We will explain you a bit about what each value stream is all about and how our employees are experiencing this innovative new way of working. Here we speak with Jan-René Dolfing, value stream manager at Pneutec, about working within the value stream Material Handling.

We deliver high-performance material handling solutions based on vacuum technology and pneumatics to customers in industries such as warehouse automation, food & beverage, packaging, and agritech. With in-depth knowledge of products, applications, and the market, we provide machine builders, distributors, and end customers with reliable components, assemblies, and complete modules so that they can focus on their core business. However, as a technical partner, we do more than just supply components; we also advise, co-engineer, design, and assemble complete handling solutions tailored to clients’ specific demands. Whether it's gripping, lifting, positioning, or transporting, we provide innovative and practical systems that seamlessly integrate into our clients’ machinery or workflow.

With over 35 years of experience in the field, Pneutec has built a reputation as a reliable and knowledgeable partner in material handling. Our deep expertise in pneumatics and vacuum technology enables us to offer high-quality solutions tailored to a wide range of industrial needs. But what truly sets us apart is our customer-focused approach. We listen carefully to our clients’ needs and, when required, develop custom solutions that precisely match their operational challenges. This dedication to service, technical know-how, and flexibility has earned us a large base of loyal customers and a steady stream of new partnerships. In addition, we maintain long-standing partnerships with top-tier suppliers, all of whom have excellent reputations as A-brands in the market. These relationships ensure that we consistently deliver products and components that meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.

New opportunities in pneumatics: While demand for pneumatic solutions is declining due to the rise of electric and automated systems, this shift presents a chance to differentiate ourselves. By focusing on innovative and customer-specific solutions, we continue to harness the strengths of pneumatics and create new value for our clients.         A dynamic and competitive landscape: Increasing competition, both from new entrants and expanding established players, motivates us to stay sharp. It pushes us to continually improve, both technologically and strategically, so we can exceed customer expectations and remain a preferred partner.        Acceleration in technological integration: The rise of technologies like AI, machine learning, and robotics opens the door to smarter, future-proof solutions. We see this as an opportunity to elevate our offering and position ourselves as an innovative leader in material handling.        Purposeful investment amid uncertainty: While economic uncertainty is causing more cautious investment behavior, it also creates opportunities to clearly demonstrate our added value. By thinking along with our customers and staying flexible, we strengthen our role as a trusted partner.        Global shifts in production: The move toward production in lower-cost regions requires adaptation but also offers opportunities to enhance our international collaboration and logistics. By anticipating shifting customer needs, we maintain our relevance and competitive edge.

Our customer OPW, which specializes in loading arms for tank trucks in the oil and gas sector, needed a control panel that could operate reliably at extremely low temperatures. We had previously collaborated with them and adjusted our proposal based on past experiences.

To enhance our added value, we need to keep innovating. We are focusing on the following areas:

• Integrating automation and smart technologies into our solutions:
  By leveraging technologies like AI, IoT, and robotic systems, we aim to improve efficiency, enhance real-time data collection, and provide smarter, more adaptive solutions for our customers.

• Developing a so-called “universal gripper”: This could further increase our added value by offering a ready-made solution for system integrators, saving them time and resources while allowing them to focus on their own core activities.