In our first episode of this series, Dr.-Ing. Gerrit Schlömer from KODA Stanz- und Biegetechnik GmbH and Felix lütke Zutelgte from BSW-Anlagenbau GmbH reported on how their companies were able to establish a successful business relationship via our network.
This episode focuses on our member companies BURG and SIBA. The customer in this case is SIBA GmbH and the supplier is BURG Lüling GmbH & Co KG.
SIBA GmbH is a leading manufacturer and development partner for fuses that ensure the reliable protection of electrical systems and components. The company offers a broad portfolio of standard and special solutions for applications in power supply, mobility and equipment protection. SIBA fuses are used worldwide wherever safety is an indispensable part of the system – with quality “Made in Germany” and conformity to international standards.
BURG is a family-run company now in its fourth generation. The company became famous for its padlocks: the first handmade BURG lock was sold back in 1890. Today, over 130 years later, BURG continues to work with passion to make everyday life easier with security.
Daniel Beckmann (SIBA) and Achim Lüling (BURG) answered our questions and let us in on what this business tandem looks like.
What exactly does the collaboration consist of?
Daniel Beckmann, SIBA: We are the customer in this tandem. The cooperation includes the production of various fuse production assemblies as part of an “extended workbench”. BURG takes over parts of the production for SIBA and thus provides flexible support for changing requirements.
How did the first contact between your companies come about?
Achim Lüling is Managing Director of BURG Lüling GmbH & Co. Picture: BURG Lüling GmbH & Co KG
Achim Lüling, BURG: The first contact was made during a joint purchasing event on the topic of sourcing Eastern Europe at NIRO. During this event, a member company drew attention to BURG’s expertise. This led to an initial exchange, which was initiated through active networking activities. The cooperation was finalized in further discussions and with mutual visits on site.
What tipped the scales in favor of doing business together?
Daniel Beckmann, SIBA: The decision to work together was significantly influenced by the agreement in corporate values and the high quality of the services. Both companies value reliability, transparency and a long-term focus. The positive chemistry and the shared understanding of working in a spirit of trust and partnership were decisive factors.
Do you see any advantages in working with a NIRO member?
Achim Lüling, BURG: Definitely! Membership of NIRO creates a basis of trust and makes cooperation much easier. The regular networking activities promote exchange and make it possible to quickly access the expertise and resources of the partners. Ultimately, the “people factor” also counts in successful business and NIRO promotes personal encounters and strengthens such relationships.
Were there any particular challenges in the collaboration? If so, how did you solve them?
Daniel Beckmann, SIBA: There were occasional initial challenges in coordinating technical requirements. However, thanks to the open communication and solution-oriented approach, these were overcome promptly and constructively. The willingness to work together on solutions proved to be a great advantage.
What role did personal trust from the network play?
Achim Lüling, BURG: The personal trust that has developed in the network was a key success factor. It not only facilitates cooperation in everyday working life, but also creates the basis for innovative approaches and a sustainable partnership.
Have there been synergies in the collaboration that you would not have expected before?
Daniel Beckmann, SIBA: In the course of the cooperation, additional synergies have emerged, particularly in the optimization of production processes and the exchange of technical know-how. BURG has a deep understanding of manufacturing technology and has contributed very good ideas for adapting production machines and processes.
Achim Lüling, BURG: These impulses enabled both companies to learn from each other and jointly develop new solutions that go beyond the original expectations. The collaboration with SIBA has given us new impetus, particularly in the area of manual assembly.
Are there plans for further joint projects?
Achim Lüling, BURG: Yes, we are constantly looking for further cooperation projects as part of the “extended workbench”. The partnership is being actively developed in order to tap into additional potential and deepen it further.
Daniel Beckmann, SIBA: This collaboration is an excellent example of how NIRO supports its member companies in establishing sustainable and successful partnerships. The open communication and mutual trust within the network create ideal conditions for realizing new projects together and benefiting from each other.
Thank you very much for answering the questions and for sharing this joint success story of member companies with us!
