In the three years that the firm ISM Machinery has been established in its new business premises on the De Poel industrial estate in Goes, the company has undergone significant developments. "Back then, we were still delivering just five machines a year; now we are already doing thirty," says head of engineering Corné van Liere. The machine builder recently introduced a new corporate identity under the motto 'Inventive in processing'. "We can make the difference with custom solutions!"
Kees Mol and Corné van Liere
The machine factory supplies a variety of production lines for fresh products, including fresh produce. For example, a fully automatic filling line, including weigher and denester, was recently delivered. We also manufacture washing installations, cutting machines and all kinds of weighing solutions. There are customers that demand customization for very specific needs, while large suppliers usually stick to standard solutions. We are filling that gap. We have everything we need here to devise and engineer tailor-made solutions."
For the time being, the firm's biggest source of commissions is word of mouth marketing. "We don't have any salespeople on the road, but we plan to be more involved in business matters in the near future, so that Kees Mol can focus more on sales. We have been working hard recently to set up a solid foundation, both with programs in which we have invested, and with the staff. In addition to five permanent staff, we actually have a number of freelancers working for us full-time. We also do maintenance, but our focus is really on new machines with the associated maintenance."
"The great thing about new machines is that you start the process from scratch. Companies report us their wishes and then we see if we can deliver a suitable solution for it. We then add our ideas and that results in the most beautiful machines. After the rough design, we draw up a price, and when we receive the order, we get to work," explains Corné. "Of course, there is competition in the market, but fortunately enough work is still coming our way to keep us busy."
"We see many opportunities for further automation in food processing companies. Spill points, drop heights and transitions are critical points where a lot of gains can be made in the process. There is still so much manual work and we see opportunities for further automation. We suggest fruit and vegetable processing companies submit their questions to us."
Looking ahead to the future, Corné says that he doesn't necessarily want to grow quickly in terms of workforce, but that he would like to expand the activities. "For example, we would like to make the step to fine mechanics with weighing and packaging solutions. Ultimately, we aim to have a complete line, covering everything from product processing to the filling of the containers. That will take some time, but we have everything we need to achieve it."
For more information:
ISM Machinery
Hudsonweg 10
4462 HJ Goes
Tel: 0113-405035
info@ismgroup.nl
www.ismgroup.nl