ACAL BFi is working on a digitalization drive. The technology company is busy improving the website and (online) knowledge sharing is also high on the agenda. White papers and case studies are ready for customers. The company's technical experts can also answer (almost) every customer question. Sales manager Stefan van Lanen shares ACAL BFi's future plans and highlights the importance of knowledge transfer.
At the time of writing, Stefan has been employed at ACAL BFi. He has held various positions within the organization, but is now active as sales manager power + magnetics. The dynamics within ACAL BFi appeal to the sales manager enormously. “No two days are the same and the company is constantly developing,” Stefan explains. “We are currently working on increasing our brand awareness. ACAL BFi is experiencing a growth spurt. In the past decade, we have completed fifteen acquisitions. We have offices in eleven European countries, which enables us to deliver quickly. Some of our sister companies are Myra, Noratel, Flux and MTC.”
What ACAL BFi According to Stefan, what makes it so unique is the broad portfolio: “We offer a very broad range and that gives us added value. In addition to components, we can also supply semi-finished and end products. Customers can even come to us for complete EV chargers. We supply to our customers from our own factories and that provides a lot of benefits. Supplies are faster and because there is no intermediary involved, costs are kept down. In many cases, customers regard us as a producer.” 
Customization
ACAL Bfi has an extensive range of (custom-made) chokes, says Stefan: “On request, we can, for example, place sensors around a core. We can also provide a core with a coil. We can respond to almost all customer requirements and offer custom solutions. Our magnetic components department supplies much more than ready-made components. ACAL Bfi’s design engineers have extensive experience in this field. With our knowledge, expertise and access to almost all soft magnetic materials, core shapes and accessories, we design and produce custom-made inductors and transformers. We also provide technical support in the field of power. We have a wide range of power supply products in our portfolio. Thanks to our large range and a network of expert partners – in combination with in-house design and customisation – we can help our customers find a reliable and efficient power supply.”
It takes a lot of knowledge to manage such a wide range. “Our technology centres have all the necessary information. If we cannot give a customer an answer straight away, there is certainly a colleague within ACAL BFi who can. Sharing knowledge is very important to us. By helping people well, a bond of trust is created. Customers can find information via the company's website and social media channels. For example, white papers on case studies are available that can be downloaded free of charge. Digitalization is a widely promoted theme within our organization. By communicating openly, we hope to come into contact with potential customers and improve the bond with existing contacts.”
Focus
Stefan: “We have various case studies that we can present to our customers. These practical examples are recognizable for many companies. Because we know what (potential) customers are up against. We can offer targeted help. These case studies deal with questions in the field of renewable energy, for example. If customers want to know what possible solutions are for specific issues, our technical experts are ready for them. They can offer help down to the last detail.”
ACAL BFi keeps its finger on the pulse when it comes to trends and developments in the market. “Our customers are in OEMS and growth markets. Various developments are taking place in the field of EV charging. The focus is on renewable, medical, transportation and industrial. Sustainability and corporate social responsibility are very important for all these business units. We offer customized solutions. If a customer has a specific wish, we get to work to fulfill it. Due to the questions and wishes of customers, we are continuously working to improve our processes, make them more sustainable and more efficient. Innovations arise from market demands.”
About ACAL BFi
ACAL BFi advises (high-tech) companies and (semi) governments on, among other things, the design and delivery of electronic components and systems. This is done in collaboration with various manufacturing sister companies such as Myra, Noratel and Variohm. The company also joins forces with partners such as Sierra Wireless, Keysight, FLIR and Advanced Energy. ACAL BFi has approximately six hundred employees spread across production locations and offices in eleven European countries. The organization helps engineers who work in, among other things, the (manufacturing) industry. It also helps ACAL BFi (semi)governments such as universities and research labs. Parent company DiscoverIE is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
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