Profile
Introducing Luke Tenaglia Supplier Magazine's Philip Ashley spoke to Biesse’s Luke Tenaglia about his new job, about Biesse itself and about his thoughts on the industry in Australia.
Luke Tenaglia is the “new” CEO for Biesse Australia and New Zealand. Maybe “new” is not the right word because Luke has been with Biesse since 1994. Back then John Cover and Jake Martin supplied the Biesse brand through the Allwood Company. Allwood became Biesse Australia in 2001 and is one of the industry’s leading machinery suppliers.
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Fast forward to 2014 and Luke brings his infectious brand of enthusiasm to the top job to continue Biesse’s success. Luke plans further inroads into the woodworking, stone and glass industries and to provide the backup and highlevel of service demanded by manufacturers. He said: “Buying a machine is only the first step. The ownership
of the machine in terms of performance and service are equally important issues for the user”. Biesse is in Luke Tenaglia’s DNA. He lives and breathes Biesse and says he “could not represent any other supplier”. As Financial Controller for many years, Luke understands the business but, more importantly, he understands what the customer wants and needs. In just over a year as CEO, Luke has changed the structure of Biesse Australia and New Zealand so that each of the three technology streams of CNC, edging and Intermac (stone and glass) is managed by a Technical Service Manager, who is a recognised expert in the field. This means a person is in place to ensure your equipment is supported and you get the very best performance from your investment. Luke was there 20 years ago when John Cover made technical service a big ticket issue. Luke believes that in 2014 service is more important than ever before. So much so, that he’s actually increased Biesse’s service personnel at a time when other suppliers are reducing staff in this area. Luke has set a high service benchmark and with the extra technical service staff, Biesse aims to achieve a repeatability of service second-to-none. He intends to achieve the very best
technical support with people who specialise in specific areas of technology. With almost five million dollars’ worth of spare parts to call on, this puts Biesse at the premium end of machine service. We have all experienced the rationalisation in manufacturing in this part of the world. Luke, as a result, employs a Dual-Band strategy, which aims to continue Biesse’s excellent record with entry level equipment whilst keeping a commitment to top end industrial solutions. After all, the technical developments at the top end filter down through all levels. Luke believes in the industry and is optimistic about the future of manufacturing. He believes an equipment supplier must work closely with the manufacturer and understand the company’s processes. “Selling a machine is not enough: Biesse sells a solution to a complete manufacturing situation. That way, we can supply the very best manufacturing capability for your company,” Luke said. Luke is sincere when he says: “The success of the manufacturer goes hand in hand with the success of Biesse”. Luke Tenaglia is Biesse through and through. Biesse is in his blood and after 20 years with the machinery giant, he’s not slowing down.●
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