After announcing a change in strategic direction in July, Berco announced the creation of “Berco Aftermarket Srl”, a new company dedicated exclusively to serving the global aftermarket.
The new company, which will supply all countries except the North American region covered by Berco of America, is 100% owned by Berco SpA
As a spin-off of the existing business, Berco Aftermarket Srl will focus on providing aftermarket services to take customer satisfaction to the next level.
“We are in the midst of exciting times at Berco and our new aftermarket company is an important milestone on our way forward,” says Piero Bruno, CEO of Berco SpA. “Our famous OE hallmarks of high quality and performance in the field are about to be transferred to the aftermarket. This, in turn, will benefit our entire global dealer network.”
The creation of this new organization is a prudent step forward for the thyssenkrupp-owned Berco group and will strengthen aftermarket activities to contribute to the group’s development strategy.
The success will be based on increased flexibility in production and product life cycle management, which will ultimately strengthen Berco as a proactive player in the spare parts sector, it said.
“By expanding our already leading support for our aftermarket customers, we will also increase customer satisfaction and therefore revenue growth within the group,” added Bruno.
The new company will place even more emphasis on product availability, with customer service at the heart of the supply chain concept, with the aim of achieving the highest levels of service.
The new concept will increase efficiency in the replacement business and put even more emphasis on real-time collaboration with the company’s dealer network. This is achieved thanks to a dedicated aftermarket team.
At the same time, Berco Aftermarket Srl is planning a significant expansion of its current product portfolio – far beyond the existing service line – with additional chassis-related components.
The company’s high-quality product range for the mining industry – the Platinum Line – will also continue to grow in order to supply customers in this traditionally strong Berco segment, it said.
In order to further facilitate accessibility and the servicing of customer requests, the new company will operate its own warehouse at Interporto in Bologna. There, Berco Aftermarket will work with Gruber Logistics, a transport company with experience in the worldwide transport of heavy and special cargo. The warehouse will provide 700 Stock Keeping Units with a minimum stock of more than 6,000 t on 12,000 m².
Diego Buffoni, Managing Director of Berco Aftermarket Srl, said: “By providing our customers with an extensive product portfolio and a first-class service, Berco Aftermarket Srl aims to become the leading company in the spare parts market. As a result, we expect 50% growth over the next few years thanks to our unique dealer network.”
The new organization is located near Copparo, where Berco SpA was founded and currently has its main plant. While the Copparo plant will continue to be the main source of the company’s renowned OE manufacturing and R&D facilities, Bologna offers Berco Aftermarket Srl the perfect location to thrive in the spare parts business, the company said.
The new aftermarket warehouse in Bologna will serve as a buffer between the world’s largest undercarriage factory (Copparo) and the company’s dealers who require flexibility and short lead times when purchasing from the Berco product range.
“This will ensure that deliveries of purchases to our local customers are significantly expedited – which is critical for both aftermarket demand and the recently launched e-commerce business,” the company said.
Berco Aftermarket Srl will start operations in October, coinciding with the start of the new financial year of its parent company.