More and more people worldwide are living in cities. As a result, the demand for infrastructure investments is high. How Sempertrans is using this trend for global growth and why personal relationships lead to the best solutions.
“Three megatrends are currently the main drivers of our conveyor belt business: urbanization, electrification and green energy,” says Stephan Paischer, who has been with Semperit for over 20 years and is currently Head of Global Product Management at the conveyor belt specialist Sempertrans. He explains how these megatrends affect the business using a few examples: “More people in more cities means that more steel, more cement, and also more fertilizers are needed for the food industry. The switch to e-mobility has led to a huge increase in demand for copper, while aluminum is essential for energy-efficient lightweight construction. Zinc and nickel, on the other hand, are needed for the expansion of wind power. All these materials have to be transported safely, and in an energy-efficient manner, and that’s where our conveyor belts come into play.” They are produced at two strategically positioned locations and delivered from there to customers all over the world.
From Poland to the world
From Poland to the world
The conveyor belt factory in Bełchatów, Poland, specializes in heavy, wide conveyor belts for a highly international market. From Poland, the factory supplies mining customers in America, Asia and partly also in Africa. “We can optimally leverage our strengths in international business. Our conveyor belts are key products used in important plants. This means that the entire value chain is at a standstill if products do not work. It is therefore crucial to respond quickly to problems and find solutions. This is precisely what sets us apart at Sempertrans.”
In India, for India - and the world
In Roha, India, Semperit primarily produces for the local market. There is a great deal of catching up to do when it comes to roads and urban infrastructure: “The Indian market is developing very dynamically. Our focus is on the premium segment, where we stand out because our high-quality products have a longer lifespan. This is very important for customers in the steel segment, such as Tata Steel or ArcelorMittal. Heat resistance is included, needless to say,” emphasizes Paischer. In addition to production for India, Roha also exports to Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
As reliable as steel
Speaking of ArcelorMittal: the global steel company has been a Sempertrans customer for a long time. In India, but also in Europe. The country’s largest steelworks is located in Dunkirk, not far from France’s number one ore port. “Just in time” – that’s what ArcelorMittal expects from its partners. The blast furnaces should never come to a standstill: “Over the last 30 years, our service unit has taken over the maintenance of almost all conveyor belts in Dunkirk. And in doing so, we have proven to be as reliable as steel with our 24/7 availability. This is indispensable, especially in emergencies,” emphasizes Paischer.
Personal relationships
Despite all the virtual possibilities, customer relationships are about personal contact, says Paischer: “People like to do business with people. And face-to-face, it’s easier to understand the customer’s needs or problems in the smallest detail.” Stephan Paischer worked for Semperit in France for many years and managed expansion projects in Poland and India. One thing he realized during this time is that “relationships can only be developed in person. This applies to our customers as well as to my colleagues. We are one global team and come up with the most pragmatic, simple and customer-centered solutions when we put our heads together on the ground.”
.jpeg)
