FACE TO FACE
Voortman V807 robotic beam and pipe cutting system .
“ However , that is no longer enough . We couple that with software and service to serve our customers throughout the lifecycle of the machines . For example , the facilitation of CAD / nesting software , which greatly relieves work preparation , is already linked to our machines . We have also developed EVI , our own dashboarding software , to closely track the performance of our machines ,” he continued .
But that is just the beginning , Rutger Voortman told ISMR . The company is working with around 75 developers in England to further expand its control software and develop process software specifically for the industries that it serves under the name ‘ DIGI-STEEL ’.
In the last few years , Voortman has also made significant investments in customer support by setting up local service hubs . It has been hiring service technicians around the world to respond quickly to any customer queries .
“ There are many facets of the services that we offer to customers . This includes , for example , supporting the customers in maintenance and repair on machines . We offer service from local service hubs so that we can reach our customers quickly and minimize downtime on machines . But our service also extends to parameter development and tooling sales , including through web shops . Service is a high priority for us ,” highlighted Rutger Voortman .
Accessing new markets
Voortman ’ s three strategic pillars are automation , output optimisation and customer service . It is important to Voortman to offer customers a complete portfolio of products .
Pipe products from Voortman ’ s MO pipe cutter .
Pipe processing .
This is one of the reasons that it acquired Müller Opladen , a German manufacturer of pipe processing machines , in early 2023 . This expanded Voortman ’ s product portfolio to include pipe cutting machines for steel pipes , pressure vessels and offshore jackets .
Voortman also acquired Müller Opladen to widen its technology portfolio and access new markets .
“ The main reason for this acquisition was synergy . We already offered machines for processing plate and beam ; the round profile processing operation was missing . That was because in steel construction ( the market where our base lies ), round profile processing is less frequent . However , things are different
60 | ismr . net | ISMR October 2024