Clever Handling - Frequently logistics is regarded as merely moving goods from A to B. But the industry's real prospective for cost-reduction and innovation lies elsewhere: in the emerging field of intra-logistics. This sector is continuously evolving with more effective and efficient solutions. CHEManager Europe asked Dr. Christoph Beumer, Chairman and CEO of the Beumer Group, about the trends in the sector and the company's strategic orientation.

CHEManager Europe: How has the economic instability affected Beumer?

C. Beumer: We are a modern, future-oriented, economically stable and independent family-owned company. The company's mission statement "our goal is not the short-term profit but the long-term success" has proven to be right in the past and remains the company's guideline for the future. With our product and service portfolio we can attend to customers from various branches. Thus we are able to compensate a decline in orders in one industrial sector with orders from other fields of industry. The current situation will definitely lead to deferred demand. But many companies realize that - especially in bad times - intralogistics can help to tighten processes, to rationalize and to stay competitive. For this reason, we expect more lively business in the fourth quarter as well as in the beginning of 2010.

What does Beumer's business strategy look like for the coming years in terms of global expansion?

C. Beumer: The Middle East is an important production site and market for products from the global chemical industry. Beside the United Arabic Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Iran are crucial reloading points for petrochemical industry with a high growth potential. In the future, we will work on consolidating and extending our market position in these countries.

What are the trends in the intralogistics sector?

C. Beumer: A remarkable tendency during the last few years - strengthened by the current situation - is process automation without neglecting flexibility. Another trend is sustainability, especially the use of energy efficient solutions. Nevertheless, it is still crucial to offer a first class performance to the customer. This holds true for every industry field.

What is Beumer focused on?

C. Beumer: It is our goal to develop machinery that is even faster, more efficient and cost-effective. In this matter we focus on reducing energy costs. Moreover, safety and ergonomics are of great importance wherever people work. Those are the trends that we will pursue with great conviction.

How do the intralogistics needs of the chemical industry differ from other industries? Or don't they?

C. Beumer: In chemical industry, sensitive, valuable products are involved with very particular characteristics: Some of them are handled at high temperatures and have high volumes and weights, some are less stable substances with unusual flow behavior - such as granulates, often with high lubricant content - some react to friction and particular types of packaging materials and shapes. Highly sensitive chemical products require innovative technologies in order to ensure longevity, safe transport and the preservation of their value. That means technical systems that serve to optimize value-adding processes in the chemical industry.