We convince at trade fairs through “Quality Leadership”

Mr Rehnig, Blechexpo is one of the largest international trade fairs on the subject of sheet metal processing. What significance does it have for EMKA?

The EuroBLECH and Blechexpo trade fairs are held alternately every year in Hanover and Stuttgart, Germany. For EMKA, these two fairs are the most important sales fairs of the year. With 300 square metres we indeed have the largest booth at the Hanover Fair, but we are also talking about the most important communication fair of our trade fair year.

What is new at EMKA at this year’s fair? What are the highlights?

At Blechexpo, we are showcasing both new innovations and reliable standard products, recognising that fittings have a much longer product life cycle than vehicles. In the case of some control cabinets, this cycle can be over 20 years. A special highlight of our recent developments is our brand-new vibration-resistant quarter turn, which we are producing at our new manufacturing site in India. We are particularly proud of this patented product and the manufacturing quality we have achieved.

A highlight at the Hanover Fair in April this year was our complete multi-point locking system made of high-quality plastic. Of course, this is again part of our portfolio – as well as our new hinges without pins. The latter are available in four different basic materials.

Why is the area of “in-house production” so much in focus at the trade fair?

The high quality and delivery capability of EMKA products results from 92% in-house production of the components used. At eleven production sites, two of which are in Germany, a highly modern machine park is available for this purpose. This makes our procurement processes very flexible. Even disruptions in the supply chain are never an issue for us.

Our customers who have their plastic and zinc die-cast parts manufactured by us can also benefit from these advantages. PVC and rubber profiles as well as stainless steel investment castings and aluminium die-castings also come from our production facilities. Some customers don’t even know this yet, which is why we show the entire range of EMKA’s vertical integration at Blechexpo. Most production processes require punching and bending tools or injection moulding and die-casting moulds. Thanks to our tool and mould design capabilities, EMKA is also self-sufficient in this area.

How do you assess the future importance of trade fairs when it comes to sales?

In the last few years, online meetings and digital exchange prevailed, but the personal contact is simply indispensable in sales. At more than 50 trade fairs a year at which EMKA exhibits worldwide, we find time and again that personal contact is crucial for exchanging ideas with customers, building trust and simply having a coffee or a beer together. I can’t imagine the world of EMKA without trade fairs, now and in the future.

How do you see EMKA’s market position – today and in the future?

EMKA looks back on 50 years of business development and is proud of it. Today, EMKA is the world market leader for fittings and seals in control cabinets and the design of housings. We have also been able to further expand our market position in the segments of mechanical engineering, caravan construction, rail, and commercial vehicles as well as ventilation and air-conditioning technology.

EMKA’s strengths are top qualified and motivated employees worldwide, in-house production and worldwide distribution in 60 countries. We do not get bogged down in discussions about discount prices but are continuously expanding our role in “Quality Leadership”. I am thrilled to make my contribution to this as part of the team.

Mr Rehnig, thank you very much for the interview.