands we have experienced enormous growth in recent years, the Belgian market was actually limping along a bit behind," opens Hans van de Meerakker, sales manager Benelux. "However, we have a lot to show to the Belgian market with machines developed to increase customer productivity and efficiency." Also for SMEs. Through its wide range in bending, lasering (with recently also tube laser) and automation, Bystronic can deliver a machine tailored to everyone's needs and budget, stand-alone or automated to perfection.

Becoming Ambassadors

Hans van de Meerakker: "We have a lot to show to the Belgian market with machines developed to increase customer productivity and efficiency."

To advise Belgian customers on the purchase of a machine, Peter Buggenhout and Erik Goven function as the first point of contact. Peter deals with the west of the country, Erik with the east. Peter Buggenhout brought his experience in sheet metal working in the wood industry to Bystronic: "The quality of the machines shows and feels. Even in the basic models, this know-how is embedded. Modularity and interchangeability also allow our machines to grow with the customer." Area manager Erik Goven: "I myself have been working at Bystronic for three years now. The great thing about this brand is that it doesn't embarrass you. Not only do the machines do an excellent job, but everything that comes after is nicely organized and that inspires confidence. The best proof is the pride in their machines that I see from customers. They become ambassadors of our brand, so to speak."

Service highly valued

Erik Goven: "The best proof of Bystronic's quality is the pride in their machines that I see from customers. They become ambassadors of our brand, so to speak."

So for Bystronic, Swiss-quality machines are only part of the job. "Service is a high priority for us," says manager service & sales support - deputy director Marco de Jong. "This is why we have also invested in a team of Belgian technicians in recent years. A third of our technical staff serves the Belgian market. After all, our customers cannot afford downtime, whether they have one machine or twenty. That we can give them that support quickly is what we make our calling card." For Bystronic, this is not limited to responding to breakdowns or performing maintenance tasks. De Jong: "Every year we also sit down once or twice with our customers to see what we can improve to get even more out of the machine. This may involve extra training, for example, but it may just as well involve adjusting some parameters. The goal is to get the full return on their investment."  

Marco de Jong: "Every year we also sit down once or twice with our customers to see what we can improve to get even more out of the machine. That is also service."

From the Benelux office in Meerkerk, Holland, Bystronic wants to prove with a Belgian team of sales and technicians that its machines can be of gold value for our SMEs.