Hot innovation Backer

HOT INNOVATION

Backer is a global leader in the design and manufacture of electric heating systems and components. Philip Yorke reports on a company that is seeing strong growth thanks to its increasing range of innovative new products.

The Backer Group was founded in Sosdala, Sweden in 1949 by Christian Backer, an entrepreneurial heating engineer who took out a patent in 1921 known today as the ‘Backer Element’. This ground-breaking device consisted of a resistance wire positioned in the centre of a tube, which was then filled with magnesium oxide prior to being compressed and sealed. The unique ability of the magnesium oxide to work as a highly efficient conductor of heat, as well as an electric insulator, set the stage for the success of the Backer company. Today innovation is at the heart of its culture and Backer continues to lead the field with its cutting-edge heating and temperature control systems. With a turnover in excess of €2 billion and more than 3000 employees worldwide, the company continues to enjoy strong growth in all its key markets, particularly in Asia and South America.

Although the Backer Group operates globally, it focuses on offering a full customer service at a local level wherever it is represented. Backer manufacturing facilities are located in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Poland, the Czech Republic, Italy and Spain. This is in addition to the company’s other state-of-the-art plants located in the UK, Mexico and China. All these facilities are designed to manufacture the most common types of tubular heating elements, as well as being capable of producing thick film, cartridge heaters and heating cables. The company also produces resistors and elements for deep-fat fryers, ovens and tumble dryers. One of the main goals of the Backer Group is to continually expand its product portfolio and specialisations, in order to make production more efficient and to provide optimal technical support for its customers.

Innovation driving sales

Research and new product development have always been a priority at the Backer Group. This is underscored by its on-going investments in new plant and technology, which represent over 7 per cent of its turnover. In 2005 Backer created an entirely new laboratory at its head office in Sosdala, Sweden, with the aim of being able to carry out measurements with greater efficiency and precision. The extensive and futuristic research laboratory offers some of the world’s most advanced technical facilities. The new laboratories are available to customers with whom Backer works in partnership in order to develop and test new products. As a result, Backer’s customers do not need to carry out costly introductory trials, as when a new product has been created, they can utilise the Backer laboratory facilities to undertake their own pre-launch testing.

At the Backer R&D centre there are climate chambers, test systems for infra-red measurement tools and equipment for complete product lifecycle tests. The company also has test facilities that can assess how products and materials can operate under extreme conditions. The company’s continuous commitment to improvement and innovation drives its success and the ultimate competitiveness of its customers.

New generation products

The Backer Group’s product applications are far reaching and can be found across many industry sectors, including automotive, rail, food preparation and cooling. The company’s new product pipeline is extensive and sets the gold standard for the industry. Backer’s next generation of compressor heat-technology products includes its new aluminium crankcase heater, which offers significantly improved performance and has special, installer-friendly features. This product includes a high-temperature, silicone rubber heat cable which, in addition, has an extremely efficient aluminium casting with a unique profile.

Furthermore, the product has an adjustable toggle clamp and band with a maximum operating temperature of 150 degrees Celsius. Other outstanding new products from Backer include its latest submersible oil heater and its terminal box K31A, which utilises a 3-pole combi-thermostat, designed for use in conjunction with Backer’s own 1.1/4” to 2” element heads.

Strategic acquisitions

As part of its global plan to extend its product pipeline and increase its worldwide manufacturing capabilities, the Backer Group has an open-door policy when it comes to the subject of acquisitions. Last year Backer purchased the Springfield Wire Company Inc., thus bringing another 1000 highly qualified employees into the Backer

fold. This strategic acquisition has meant that the company has strengthened its know-how and range of products in new technologies in the electric heating sector. The company’s operations in the US and Mexico are now integrated with Backer EHP as Backer Springfield, whist the Chinese section of the company continues to operate independently as Springfield Wire.

Another major milestone was achieved recently when Backer bought Diamond H Controls Ltd of the UK. This significant purchase introduces an entirely new range of low-profile thermostats to the market that have been specially designed to meet the demands of today’s modern cooking appliances, where compartment space is very limited. These latest energy regulators are manufactured to a very high -performance specification with an ambient temperature rating of 125°C.

Future vision

The company’s vision of the future includes a major emphasis on sustainability and the protection of the environment. As subcontractors, Backer operations are mainly dictated by customer demands and the company works in close partnership with its clients to take the environment into account during product development, choice of materials, design and production. In its own routines Backer takes protective and preventative measures to ensure that its operations do not endanger the environment or human life. This commitment includes a programme of continuous improvement and steps to reduce pollution and the consumption of resources. Today Backer’s manufacturing and logistics processes are complemented by full certification to ISO 14001 throughout its global production facilities.

Today the company continues to focus on these issues whilst targeting many new markets in the energy and railway sectors where the focus is on sustainable values across the board. n

For further details of the Backer Group’s innovative products and services visit: www.backer.se