With over 50 years experience in developing and producing cutting machines for the food industry, FAM has grown to be market leader in Europe. In 1945 machine factory F&V (Franck & Van Remoortere) was founded, and in 1980 the name was changed to FAM. Strategic business development Manager Guy Baeten, marketing manager Marc De Peuter and sales manager Benelux Niels Van Laer talk about the history, growth and current activities of FAM.
Fresh processing
"At first our company focussed on the conserving industry," says Guy. "Then it was the frozen industry, and now we are in the era of fresh processing. Our activity is developing, producing and selling industrial cutting machines for foods. FAM is part of the Hifferman group and their subsidiary is knife factory Stumabo. FAM limits itself to specialising in cutting, and Stumabo makes the knives. There is a close collaboration between these companies. The quality of the knife is of huge influence on the final result of the cutting machine. We have all this bundled knowledge and make sure that a tailor made solution is available for every customer. The machines are tested extensively at our special test locations in Kontich beforehand. We also keep a close eye on current information from all round the world, to be prepared for new trends. We supply a TCP, a Total Care Program, in which the customer is guided before, during and after the purchase. Even in the area of training."
Active world wide
Marc indicates that most of the turnover is made abroad. "We are an export focused company and are present throughout Europe. FAM also has buyers in America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Customers in over 70 countries use over 4,500 cutting machines all over the world. Our buyers are sorted into four categories: cheese, meat, seafood and fruits and vegetables." He also states it is essential that they are active in various countries. "This way you spread out the risks, and our expertise is close at hand everywhere."
Part of the FAM team
According to Marc an important development in this market is the demand for newer forms of cut products and convenience is the main factor. "Our customers want to keep defining themselves from their competitors and so are continually looking for new ways of cutting. Another aspect that buyers find important is saving space. A machine should take up as little space as possible. That's why our range is big enough to offer an efficient solution for every situation. Our clients use these machines on a daily basis and want everything to be processed quickly. Cleaning, hygiene and food safety is also very important, especially after the various recent food scandals. At the moment we are preparing for a new generation of machines, in which cleaning methods will be central. We play into all our customers wished flexibly and aim to find a total solution."
"Every project is stored in our database," says Niels. "From start to finish we make a complete file, including explanation and photos. This can be viewed and shared by our agents all over the world. Projects that have already been realised can therefore be done even faster for another customer. Often a certain application of design has already been realised, at least in part, and so we can use it again. We can also show the customer the solution. An example is the fact that over the last few years there has been more demand for cutting machines for various exotic fruits. This machine had been made before, in India, and so we could use this as an example. The test report that we show to the customer is filled with the most important information and various application possibilities."
In 2013 FAM will extend even further. Around 5,000 m2 will be added to existing buildings, a Customer and R&D centre. Despite the crisis, the company has grown. "Due to our growth and developments in the market we have to invest. We believe in the future," conclude the gentlemen.
For more information:
FAM
Marc de Peuter
Tel. +32 3 450 92 20
Fax. +32 3 450 92 50
Email: [email protected]
www.fam.be
