SCHURTER: from family business to global player

SCHURTER Electronics BV is expanding its market in the Netherlands. The originally Swiss electronics company has long had a branch in the Netherlands where customer-specific control panels are developed, produced and sold. Sales of the electronic components always took place from the head office in Lucerne. Nowadays, companies can also go to Hardenberg, Overijssel, for the entire SCHURTER component portfolio, in addition to the control panels and solutions, a business total package.

“The new way of working allows us to offer even better support to our customers and distributors,” says Eric-Jan Veurink enthusiastically. Veurink is an account manager within SCHURTER and has been the point of contact for new and existing customers for components in the Benelux for a few months now. “We notice that people enjoy having a local point of contact,” Veurink explains. “And of course it is also easier to speak in Dutch.”  

Local offices

According to Veurink, local offices are the driving force behind SCHURTER's success. What started out as a family business in 1933, founded by Heinrich Schurter, has now grown into a multinational with 21 branches in 17 countries. And this is just the beginning, because the company's vision is big and international. Veurink: “We ultimately want to become a global player in our sector by expanding our sales network.”

Despite these ambitious plans, the atmosphere in the local branch is still reminiscent of the pleasant family business of yesteryear. “The lines within SCHURTER have always remained short. There is an enormous willingness to help each other and the customers,” Veurink explains. “More than a hundred people work at our branch in Harderberg, but I still know everyone personally. Even with our sister offices abroad, contact is informal. Our CEO Ralph Müller recently visited Harderberg from Switzerland and he immediately had a chat with everyone. This accessibility is characteristic of the atmosphere within SCHURTER.”

Positive corporate culture

The positive corporate culture has an impact on the staff. Veurink: “During my job interview, 14 years ago now, I was immediately told that many colleagues have been working at SCHURTER for decades. That's telling. It is a challenge for every technology company to find qualified personnel, including us, but once colleagues come in, they do not leave quickly. SCHURTER invests in its employees. There are regular joint activities, you get the opportunity to develop yourself and the career opportunities are excellent. All things that contribute to a good atmosphere. It's just nice to work here.” Especially in these times, when personnel shortages play a major role in the electronics sector, the investment in human capital more than pays for itself.

Challenging and varied

“We all know what we are currently facing within the electronics sector, but I don't want to emphasize that,” Veurink continues. “These are challenges that we ultimately have to find a solution for together, including within the sector. We can't do magic, but we go for it and we are always clear to our customers. And sometimes 'no' is also an answer, no matter how annoying. The electronics world is hectic and always will be, but that also makes the work challenging and varied. I think it is beautiful."

Veurink has a positive view of the future of the electronics industry. “The role of electronics is only increasing worldwide; that trend can no longer be stopped. Our products are used in countless electronic applications, including medical devices, laboratories,... automotive– and energy sector, the telecom industry, space travel and so on. And the demand for components and control panels is still increasing. Developments are happening very quickly.” 

Contactless switch

SCHURTER tries to respond to these developments by being innovative itself. For example, she recently introduced the contactless switch (touchless switch). This technology makes it possible to operate a device without touching it. “That is super relevant in our time - when the importance of hygiene is becoming increasingly important,” says Veurink. The optical technology can be used in numerous applications, such as vending and parking machines, sanitary facilities and other places where hand contact is undesirable.

Technical experts

The technical experts within SCHURTER strive to play a pioneering role when it comes to technological innovations. Veurink: “Our product managers are real experts. They know the ins and outs and are continuously expanding their expertise. If I have a question, I get an answer almost immediately, even with technically complex questions. I then feed this back to the customer and this keeps the speed up. As an extra service, the product managers can also visit customers themselves to provide training or technical support.

Puzzling

Most new products and component innovations are developed at the headquarters in Lucerne. Everything is documented with Swiss precision, including in the field of certifications. “We remain flexible within the framework of the law. If desired, if possible, we tailor the design and technology completely to the customer's wishes,” says Veurink. “Our engineers can customize the exterior, such as the logo, color scheme and casing, but also the software itself. This is no problem for our developers. They continue to puzzle until all technical specifications have been met. The desire to satisfy the customer will always remain our driving force.”  

Would you like to know more about SCHURTER Electronics? Please contact Eric-Jan Veurink or one of his colleagues via: 0523 281 200 Or view the SCHURTER website: schurter.com.