Editorial materialfluss 3/2018
More than just a product show
In the hustle and bustle of a major trade fair, such as the one the industry will experience in Stuttgart a few days after this issue is published, it has become difficult to pause for thought. Even in the aisles and in the entrance area of LogiMAT in Stuttgart, exhibitors have found their place and are vying for visitors' attention. The industry has been booming for years, and with it the trade fair. That's wonderful, we all still have bad memories of the depressive episodes of 2008 and 2009. On and around the trade fair stands, we are now talking about artificial intelligence, robots, the lithium-ion revolution and Industry 4.0 - and not about the Lehman Brothers or a stock market crash.
"Contracts are still concluded by people today."
There are many arguments for only focusing on new technology and forgetting about people. Yet they are so important! Contracts are still concluded by people. People keep the promises that salespeople make to their customers. A contract comes from an agreement; if the chemistry is not right, even a creative legal department is useless. Then it's mostly about damage limitation and not about a promising future. Harrie Swinkels, CEO of SSI Schaefer since January 1, agrees and speaks in an exclusive interview with materialfluss about the company's commitment to its customers. I was delighted to talk to Harrie Swinkels and Head of Marketing Thomas Meyer-Jander. Until recently, the market leader has been stingy with glimpses behind the scenes and tended to follow the motto: "Do a lot of good and talk little about it". Times have changed...
I wish you a successful trade fair, pause from time to time and let the discussions inspire you. To help you prepare for LogiMAT, I refer you to this particularly comprehensive issue, which is sure to have a tip or two for you.
Martin Schrüfer Managing Editor-in-Chief
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