There’s the passion for technology, there’s the continuous commitment to innovation, there’s the maniacal attention to detail. Then, there is the culture, with its values that have remained intact over the decades. “The land where we were born was the one that allowed all this to happen”. For FARE INSIEME Giampaolo Colletti interviews Silvia Pecorari, VP Strategic Development & Operations at Hansa-TMP
di Giampaolo Colletti
@gpcolletti
After all, excellence is always a team effort. That’s what you immediately realise when you read the history of Hansa-TMP, a giant in the construction and production of hydraulic pumps in Emilia, in that hydraulic valley that the world envies us. This Modena-based company specialises in the integration of complete systems using fluid technology in conjunction with electronics. A glocal company with an international appeal, it has undergone a significant evolution over the years: born as a design studio, over time, it has become an exclusive manufacturer and distributor for giants, such as Kawasaki. In fact, they are specialists in complete and customised hydraulic solutions linked to electronics, focusing on efficiency and sustainability. The headquarters are in Modena, but the strength of this company lies in its presence in over 60 countries around the world, with its own sales offices and a structured distribution and customer service network. Specifically, 21 distributors and repair centres abroad, with 80% exports outside Italy and a turnover of around 10 million euros; 40% employees are women and the average age is 35.
Partnerships in the territory. The company was founded in 1950, at the height of the economic boom, which was also a cultural boom. It was a time of revival. This can also be seen by looking into the Officina Meccanica Pecorari, which specialises in the design and production of the first agricultural machines, such as rototillers. “We have grown by making a very precise choice: keeping research and development, quality control, assembly, testing and logistics in-house and exploiting the synergy with our suppliers for everything else. After all, ours is an exceptional territory. So, in 1998, we became manufacturers of hydraulic components ourselves: we started making variable displacement axial piston pumps, for hydrostatic transmissions for vehicles, construction machinery, agricultural machinery, sweepers or municipal vehicles,” says Silvia Pecorari, VP Strategic Development & Operations at Hansa-TMP, who represents the second generation of the family business. Yes, the territory with its people. Talents to bring on board. And so it’s back to the team again and again, even outside the boundaries of the company, in that training world that swarms with new resources to train and grow. It takes vision to do all this but, in the long run, the results come out: so, we entered into agreements with the engineering faculty of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia and the High Technology Network of Emilia Romagna. “The team of university engineers uses simulation software, to which we have entrusted research support before the prototype is built. The university has very good skills in the field of hydraulics that can support product innovation. This is a way to study and improve the sensors to be applied to our products and to carry out research into both materials and pump performance,” Pecorari explains.
The drivers of growth. There’s the passion for technology, there’s the continuous commitment to innovation, there’s the maniacal attention to detail. Then, there is the culture, with its values that have remained intact over the decades. In order to understand the strength of this company, we have to go back to its founder and to the 1950s, in that post-war period of mechanisation that was also affecting agriculture, the mainstay of the Emilian land. “The land where we were born was the one that allowed all this to happen”. After all, right from the start, we have worked to simplify work in the field and to innovate. Today, it is no coincidence that we design pumps, motors and valves in the world’s most important industrial district. And we have a historic and very close link with the subcontracting chain. We are able to control the supply chain and solve problems quickly in order to provide customers with a fast and cost-effective service. On the other hand, a short supply chain allows for easier logistics, rapid response and deliveries,” says Pecorari.
In the name of excellence. Research is a mantra. “In 2014, we founded an in-house centre for those hydraulics and transversal skills. An in-house research centre, but open to universities. Here, we perform virtual simulation with the study of materials and product efficiency. In addition, we collaborate with Competence Centers for rapid prototyping thanks to a team of engineers linked to R&D,” says Pecorari. The testing part is essential: after the design stage, 3D printed prototypes are made through virtual simulations to see the ergonomics of assembly, all tested with a hydrostatic simulation system. Now, the company is looking to the future by doubling its production and logistics facilities. A 3-million euro investment will be completed by next year with new lines in 4.0 logic, i.e. automated and with specialised personnel. After all, you try and try again. This is the only way to win on the market.
https://podcast.confindustriaemilia.it/
Leggi le altre interviste
