Hi Pim, you have recently transferred to BUMAX from Bufab. What do you do in your current role?
I work as Business Development Manager for BUMAX, responsible for the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.
How do you see the potential for BUMAX in the Benelux market?
Although the Benelux region is relatively small, we are world leading in multiple industries that are of interest to BUMAX. In some industries, BUMAX is well known and we have proven to be a reliable partner for many years. We see potential to expand our market share in those industries. In industries where we are less well known, we see a lot of potential to introduce our high strength stainless steel fastener solutions.
What plans does BUMAX have in the Benelux region?
I see it as my most important task to develop new markets and customers in the Benelux region and to increase our brand awareness. The fasteners we produce are world leading in many ways but if the market does not know of our solutions, we cannot solve their fastener problems.
Tell us about your career to date?
In 2012, I began my fastener carrier at a Dutch manufacturer, first in the engineering department and later in sales. In 2017, I joined Bufab as an Account Manager for Benelux serving customers from many markets, mainly in the automotive industry. During this period, I worked closely with BUMAX before making the full-time switch to BUMAX in 2021.
What do you like about your job?
I particularly like the fact that we at BUMAX can really make a positive difference and can offer solutions that solve engineering problems by simply suppling a fastener. We are able to manufacture unique products, which gives us a competitive advantage in the market. We also work closely with demanding markets and leading customers that are constantly challenging us to develop with new solutions.
What is the best thing about working at BUMAX?
We have a great international team with a lot of expertise, and from different cultures and backgrounds. Although all of my BUMAX colleagues are abroad, we really work as a team and everyone is always willing to help and support whenever needed.
We also work with different market segments that each have their own demands when it comes to product characteristics, certifications and processes which makes my job very interesting.
How would you like to develop at BUMAX?
I would like to develop more in-depth knowledge about the particular needs of the different market segments we supply to. I also want to further develop my technical knowledge by learning from our customers and my colleagues.
What would you like to achieve at BUMAX?
I want to achieve greater brand awareness for BUMAX and to make BUMAX the leading player when it comes to stainless steel fastener solutions in the Benelux region. The Benelux region has huge potential for BUMAX so it feels like a great opportunity to build the brand in my own region with support from my colleagues.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy supporting my football team, catching up with friends and spending time with my wife and kids. Our two young daughters keep me busy.