Beamex invests millions of euros every year to drive product development. A strong desire for progress permeates not only the product development department but the entire organization.
Beamex continues to invest heavily in product development. Last year alone, the company allocated 11.5 % of its revenue to these initiatives.
”Product development is our largest department, even larger than production,” says Jan-Henrik Svensson, CEO.
Development has always been a priority for Beamex, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year.
”We invest in product development and in our staff, who are incredibly talented and constantly developing,” says Svensson.
We invest in product development and in our staff.
From a ”big bang” to continuous improvements
Jan-Henrik Svensson recalls that some ten years ago, the company aimed to introduce major, revolutionary product news every year.
”At the time, people were hoping for a ’big bang’ that would take the market by storm. However, this mindset has gradually given way to a more long-term perspective,” Svensson says.
The focus now is on continuously delivering added value to customers. Instead of one big bang, the company emphasizes many small improvements that together make a significant impact.
Jan-Henrik Svensson compares developments in their industry to the mobile phone industry. While people used to be very conscious of the exact model in their pocket, today the focus has shifted from individual models to brands.
Reducing uncertainty in the world
Beamex works with calibration – or, as the company itself puts it: making the world safer and less uncertain. Word play aside, the company offers hardware, software and services that reduce uncertainty in measurements. The ability to make more exact measurements, in turn, makes the world safer.
A prime example is the pharmaceutical industry, where each pill must contain an exact amount of active ingredient. Although complete accuracy can never be guaranteed, better calibration contributes to increased safety.
”Calibration can apply to almost anything and is often governed by regulations and legislation. A store scale must weigh accurately, a petrol station must deliver the correct amount of fuel, and emissions must remain within prescribed limits,” says Svensson.
Improved accuracy and more powerful software
In the long term, Beamex’s investments in product development enable even more precise calibration. They also allow the company to expand its operations, cover a broader range of measurement parameters and provide more services.
One area that is currently developing and growing particularly rapidly is software. Beamex has developed its own platforms, which are continuously being refined. Cybersecurity is also becoming an increasingly important concern for many customers.
”That is why we have invested heavily in security and relevant certifications,” says Svensson.
Jakobstad: the hub of global operations
The majority of Beamex’s product development happens in Jakobstad, supplemented by scattered experts and a smaller hub in Kajaani. In total, the company has about 300 employees.
While Jakobstad serves as the company’s headquarters, 96 % of its sales are exports, and its operations extend across multiple international locations.
Approximately one-third of the staff is located abroad in ten subsidiaries and sales offices from Atlanta to Shanghai.
Almost the entire staff gathered in Jakobstad last autumn to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary. At the same time, an extensive campus project was completed, offering renovated and more functional workspaces.
”With more people working remotely, the office has become a space for collaboration, requiring workspaces designed to support it,” says Tina Ademola, Director of People and Culture.
A people-centered approach
Both Svensson and Ademola emphasize that the employees are the company’s most valuable asset.
”Everyone in our organization is a specialist. Expertise is required across all areas, from production to logistics,” Ademola notes.
Beamex has also been recognized for its commitment to diversity and gender equality, most recently through an honourable mention in connection with the Equality Company of the Year in Ostrobothnia award.
”Everyone should be able to be themselves at work, and we actively prioritize this,” says Ademola.
In addition, the company has been commended for its work in training its staff.
”Our staff is very committed to professional development, which we strongly encourage,” says Ademola.
Aiming to double revenue
On the occasion of the anniversary, the company also established a new strategy. The current goal is to double revenue by 2030.
”As we grow, our investments in product development, sales and marketing will increase further,” says Svensson.
| This article is part of a series about companies undertaking world-class product development in Ostrobothnia. Partners: |
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