Derk Wilten, owner and managing director of Synchron Lab Automation, explains how cooperation with Festo began: “We only used to focus on the concept of a solution and then had it built by a partner. That's because originally we’re a software company. When Niels Kruize joined the company, he told us he firmly believed we should be building turnkey solutions ourselves. Niels Kruize is responsible for business development at Synchron Lab Automation. He used to work in England where he collaborated closely with Festo. On the basis of his positive experience, he suggested launching our first in-house designed product with engineering know-how and components from Festo.”
Niels Kruize elaborates: “Festo is a leading company with a global network of component suppliers, as well as global service and support. They helped us with the design engineering and shared their knowledge with us. It has been very valuable that they’re active in different markets.” Synchron supplies customers all over the world, so they are very pleased to have a partner who can deliver parts in Germany as quickly as in Singapore. Derk Wilton was quickly convinced: "Festo uses the same work methods as we do. It's very reassuring to work with a partner who believes in the project."
Right from the start, the developers at Synchron received intensive support from Festo. Key Account Manager Bert Baas from Festo explains: “Our automation experts provided support throughout the entire development of the extraction machine. For example, they suggested using the new CPX-E unit to provide genuine added value. They used the unit in this project before it was even available on the market.”