Focus magazine by Kramp 2015 #4 UK (English)

Focus Kramp Customer Magazine

Edition 4 | 2015

BRUDER

Toys that last

18

KRAMP PNEUMATICS

Tested

Page

6

Page

Page

KRA FOCUS 0415 UK

THE CHALLENGES OF PRODUCING WHITE GOLD

20

ERIK HOGERVORST

Column from Climmar chairman

DUALMOTION

A Revolution for Ergonomic Sitting and Fatigue-Free Working: The Maximo Dynamic Plus is the first seat with an upper backrest section that twists around with you. This adaptive back support prevents muscle fatigue and, together with the swivel, ensures an excellent view and good back support when working in a rear-facing position. The Maximo Dynamic Plus is also ideal for connecting heavy multifunctional armrests. Now you can concentrate longer and work more safely.

The new Maximo Dynamic Plus redefines comfort, ergonomics and safety!

2

GRAMMER AG Seating Systems · P.O. Box 14 54 · 92204 Amberg · Germany · www.grammer.com

*The multifunctinonal armrest is not included.

ENJOY NEW FREEDOM IN THE FIELDS. WITH THE MAXIMO® DYNAMIC PLUS.

EDITORIAL

A satisfying look back on an exciting year As 2015 draws slowly to a close, we can take a satisfied look back on an exciting year. Although the current mood in the agricultural market is somewhat less positive, we are continuing to invest in our business and employees, and are still working on innovative new products and developments. We feel extremely optimistic about these new opportunities in the long term.

In 2015, we invested further in redevelopment, including our webshop, services, IT systems and logistics, with the aim to make work even easier for you. For example, the revamped webshop will help you locate the constantly growing number of items even more quickly and efficiently in the future. In 2016, we will continue to find innovative ways to demonstrate our added value as your essential partner.

In this final edition of Focus for 2015, we introduce you to our new columnist, Erik Hogervorst, president of the industrial organisation Climmar. We also discuss Agritechnica in some detail, where we had the opportunity to exhibit several stands this year. The trade fair was a great opportunity to meet more than 10,000 customers and suppliers from across Europe, and provided us with a wonderful opportunity to talk about how our partnerships can continue to develop and improve.

All that remains is to thank you for the trust you have placed in us and for all the great things we have achieved together over the past year.

I wish you, your colleagues and your family a happy festive season and all the best for 2016.

Eddie Perdok Kramp Group CEO

CONTENTS 4

News Product news

20

Column Erik Hogervorst is the new columnist for Focus

6

Supplier portrait Bruder Toys

22

Events Agritechnica

8

Cover story The challenges of producing white gold

24

Customer portrait John Deere dealer Ripon Farm Services

13

Know How Kramp Batteries

26

Kramp face Stephen Woodland/Jason Dyball/Andrew Herring

14

Highlight Rob Harrison talks about British Dairy Farming

27

Kramp Academy Expansion for Kramp Academy 2015

16

Ask Thorsten Grammer AG

28

Pinboard Customer news

18

Product test Kramp Pneumatics

31

Quiz Sudoku

4 | 2015 Focus

3

NEWS

AL-KO

Quality for life Blue MDPE

Kramp and AL-KO have worked

Maintenance free

in partnership for 5

Kramp has a new and extended range of Blue MDPE

chassis technology

(medium density polyethylene) pipe. Spools are available

for commercial

from stock in 25, 50, 100 or 150m for added convenience.

trailers.

years. AL-KO is the world leading manufacturer of

They have Blue MDPE pipe is supplied in diameters from 20mm to

developed

63mm and are designed for the connection and supply

an unparalleled range of commercial products for use in a

of mains water services around the farm or property.

wide range of applications and environments, including axles,

Our robust, easy-to-fit, leak-proof and maintenance

overruns, coupling hitches, braking systems and components

free system along with a large range of Plasson fittings

for demanding trailer applications.

is suitable for most cold water applications. Kramp has the components and solution for a quick connection or a

For a full range of products visit www.kramp.com

time saving repair.

Cylinders & Bottom blades

NEW range Kramp introduces a comprehensive range of cutting cylinders, bottom blades and accessories suitable for the Commercial, Parks and Local Authority markets. Including major brands such as: Ransomes, Hayter/Toro, Sabo/John Deere, Lloyds and Dennis.

Kramp understands the urgent delivery requirements of these markets and is committed to providing products of the highest quality with next day availability. All cylinders are painted to a high quality finish using powder coating systems and to help to make the fitting process even easier, and all cylinders are already ground ready for use with our pre-spinning process. Check out the full range and prices at www.kramp.com

2015/2016 Toy Catalogue

All your favourites This year we have a smaller catalogue but it’s still easy to use. You will find all your favourites plus a large number of new products for you to peruse. Whether you are looking for a trustworthy ride-on tractor or a role-playing toy for the creative youngster, Kramp has the answer. Kramp’s Toy Catalogue has everything you need to keep boys and girls entertained.

For a complete range of available toys take a look at our website www.kramp.com.

4

NEWS

High powered rechargeable torches

Look no further Clulite have been manufacturing high powered rechargeable torches since 1970. They remain the market leaders, keeping up with changing technologies as they are developed. Their range includes head lights using high intensity LEDs which produce a beam not a glow. The HL10 is an upmarket headlight with a low power consumption. Its easily adjustable, has a duration time of 3-9 hours depending on mode selection and a rapid recharge time of 6 hours.

For a full range of products visit www.kramp.com/shop-gb/en/386017/Clu-lite

Hella “Value-Fit” Lamps

20kg Salt Bag

For the budget conscious buyer

An essential for the winter

The HELLA VALUEFIT range of products is an ideal solution for older vehicles

With the weather turning colder, are you prepared if we have a harsh winter? Kramp

with a low value. HELLA VALUEFIT

offers a wide range of winter products, so

meets all critical quality requirements

look no further. We have quality salt, ideal

without approaching the pricing

to clear paths and roads, de-icer to ensure

of classic premium products. The products represent a worthwhile alternative for repair work carried out on

you have clear visibility, quick start to get you moving or high quality anti-freeze for protection, you can get it all here at Kramp.

older vehicles and in the place of halogen bulbs. The functionality, quality, and technical specifications of HELLA VALUEFIT products

Visit the webshop www.kramp.com for a full range of

meet the relevant requirements for carrying out quality repair work

products.

on used vehicles. Older vehicles can be maintained properly while at the same time making sound financial sense.

The arctic ice resistant valve

Plasson Quality is the keyword in all Plasson processes, from design through manufacture, assembly, packaging, distribution and delivery. The arctic ice resistant valve has been designed specifically to cope with extreme cold temperatures for outside water systems. It has an elastic body that is able to absorb the increase in volumes caused by icing. Features include: a polypropylene copolymer body, PN16 ball valve, black in colour to resist UV rays without oxidising, connection via BSP thread and is available in sizes ½”, ¾” and 1”.

For a full range of Plasson products visit www.plasson.co.uk

4 | 2015 Focus

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SUPPLIER PORTRAIT

Bruder Toys

Toys that last When you see life size toy figures on the roundabout, you know you are near the headquarters of toy manufacturer Bruder. Although the impressive buildings of the family company are difficult to miss.

Bruder has an impressive reception area for visitors.

6

Bruder Toys is a family company that now has the third generation at the helm. Founded in 1926, the company has grown to become a major global operation and their toy vehicles are a familiar sight in many homes. Wolfgang Stärk is the manager (seen on the right in the photo) and has been part of the company for more than fifteen years. He feels that Bruder products are more than just toys.

"Of course our products are designed to be played with, but they also have educational value. The way we make them means that children learn from handling them, whether that is a social skill, in the field of motor abilities or with a pedagogic connotation".

And because the toys are designed for children, they also have to be robust. Stärk demonstrates this by dropping a crane onto the floor. "Of course a window might fall out, as happened here.

But you can simply push it back in again. If something actually breaks, despite the high level of quality, then individual parts are available to buy. This combination of factors means that the toys last for years". Quality is the top priority The large production halls and warehouse are next to one another in Fuerth and there is also a production site in the Czech Republic. The company made a conscious decision to site all its facilities within Europe. "Our raw materials also come from European suppliers", explains Stärk during a tour of the halls. "This enables us to guarantee our level of quality.

We are aware that our products are not the cheapest, but we have consciously opted to put quality as our top priority". And this philosophy has proven to be successful. There is no other manufacturer who can make plastic vehicles of such quality on this scale. And this is why the products are sold worldwide.

Every year sees between 10 and 20 new models covering agricultural, construction site and municipal vehicles. Before a new vehicle goes on sale, it has to be researched, developed and manufactured and this whole process takes about a year. "First of all, designers get to work on making the parts as realistic as possible. Then the moulds are made for producing the plastic parts. Finally we can start production". Although the parts are manufactured using robots, the actual assembling of the parts is done by people. Stärk: "On the one hand, this is something that machines cannot do yet, but on the other hand it does mean that people can also monitor the parts. It acts as an extra quality

INFO

check".

Kramp is an important partner Once the model vehicles have been assembled and boxed, they are moved to the warehouse ready for shipping all over the world.

"Kramp is an important partner for us", says Stärk. "They help us reach our customers throughout Europe. Throughout my time working here, the two companies have always had an excellent relationship with each other and I am sure that will continue in the future".

} Founded in 1926 } Slogan: ‘Just like the real thing’ } Market leader in high quality plastic toy vehicles on a 1:16 scale } 414 employees at the company's head office in Fuerth (Germany) } Around 100 CNC smelting machines for plastic parts } Products sold in more than 70 countries } Turnover in 2014: EUR 75 million

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4 | 2015 Focus

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COVER STORY

The challenges of producing white gold Tractors filling the streets of Brussels, cows walking around British supermarkets and ministers of agriculture in regular meetings.

The word "crisis" is being used with increasing frequency. With production prices higher than selling prices, farmer's reserves (where there are any) are quickly dwindling. How long can this go on?

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COVER STORY

Is there a serious problem or is it just temporary before the selling prices rise again, as has often happened in the past? Nobody really knows and that is why dairy farmers in particular are making such a commotion at the moment.

What is the situation?

For the last thirty years, the European Union (EU) has applied milk quotas. This was a direct result of the overproduction of milk in the EU. After the build up of the milk lakes and butter mountains, it was high time for quotas. However, with the global demand for dairy products increasing (especially from China and Russia), the quotas were abolished on the 1st of April this year.

Golden times for dairy farmers? Whereas last year saw an almost unlimited demand from China for dairy products (especially milk powder), the demand for the white gold from Europe has now dropped considerably.

Exports to Russia also dived due to the Russian boycott. Add to this the fact that milk production has significantly increased and the result is easy to guess: high supply and low demand, with consequently lower prices.

However, the problems do not end there for the milk producers. Farmers need to achieve a fair price for the milk they are producing despite the price pressure created by supermarkets using milk as a loss leader product. Many feel the supermarkets are retaining their margin but forcing producers to sacrifice theirs.

„

4 | 2015 Focus

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COVER STORY

Back to square one?

Friesland Campina is owned by 13,500 dairy

appearing; a reference to the Ice Bucket Challenge

farmers, making it the second largest dairy

which was popular last year. In Germany the

company in the world. Chairman Piet Boer

Bund Deutscher Milchviehhalter (the association

believes the present low milk price is only

of German dairy farmers) is pleading for a milk

temporary. He explained the more favourable

production limit to be applied. Protests were

long term prognosis on national TV news in the

held in Brussels at the beginning of September

Netherlands. He thinks the dairy farmers will

when thousands of farmers from all over Europe

eventually benefit again from the increasing global

gathered before a meeting on the current issues.

demand for dairy products.

Should Europe approve a package of aid measures or reintroduce the quotas? Is it not the case

But until things reach that stage, the question

that too much milk is simply being produced?

is still "what do we do now?". In the UK the first

The coming months will undoubtedly see long

videos of the ‘Milk Bucket Challenge’ are now

discussions on these matters.

Milk is produced in every EU country, without exception. In value terms, milk is the biggest agricultural product in the EU, accounting for 15% of the total value of agricultural produce.

Some 1.2 million people work in this industry.

Source: Members' Research Service European Union

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In 2014 EU member countries produced 148 million tonnes of milk.

There are 650,000 dairy farmers in the EU and they own 18 million dairy cows.

Pigs With the milk producers in the news, like the farmers in France who blocked the motorways, other sectors were being ignored. This time it was the pig farmers’

For the time being the

turn to protest. At the start of September, pig farmers

problems will remain, but

joined forces with dairy farmers in Brussels to seek

there is light at the end of

redress. The protest was largely peaceful, although it did

the tunnel. The milk prices

occasionally turn ugly. Following the protest, the EU has

Light at the end of the tunnel

are expected to start rising

been talking about a fund of EUR 500 million for European

in 2016, largely because the

farmers, but there is concern that most of the money will go

demand from China is likely

to just milk farmers rather than other farming sectors. .

to increase. If the sanctions against Russia are also eased, then that will also help the dairy industry to recover. But until then, things will remain tight and

Mechanisation sector

patience is required‌

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The low milk prices and the problems in the other farming sectors also have indirect consequences for the mechanisation sector. Contractors are paid late and in instalments, or they are put under pressure to lower prices. "I understand that dairy farmers are having a difficult time but our work is not getting any cheaper as a result. We cannot lower the prices just like that. We also have to pay our bills", is the response from a contractor to the question as to whether he is feeling the consequences of the crisis.

Dealers are also noticing that the farming sector is struggling. Bills are being paid later, and in some cases not at all, while investment by farmers and contractors is being postponed. This also makes it difficult for these parties to meet their financial obligations on time.

â‚Ź 4 | 2015 Focus

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TECHNICAL SERVICES SAVE MONEY AND PRODUCTION TIME Saving money and valuable production time is a key priority of Kramp's Technical Services. We work with you to overcome challenges and turn your wishes and needs into cost effective, high quality, custom made technical solutions.

www.kramp.com/en/techicalservices It's that easy.

THERE’S A NAME FOR EFFICIENCY IN THE WORLD OF AGRICULTURE: MEAplatinum

M E TA L A PPLI C ATIONS As long-lasting as stainless steel – that was our aim when we developed MEAplatinum – the new surface for sliding door and gate fittings. In the agricultural sector, exceptional resistance to corrosion guarantees that the guide rails can be used maintenance-free. This characteristic has been confirmed by TÜV-SÜD in an independent test (DIN ISO 9227 : 2012).

More information at: www.mea-group.de/metal applications

12

KNOW HOW

What to look for in batteries December is usually the month in which winter really takes hold. And when the cold starts to threaten, it immediately becomes evident whether or not a battery is still fit for purpose.

Batteries of all types and sizes can be ordered on the Kramp website. What exactly are the differences, and what do you need to look for in a battery? Product specialist Jurgen Heymans explains.

What are the differences between the types of battery? | Jurgen | "Starter batteries are, as the name suggests, batteries

Is there anything in particular to take into account over the winter?

used for starting a vehicle in any conditions. They give a high

| Jurgen | "During the winter, or for longer periods of inactivity,

starting current over a short period of time. On a starter battery,

it is a good idea to remove the battery from the vehicle and store

information is provided in this format: 12V — 44Ah — 440A (EN)".

it, connected to a trickle charger, in a room with a constant

12 volts = the voltage supplied

temperature of 15°C. This ensures that the battery stays at the

44Ah = the battery capacity. This battery can provide a current of

correct voltage at all times".

44A for 1 hour. battery can deliver for 30 seconds at 0F (-17.8C), maintaining at

How long does a battery last? After a number of years, should batteries be replaced as a precaution?

least 1.2 volt per cell.

"The service life of a battery depends on a number of factors.

"Semi-traction batteries are used over a longer period of time to

The presence of too many electrical consumers can lead to the

deliver a lower current. These batteries are used in sweepers,

premature failure of the battery — consumers such as work lights

trucks, electric vehicles and as a power supply for electric fences,

(use LED instead if you can) and frequent use of control units are

for example".

key contributing factors. Kramp and Varta batteries can withstand

440A (EN) = cold start capacity. The number of amps that a

up to four times more cycles (discharging and charging) than

Do you have any battery maintenance tips?

competitor products: a total of 800 cycles, which is a significant

| Jurgen | "Check the acid level of the battery every three months.

lead".

Make sure that there is enough acid above the plates; you can see this using the indicator on the battery. Of course, there are also maintenance free batteries. You'll recognise these by the absence

What factors do people need to consider when purchasing a battery?

of caps on the battery. Letting the battery discharge too far can lead

| Jurgen | "The capacity of a battery corresponds with the surface

to sulphation and therefore to capacity loss. Excessive discharge

area of the lead plates in the battery. The more capacity you need,

can also occur over longer periods due to insufficient charging.

the larger the battery. For a simple installation, it is important that

This might happen as a result of an inefficient charging installation

you take the switching diagram into account. This indicates the

(alternator and/or regulator) or through insufficient charging time,

position of the terminals on the battery: are they on the long side

for example if a vehicle is frequently driven but only for very short

or the short side of the battery, and where are the positive and

distances. In this kind of scenario, a 100% charged battery may,

negative terminals located? This is important when connecting the

for example, be allowed to run down to 60% and only recharged

battery to the machine. You can use the make/model structure in

up to 90%. At the next start-up, the battery runs down again, but

the webshop to select a battery. This enables you to ensure that you

now goes even lower than in the first instance. It is then recharged,

always find the right battery for a machine".

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again not fully, and so the cycle continues".

3 | 2015 Focus

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HIGHLIGHT

Provenance and sustainable pricing are both important Rob Harrison was elected as chairman of the NFU national Dairy Board in March 2014, after serving as national vice chairman for two years. He farms 430 acres in North Gloucestershire in partnership with his wife Emma and their three young children, and is a passionate ambassador for British dairy farming We're all aware that over the past 18 months the

have come after strong pressure from farmers and

dairy industry has come under significant pressure

consumers. We know that a number of our retailers

with tumbling farmgate milk prices and so much

have long had in place schemes to support their liquid

volatility on the global markets. In recent weeks, this

milk supplying farmers. Many have concerns about

has captured the interest of the British public and

these schemes. However we need more of these

has taken the headlines by storm. Recently we have

retailers to take ownership of their supply chain and

recently seen some moves in the right direction. There

to be transparent over how those dairy farmers are

have been four successive positive GDT results, a

getting a fair price and there are clearly a range of

small price increase announced by our largest milk

options.

buyer, Arla, and a number of retailers announcing

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more sustainable pricing for liquid milk and cheese.

This is the message the NFU has taken to retailers and

The market is starting to correct itself although

food service over the summer, and will continue to drive

global dairy production remains out of kilter with

this home to food manufacturers and other end users

current consumption requirements. At the recent IDF

of dairy products. Provenance and sustainable pricing

World Summit in Lithuania I heard that the Russians

are both important – it’s no longer sufficient for food

expect the ban to continue until 2018, however, global

service and food manufacturers just to say, “we buy Red

consumption is still growing by around 2% and most

Tractor assured dairy products”, if they’re not paying a

expect this to continue with things improving next year.

price that allows all parts of the dairy supply chain to

Many of the movements over the summer by retailers

be sustainable in the longer term.

”

We’re also looking at what we can do longer term..”

Rob Harrison

Commission really needs to work on

we will keep pressure on everyone in the

ensuring a fair and equitable supply chain.

supply chain to ensure that money does fall

It’s vital to strengthen the Grocery Code and

back down the chain to farmers.

on dairy this may mean reopening the EU

THE NFU IN NUMBERS INFO

Progress is being made in small steps and

dairy package which has so far done little to We’re also looking at what we can do longer

support UK dairy farmers or increase their

term. The NFU has been lobbying hard in

bargaining power. The European Commission

Brussels for recognition of the crisis affecting

also has a role in collecting real-time data

our sector and the €500 million crisis fund

on prices and production so that we can at

announced in September shows that the

last have a fully functioning EU dairy futures

message has been heard. Allocating this

market and some ability for our milk buyers

fairly across all EU dairy farmers will remain

and farmers to manage volatility.

a challenge, and Defra’s decision to pay English farmers equally, based on production

Rob Harrison

in the past year, will be controversial, as we

NFU dairy board chairman

know that the UK milk price average means little now with such a variance between the top and the bottom. Rather than, or even alongside, a one off payment, the European

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• The NFU has 55,000 members across England and Wales.

• There are around 83,000 farm holdings which are greater than 50 acres of land.

These belong to full time farmers. Many farmers have more than one holding.

• The NFU estimates that more than 70 per cent of full time farmers are NFU members.

4 | 2015 Focus

15

Everything you always wanted to know

Ask Thorsten

He visits our supplier Grammer

Hello everyone, and welcome to “Ask Thorsten”. At the Agritechnica event, we made the most of the opportunity to take a closer look at our suppliers’ stands.

Standing next to me is Markus Hänsch from Grammer — hello Markus.

Hello Thorsten - welcome to our stand. Our slogan this year is “On the move”. The background to this is that we want to protect our customers, namely farmers, against vibrations and have designed various systems for this purpose that we would be happy to show you.

...This particular product fe atures an indi vidual backrest e xtension mechanism that can be pulled out or pushed back in as required when performing work requiring the operator to face back wards. Our latest model, however, is the Maximo Dynamic Plus...

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… with dual motion. The key fe ature of this particular se at is that the backrest extension can move to the side, enabling weight to be distributed to optimum effect when performing work requiring the operator to face back wards and relieving strain on the lower peripter y.

ASK THORSTEN

At the recent Agritechnica event, not only did the four Kramp stands receive a healthy number of visitors, our suppliers also drew a significant amount of interest and received a positive response from visitors. Thorsten took a look at the stand of one particular supplier, innovation prize winner at Kramp Open 2014 Grammer AG, in more detail and spoke with Grammer Sales Manager Markus Hänsch about current innovations.

In our innovation corner, we offer demonstrations of future oriented products, such as our simulator that we use to replicate work in the plough furrow....

Thank you Markus. I am alre ady convinced of the comfort and functionalit y — all the more now seeing as I have found myself a se at that offers a massage function...

...Among other products, we are introducing innovati ve suspension systems that offer maximum levels of comfort. We even won the Kramp innovation prize back in 2014 for one of our products, the Grammer Maximo Professional...

Until next time...... I could get used to this...

4 | 2015 Focus

17

Tested:

Kramp pneumatics Kramp's new range of pneumatic parts is aimed specifically at the agricultural industry. The range consists of cylinders, valves, hoses and fittings, air supply units and is

D

airy farmer Jan-Willem van Eerden is currently testing the Kramp cylinders in the segregation channel of his milking robot and in the inlet and outlet channel. We asked about

their value for money. "So far, better than expected", answers Van Eerden. "The cylinders were installed more than 18 months ago and they are still working perfectly. We haven’t encountered any

ideally suited for use in

problems so far".

stalls, dairy equipment and

making them resistant to the damp conditions where they are used.

the food industry.

The Kramp cylinders are fitted with stainless steel piston rods, "The seals are also working very well", says Van Eerden. "As you can see, the rod is clean, just as you want it to be".

Can you recommend the cylinders? "Absolutely, I cannot think of a reason why I wouldn't. They have done an excellent job while I have been using them. Absolutely first class"

Other products Other products besides the cylinders include hoses and fittings, valves and air supply units.

Three types of hose are available: PA, PE and PU. PU hoses are resistant to hydrolysis. This means that they are ideally suited for use in damp environments, such as in stables, dairy equipment, the food industry or outdoors.

The (push-in) couplings are available in plastic or in nickel-plated brass with a metal decoupling ring. The latter variant is robust and strong, guaranteeing a long service life.

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PRODUCT TEST

KEY FEATURES OF KRAMP CYLINDERS: • Comply with ISO standards, are therefore interchangeable • Fitted as standard with stainless steel piston rods • Various fasteners can be used (yoke, hinges, etc.)

• These cylinders are suitable for 8mm sensors and sensors for profile tubes

The full range of valves available: • Electrical, pneumatic, mechanical operation and manual operation.

• Available as M5, 1/8", 1/4" and 1/2".

The range of high quality air supply items are made from plastic. The products are modular and suitable for modular construction. The items for air supply consist of: filters, pressure regulators, lubricators and a full range of accessories.

Kramp pneumatic products are available through the webshop.

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POWER BRANDS WITH ENERGY

EXPERTS CHOICE EXTENSIVE RANGE OF BATTERIES AND ACCESSORIES

To keep unnecessary downtime on your machines to a minimum, it's essential that you can access the battery you need quickly and easily. With products from Kramp, Varta and Optima, top quality is guaranteed. Discover the wide range of batteries, maintenance items and accessories in our webshop.

It's that easy.

4 | 2015 Focus

19

COLUMNIST

Hogervorst takes a closer look at the mechanical sector Erik Hogervorst is the new columnist for Focus.

Starting in this edition, the Climmar chairman will regularly report on developments in the marketplace. But we want to start by introducing Erik to Focus readers.

Erik Hogervorst is co-owner of the agricultural mechanisation

year. Being Climmar chairman is a challenge that varies from day

company Wout Hogervorst. Circumstances meant that he started

to day. "Most definitely", says Hogervorst. "The general acceptance

work there at a young age. "I went straight from school into work.

of being a member of an organisation such as Climmar has

I didn't have time to look around and build experience". When he

diminished, so you have to demonstrate your added value. At the

was later asked to join the board of COM, an industrial organisation

same time, you have to handle the different cultures of different

in the Netherlands, he had doubts. His father advised him to go

countries. The temperament of Italian people and other southern

ahead. "Naturally it requires time, but my father convinced me it

Europeans and the no nonsense character of, for example, the

would be good for networking and for my personal development.

Danish people. The current dealer market is undergoing change.

And he was absolutely right". The entrepreneur spent a total of

The requirements of manufacturers are not what they were ten

twelve years on the board. For three years he was chairman of

years ago. That's why we sit around the table with organisations

the Centraal Orgaan Mechanisatiebedrijven (COM) and he was

such as CEMA. Because we all have the same objective — to be

chairman of Fedecom for just over a year. Fedecom was created in

successful".

2013 by the merger of COM and Federatie Agrotechniek. Currently Hogervorst is chairman of Climmar, the European professional

Go to the next page to read the first column from Climmar chairman

organisation for dealers. He has held that position for just over a

Erik Hogervorst. u

CLIMMAR Climmar was founded in 1953 and currently consists of fifteen organisations, including the British Agricultural and Garden Machinery Association (United Kingdom), LandBauTechnik - Bundesverband e.V. (Germany), Syndicat National des Entreprises de Service et Distribution du Machinisme Agricole (France) and Fedecom (Netherlands). Climmar provides its members with support and acts as the intermediary for discussions with parties such as CEMA and the European Commission.

20

COLUMN

Shoulders straight and face into the wind First there was the financial crisis and the low prices of

agricultural products and now we have the milk production issue

and the pig farming crisis. We often hear about the growth in the world's population and the increasing demand for food. But if we adapt food production in line with this, the prices plummet. So how does this come about?

Farmers are busy doing their work and often fail to take in the

bigger picture. When prices are high and farmers are doing well, they invest. When prices are low, farmers complain. Buyers do

"

not consider the potential purchase price when they make their

The developments that we will participate in over the coming years can be compared to bungee jumping".

purchases; they simply want it to be as low as possible. I believe that the game of supply and demand is too often based on mistrust rather than trust ‌ (also in mechanisation),

so it is good to realise that this crisis is not only caused by the

new EU regulations. These regulations were not in force a few

Erik Hogervorst, Climmar

years ago and the price for a litre of milk was even lower. We must also take part of the blame ourselves. That is difficult because we cannot change the world on our own.

The developments that we will participate in over the coming

years can be compared to bungee jumping. The quotas and the

feeling of growth gave us a lift. Now that the quotas are finished, Russia is buying less and Chinese growth has stalled, we are

falling again. So it will take some time for a balance to be found.

There will be ups and downs on the way. Some entrepreneurs will be able to deal with the situation and others not. However, I do

believe that entrepreneurs who are able to continually explore the broader situation will have the best chance of success.

They will search for innovative ways to run their business more effectively. We in the mechanisation sector are an appropriate

partner. A trade fair like Agritechnica is an ideal platform. We are experts at providing information and advice and we put

our customers' interests first. Having knowledge is what it is all about.

Erik Hogervorst Climmar chairman

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AGRITECHNICA 2015

Agritechnica 2015 in photos

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Agritechnica review We welcomed around 10,000 visitors across four stands and now Kramp can look back on a successful Agritechnica in 2015.

The large stand in hall 2 in particular attracted a lot of attention, with the GWB

by Kramp and GWT by Kramp lines of work clothing generating a great deal of interest.

Dancers performed a spectacular display to present the clothing to visitors to the stand, who were also offered comprehensive information about the Technical Services that Kramp provides. There was also plenty of time and space for visitors to enjoy the refreshments on offer, as well as the opportunity to take an interactive look at a retail shop through a pair of 3D glasses.

The OEM stand proved a popular choice for visitors to the trade fair in Hanover, with the Product Configurator and Assist Drive the hot topics of conversation.

Sales Engineers were on hand to support the event and answer any questions. The evening Wine & Toast event was supported by Monroc, who provide the axle for the Assist Drive and Sampo Hydraulics, producers of the Blackbruin wheel motors. This was the second time that the Kramp OEM team had a dedicated stand in the Systems & Component Hall, which proved a resounding success, with more than double the amount of visitors as in 2013.

Kramp also had an HR stand to provide information for potential new employees, plus a small stand to publicise the opportunities available through the Kramp Academy.

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Parts Partnership works to deliver company’s vision John Deere dealer Ripon Farm

SERVICE DEALER 2015 - FARM MACHINERY DEALER OF THE

Services, which began in 1982,

YEAR - Ripon Farm Services has seven main agricultural outlets

shares a common vision with Kramp.

England’s largest county covers almost 12,000 square kilometres.

throughout Yorkshire and its borders. Yorkshire alone, being

Both companies want to deliver the

Within that territory are a wide and diverse range of customers

right part, to the right customer, for

to christmas trees and a whole host more. Likewise, the customer

from livestock to arable, root crop and grass to grain, vegetables

the right price and at the right time.

profiles are just as diverse. Large tracts of traditional estates that

Tim Petfield, Group Parts Manager,

units and new, young enterprises which are just starting out on the

works with Kramp to ensure that

definitions also. For example, some family farms may use the most

are mentioned in the annals of history, through to traditional family ladder of opportunity. There are sub-sectors within each of these

they are able to achieve the ‘4 rights’

traditional approach to farming. Others may utilise the very latest

efficiently and profitably

the maximum return on investment while controlling inputs, using

precision farming techniques, using computerisation to evaluate variable application rates and measuring harvested crop for yield, moisture and protein content. Whichever their favouring, they all, at some time, need a reliable parts supply resource.

Tim has been working for Ripon since it launched 33 years ago and in that time he has become a recognisable authority on the

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CUSTOMER PORTRAIT

1 The old and the new outside the recently built workshop at head office.

2 Geoff Brown, Managing Director at Ripon Farm Services Ltd receives Service Dealer award from Julian Thompson, Managing Director, Kramp UK. 3 An old John Deere waiting to be taken to the local Tractor Fest, which is held annually at Newby Hall.

4 John Deere dealer - Ripon Farm Services Ltd.

aftermarket sales industry. His vision for Ripon Farm Services is

produce higher yields increases, farmers will have to expand and

to offer customers a “one stop shop” for anything they may need

benefit from economies of scale in order to remain profitable.

for their businesses. This includes parts for non brands of any age.

Therefore spending less time searching for parts across many

Ripon Farm Services is one of the largest dealer groups in the John

locations and building a parts partnership with RFS will increase

Deere marketplace and is considered to be a John Deere ‘Dealer

farmer efficiencies. Tim’s aim is to make sure they are the first and

of Tomorrow’ which means it is positioned to expand its customer

last port of call for any parts or consumable enquiries.

service capabilities as new technologies and advanced products hit the market. But in addition to John Deere, RFS hosts a very

Kramp supports Ripon Farm Services in their drive to become

wide range of established franchises that complement each other,

a one-stop shop by offering such a wide product range, coupled

furthering the choice and resources available to its customers.

with sufficient stock for over-counter sales. Tim relies on Kramp’s expertise in introducing new product ranges, and he works closely

When customers invest in significant machinery, they expect a high

with his Kramp Account Manager Stephen Falcus to ensure that

quality after sales service system in place, especially during the

Ripon can offer complete ranges of products to their customers as

busy harvest periods. By working closely with Kramp, RFS is able

and when needed and according to seasonal demand.

to cross refer on historical data and trends, therefore ensuring they have sufficient stock moving through the system for regular

Tim said “Kramp is definitely a valuable partner” with services

draw-down, without being over-stocked, which in turn affects the

such as Kramp Academy helping to improve employee knowledge

ultimate margins

and giving them the skills to increase the level of service to their customers. It’s all about quality; quality of service, quality of parts,

The ability to deliver all items to customers will become more

quality of availability and at a price that is considered to truly reflect

important in the future, according to Tim. As the pressure to

the quality of the component.

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4 | 2015 Focus

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KRAMP FACE

Do you have any family?

I have been married to Katie for 5 years and we are blessed with 2 boys, William who turns 5 in January and Nicholas who will be 4 in February .

What attracted you to Kramp?

Working for Kramp has given me the opportunity to try new things. They supported me with flexible hours whilst I undertook a college course. I coul d learn and earn at the same time.

Tell us about your work experience

to date?

I have worked for Kramp for 8 year s. I started as a pick/ packer in the dispatch team. Over the last 2 years I have been more involved with proje ct work, such as the warehouse S&P set-up which gave me the opportunity to lead the S&P dispatch team and the shop concept. This meant visiting dealers and helping to build their new Kramp/agricenter shops.

Stephen Woodland Product Specialist

Do you have any family? n

I am married to Louise and have 2 children. Tilly is just about to start her Master’s Degree in Chemistry at Loughborough University whilst Reuben has just started his A levels at Kimberly STEM College.

Where did you work before joining Kramp?

I taught Machinery and Mechanisation at Shuttleworth College to Agricultural, Fish Management and Horticultural students covering the principals of Machinery: how things work and what to do when they go wrong and Machinery Operations throughout the seasons.

What personal achievements have you gained?

I crossed 2/3’s of the Sahara Desert from the North African

Jason Dyball

coast to the Chadian border in 2 Land Rover 110 Defenders, without GPS. A journey I would not like to take today.

Customer Specialist

Do you have any family?

Yes, most of my family work in Agriculture: My dad is a farmer, as was my grandad. My brother also works on the farm. I am engaged to Sophie and we are planning to marry in 2017. We have a Finnish dog called Ahti.

What attracted you to Kramp?

Kramp has a great family feel, solid core values and secure business. Over the last few years they have gone from strength to strength.

Tell us about your work experience to date?

I worked as a self-employed engineer during my further education. This experience helped me become an engineer for CLAAS UK (Southern Harvesters Ltd), where I became a master mechanic in Forage Harvesters and Combines. It was here I took on the role as GPS product specialist for the whole of Southern Harvesters and finally I became a Field Sales Manager before joining Kramp.

26

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Andrew Herring Account Manager

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KRAMP ACADEMY

Expansion for Kramp Academy 2015 This year marks a significant step for Kramp Academy. Not only has the number of courses increased but we have added 2 new locations: Reaseheath in Cheshire and the SRUC in Aberdeen.

The new courses are proving popular already, and we have seen

The objectives for this course are:

positive feedback on the Business and Marketing courses so far.

• Protect your business by helping staff to understand the rights of

The locations have also been received positively, with feedback

the customer and how to respond to challenges

confirming that the venues are central to requirements.

• Provide knowledge of Civil Law to ensure you are fulfilling both

Kramp Academy, the training programme created by Kramp

• An outline of criminal law to help ensure compliance.

your business and customer statutory rights dealers for Kramp dealers, is well known for being able to provide training that is difficult to source elsewhere. Part of the Kramp

By the end of the course candidates understood, in principal, the

Academy service is creating bespoke training for our dealers

sale of goods act and unfair trading regulations. This is an excellent way to train your staff to offer your customers another level of

In addition to the standard courses, we can also offer you specific

service and resolve disputes in a way that retains business.

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training delivered at your premises, which includes areas which may not be currently covered in our brochure. For example, if you require Excel, Word or Powerpoint training we can run sessions at your convenience for 8 or more members of staff.

In 2013, Ernest Doe Ltd were looking for training on consumer law and fair trading. Andy Bloomfield, Group Parts Manager "Having sound knowledge of Trading Standards is essential in any business, so when booking, Ernest Doe and Sons Ltd were keen to find a course that provided useful information. The day was well organised and the trainer was professional and kept the course interesting throughout the day. The course content was very informative and we received great feedback from our staff. We have all benefitted from the course and can now confidently deal with various issues that arise. We already have a staff waiting list for the next Trading Standards course booked! We find working with Kramp Academy is always a pleasant,

INFO

approached Kramp to source this training through Kramp Academy.

To book a Kramp Academy course simply visit the Kramp Academy page on the webshop.

As standard, these courses are available at all six Kramp Academy locations. If you require a dedicated training day at your premises then contact the Kramp UK marketing team. kendrick.richard@kramp.com and ponder.laura@kramp.com.

effortless experience thanks to the friendly, helpful staff."

4 | 2015 Focus

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PINBOARD

LAMMA 2016

dates – Christmas 2015 ery iv el D d an es m ti Opening Delivered Date er Thurs 17th Decemb ** Fri 18th December * er Mon 21st Decemb er* Tues 22nd Decemb er* Weds 23rd Decemb er Thurs 24th Decemb

Fri 25th December er Mon 28th Decemb er* Tues 29th Decemb er* mb Weds 30th Dece er Thurs 31st Decemb

Fri 1st January 2016

16 20 y Mon 4th Januar *Last orders at 4pm

Open Times 08.00am – 6.00pm * 08.00am – 1.00pm* 08.00am – 6.00pm 08.00am – 6.00pm 08.00am – 6.00pm

08.30am – 1.00pm (last orders 12)

18th 21st 22nd 23rd 24th 29th

Closed Closed Closed Closed 30th

08.30am – 5.00pm* 31st

08.30am – 5.00pm* 2nd (England & Wales)

08.30am – 1.00pm 5th (Scotland/Ireland) (last orders 12) Closed Closed 5th Business as usual

** Last orders 1.00pm

2nd – 4th February 2016 DOE SHOW - Ulting, Essex 6th – 7th January 2016 RICKERBY SHOW - Yorkshire Showground 23rd March 2016

LAMMA, the UK’s larges t farm machinery, equipm ent and agricultural servic es show once again tak es place on the 20th and 21s t of January 2016 at the East of England Showgro und in Peterborough. The show normally attracts over 40,000 farmers fro m all around the country and entry as usual is FREE .

For further information visit www.lammashow.c om

Passo dello Stelvio

Stelvio James Buchanan took part in the Passo dello – Teglio io Borm was route The 2015. on the 7th of June was climb est steep The o.

Stelvi – io – Mortirolo – Borm .

12.4k for % Mortirolo at 15-18 climbs and “It was the hardest ride of my life with steep tough and ience exper great A tions. changeable condi mental challenge.”

DEALER SHOWS 2016

COLLINGS BROTHERS - Abbotsley

The Kramp team wishes you a Merry Christ mas and a Happy New Year 2016.

Thank you for a successful year 2015 .

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KRAMP UK BENEFITS 1. Easy to use web shop 2. Late 6pm cut off, quick delivery 3. Low carriage paid amount 4. Easy returns policy

OUR MISSION KRAMP. IT’S THAT EASY. Everyone should do what they are good at. We ensure that our customers do not need to worry about the availability of spare parts.

What’s more, we use our various service concepts and business solutions to ensure that you can give your own work your full attention. As your partner, we want to make a direct contribution to the efficiency and profitability of your company, because if you are successful, we are successful too. It’s that simple.

The challenge We are constantly working to make our service as efficient and straightforward as possible. By focusing on innovation and optimisation, we continue to represent a link that adds value in the logistics chain. We set ourselves the challenge of meeting this requirement every day.

OUR VISION SUCCESSFUL TOGETHER — NOW AND IN THE FUTURE For you as a customer, we want to continue to be your first choice as a strategic partner. For this reason, we continuously work on positive, long term development of our sales, profit margins, staff and services, without losing sight

Beer Promotion

taking place beer promotion is The ever popular fit from the as. Order to bene again this Christm you can get forget on a Friday, free beer and don’t £600. if you spend over a box of crisps too

of the balance between these factors.

First and foremost, we want our staff to be proud of the company. We therefore offer them an inspiring and challenging working environment with a wealth of opportunities, so that they can all be happy at work. Only by taking this approach can we stand out from the crowd, both now and in the future.

In the long run Continuity is more important for us than short term success.

This is why we think and act with long term development in mind. As a loyal and committed partner, we invest in long term relationships with our customers and suppliers. What’s more, we are aware of our responsibility towards our surroundings and everyone and everything in it. By acting sustainably as a company, we consciously go that extra mile for people, the environment and society.

4 | 2015 Focus

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MOSAIC

Kramp Open – Varsseveld 28th – 30th January 2016

OUTSIDE THE BOX From the 28th of January 2016, Kramp Varsseveld once again opens

The “outside the box” theme refers to both our red bins and the

its door for the Kramp Open. A show which offers our customers

fact that Kramp does more than just supply spare parts. During the

the opportunity to meet suppliers, attend technical and informative

Kramp Open, we will show our European customers and suppliers

seminars, enjoy entertainment and take a “behind the scenes” look

the added value you get as a business partner.

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at Kramp. We will demonstrate how we can support you with logistical problems and issues and help to strengthen the relationship with you, the customer. Kramp will show you ways to lower your costs and improve your business efficiency.

#KRAMPOPEN2016 WWW.KRAMP.COM

Toy Catalogue 2015/2016

NEW toy range from Kramp in compact design Kramp have launched their new Toy Catalogue for 2015/2016. This year we have reduced the size of the catalogue to make it easier for you to use. You will find all your favourites plus a bunch of new products for you to peruse.

Whether you are looking for a trustworthy ride-on or a role-playing toy for the creative youngster, Kramp has the answer. Kramp’s Toy Catalogue has everything you need to keep boys and girls entertained.

If you have not received your catalogue, or to order additional copies, call us on 01767 602600 or talk to your Account Manager.

Kramp. It’s that Easy.

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Christmas Sudoku 8

3 1

7

4 2

4

9 3

2

1

8

7

3 6

9 1

QUIZ

9 1

4

6

5

2

7

3

7

3 6

1

9

8

2

3 9

The objective is to fill the 9 x 9 grid with digits so that each column, row and each 3 x 3 sub grid contains all of the digits from 1 to 9.

Take this opportunity to enter the Sudoku puzzle and you could win a selection of toys courtesy of Kramp UK. All you need to do is complete the puzzle and fax it back to us on 01767 602620.

Closing date for entries is the 31st of January 2016. No purchase is necessary. The winner will be drawn from the correct entries at random. The editor’s choice is final – no correspondence will be entered into or phone call taken. No cash alternative is offered. Kramp reserves the right to substitute the prize for an alternative prize if necessary. The winner’s company name will be published in the next edition of FOCUS. The competition is open to Kramp customers only.

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COLOPHON Editorial Address: Stratton Business Park London Road Biggleswade Bedfordshire SG18 8QB

Photo’s: Kramp (25), Shutterstock (15), Bruder (2), NFU (1), Ripon Farm Services Ltd (3), Service Dealer (1), James Buchanan (2)

Editing and Graphics: Marketing Kramp E-mail: focus.uk@kramp.com www.kramp.com

4 | 2015 Focus

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F Rexnord Industrial Chains Consistently Tough for your Agricultural Machinery Rexnord Extreme Performance Roller Chains

Agriculture facilities and Original Equipment Manufacturers rely on Rexnord Industrial Chains for reliable and durable performances.

Rexnord Kette Extreme performance roller chains deliver the best solutions to your toughest work environments and your heavy duty applications.

www.rexnord-kette.de

Competence • • • •

Reliable Durable Long service life High loading capacity