Nico Hofte about "Exploring New Markets" at Power-Packer in the new VLT brochure

1. Participant Power-Packer
‘Exploring new
markets’
Glimpsing better times ahead and determined to be ready
for the future, Power-Packer decided it was time for action.
In the midst of the crisis, they made ambitious investments
in developing new products, exploring new markets and
targeting new customers. In setting out its strategy for
growth, the company turned to VentureLab for help.
VENTURELAB INTERNATIONAL
P
ower-Packer is a world player department manned by a team of ten. New business leads
in the field of electro-hydraulic Nico Höfte, business development “Being at VentureLab opens doors
systems. In the automotive and manager and a member of that team, you could never have thought of in
truck segments (convertible top systems embarked on the one-year VentureLab advance. One thing leads to another. The
and cab tilt systems respectively), the programme. “One of my first questions atmosphere is one of limitless possibility.
company enjoys an international market was how to achieve innovation within That sense of opportunity catches
share of almost 50 percent. In the light our existing organization. With this in on. It makes it easier to get talking to
of economic developments and the mind, Rob van Lambalgen offered to interesting parties and sparring partners.
extent of their market share, growth in take on the role of one-off sparring The contact with my personal coach
these areas was not a realistic prospect. partner for the entire management once every two weeks was also very
Power-Packer therefore decided to team. Each year, we draw up a valuable. He has an enormous network
explore new directions through market strategic plan but he made us think and has introduced us to a number of
diversification, product innovation, about whether our current approach launching customers for cooperation on
tapping into emerging markets and to innovation would put us where we new products. He also made me aware
acquisition. “We are continuing to play wanted to be in 20 years’ time. That of events such as Health Valley Twente,
to our strengths, but we want to reduce was an eye opener. This led to an where all of the players in the medical
our dependence on the automotive increased focus on ‘technology sector came together, and a similar
sector,” reveals CEO Jan Smit. roadmapping’ and ‘motion control’. seminar in the military sector. This
In addition, we have now adopted a resulted in new business leads. Thanks
Innovation in an existing organization strong focus on adjacent sectors such to VentureLab, these contacts are easier
To achieve these new ambitions, the as solar power, agribusiness, shipping and quicker to make.”
company set up a separate innovation and defence.”
Database access
Nico is keen to mention access to the
VLT VentureClass: free networking event University of Twente’s market research
database as another valuable benefit of
CEO Jan Smit is also involved as a speaker at a VLT VentureClass, the VentureLab. “All you have to do is log in
networking event that VentureLab organizes at regular intervals. It is free of and there’s a world of data, forecasts and
charge and open to participants and other interested parties alike. In addition trends at your fingertips. That resource
to information about the VentureLab business development programme, alone is sufficient reason to take part in
Nico Höfte there will be plenty of opportunity for networking. Visit the website for more the VentureLab programme.”
Business development manager information and dates: www.venturelabinternational.com
Power-Packer www.power-packer.com
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