Dymotec - Open Lines in a ‘Perfect Storm’

COVID-19 and global component scarcity threw the industry into a ‘perfect storm’. Industrial automator Dymotec and Breemes kept the phone lines constantly open to tackle the scarcity problem together with creativity and proactivity.

Dymotec in Olen (B) focuses on industrial automation spanning a broad spectrum of industries, from food and pharma to logistics and metal. The company has been around for 30 years and joined the Jeco Energies Group in 2022. Dymotec now has some 50 employees and also has a flexible shell with technicians, programmers and project engineers. Ever since its establishment, the company from Kempen has had a relationship with (the predecessors of) Breemes.

Creativity and Proactivity

Breemes supplies a wide range of components, explains Dymotec’s Managing Director Sven Bos. ‘They make things easy for us, with their added value based on their knowledge and network. There is seamless cooperation and a good follow-up on the delivery of materials.’ Besides electrical engineering components, these include control engineering products such as frequency converters. PLCs, however, Dymotec purchases directly from Siemens. ‘We have direct lines for that because our software people need to know all the ins and outs of how the PLCs work. On that front, we already have a long-term relationship with Siemens and Breemes’ added value is limited.’ If that added value is not there, Breemes will not be stepping in, confirms Managing Director Kurt Colin. ‘There is no need for an extra channel in this case because that only creates inconvenience rather than benefits for all parties. We always respect the choices our customers make. For example, we do supply Dymotec with Siemens’ low-voltage components. That is where we do bring that added value.’

‘The phone lines between us were open almost 24/7’

Component scarcity has been an issue in recent years, while COVID-19 took hold of the world. ‘On top of that, the market demanded more than anticipated. We were in a perfect storm,’ says Colin. It ensured that contact between Dymotec and Breemes became very intense. ‘The phone lines between us were open almost 24/7,’ Bos recalls. ‘We always try to solve everything ourselves first. Only when we really can’t find the solution ourselves, will we call for help. So when we do call, it’s 5 after 12 and not 5 to 12. Kurt and his team understand that perfectly.’ Together, the two companies tackled the scarcity problem. By thinking proactively, being creative and being constantly on top of things,’ Bos recounts.

Colin: ‘We could have set up offices together in those days, that’s how much contact we had. To fix an issue before it became a problem or too big to solve, or to have a plan B. True, we were quite in tune in terms of creativity and proactivity.’ Dymotec is one of Breemes’ biggest customers and is involved in production processes where time is crucial, such as within the Jeco Energies Group, where they work 24-hour shifts. ‘Speed is crucial then. There is very regular contact between all layers of both companies, there are no barriers with us. We understand each other and help each other.’

Energy Tech of the Future

The approach was twofold, Colin adds. ‘For a brand like Siemens, we reordered one and a half times our standard stock. We did that to ensure flow in deliveries and continue to serve our customers. In cases where that wouldn’t work, we worked with Dymotec to look at alternatives on the market that would be applicable one-to-one or with minor adjustments.’ Bos: ‘This personal approach, with short lines, was very important to us during that difficult period. Breemes understands how Dymotec is structured and how we operate.’

‘This personal approach, with short lines, was very important to us’

Within the Jeco Energies Group, Dymotec provides automation and visualisation for energy systems, for example for charging infrastructure. Along with sister companies, it contributes to Jeco Energies’ “When Power Becomes Smart” concept. ‘We provide for continuous monitoring of systems, e.g. via an Internet of Things solution. If necessary, action can then be taken in time to avoid outages. Now, the challenge is to create a consistent pitch about what we can do in the energy market and where we stand out. Breemes can play a role in this at appropriate times, with knowledge and the supply of components. We are now exploring which direction to take and how to work it out. If any information or knowledge is missing, we will certainly consult Breemes’ people.’ Colin: ‘We will continue to update our customers on emerging technologies. A new challenge for the future is keeping up with the electrification of the market so that our customers can adopt the latest technologies quickly and efficiently.’

Growth in Relationship and Sales

This is how the collaboration keeps evolving, and according to Bos, it is more than merely a customer-supplier relationship. ‘We have a partnership.’ Even in their growth ambitions, the two companies are in sync. While the market is sending out clear cooling-off signals, the two chief executives are not feeling it. Bos: ‘We have experienced serious growth in recent years and we want to continue that in the years ahead. Our biggest challenge is finding qualified staff.’ All the better, then, that Breemes remains committed to complete material supply unburdening and continues to provide knowledge.

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