Clear vision Stemmer Imaging

ClEar Vision

Easily the largest and most advanced core vision technology company in Europe, Stemmer Imaging has long been leading the way when it comes to intelligent consulting for imaging projects. Emma-Jane Batey spoke to marketing director Mark Williamson to learn more.

Stemmer Imaging has 11 offices across Europe and is Europe’s largest machine vision technology provider. Very much a value added consultancy, Stemmer is ‘not just a box shifter’, but rather utilises its exceptional knowledge of the machine vision sector to ensure its customers get the best possible imaging solution.

With an annual turnover of more than €85 million, Stemmer Imaging is in a proudly unique situation. Marketing director Mark Williamson told Industry Europe, “At our very heart is consultancy and service; we are continually focused on delivering the very best technical advice on each machine vision project and, as we are independent, we can truly advise on the best machine vision technology solution. We are not just a box shifter. We are a value added distributor that works hand-in-hand with our customers to find the best possible solutions to their needs.” Vision at its core

Stemmer Imaging is the perfect combination of innovative products, intelligent consulting and extensive service, all coming together to provide a complete solution. Mr Williamson added, “We have all the components and the knowledge for OEMs to build machines that use machine vision. Our unrivalled consultancy capabilities mean that Stemmer Imaging is very well trusted to deliver an unbiased solution. We do not manufacture our own products and we are able to call upon whatever is the right product for the project. This independence, coupled with our over 30-year history as the leader in our field, is what has created the exceptional Stemmer Imaging reputation.”

With its roots in the German core technology company Stemmer, which was founded in 1977, Stemmer Imaging was founded in 1987, so it is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Mr Williamson said,

The Imaging Source: Key Supplier to STEMMER IMAGING

The Imaging Source, industrial camera manufacturer and industry pioneer with over 25 years in imaging, is honored to work with STemmeR ImAGING in providing vision consumers with reliable, high-performance industrial cameras.

Robust design, compatibility and value are why cameras from The Imaging Source can be found in so many machine vision applications. our product portfolio features industrial zoom and autofocus cameras with integrated optics and software-controlled focus and autofocus; board-level cameras for oems and embedded applications; uSB3 Vision and Gige Vision interface standards which ensure rapid integration into new designs and existing systems. Drivers, SDKs and software tools for Windows and linux simplify the realization of custom imaging applications.

The Imaging Source looks forward to our continuing shared success.

“We’ll certainly be marking this milestone somehow. It’s an important illustration of how we have been at the top of our game for three decades; as a privately-owned company with significant cash reserves, no debt, an extraordinary workforce that delivers sector-defining service every day and a totally reliable distribution model, we are proud to celebrate our 30th anniversary.”

The ‘totally reliable distribution model’ is also a key factor in Stemmer Imaging’s impressive achievements. With over €8 million in stock available for next day delivery across Europe and its network of offices in 11 European countries, the company knows that not only is it delivering the right core vision technology, it’s delivering it quickly. Mr Williamson said, “Even just as a distributor, we are the fastest. Our volumes are high, our transportation is effective and our response is quick. Couple that with our incredible consultancy service that makes sure customers are getting the exact product for their needs and you can see why we are by far the leader in our field! The feedback we often get from customers is that they feel very safe working with Stemmer Imaging, which makes us very proud.”

There are a number of ways in which Stemmer Imaging differentiates itself. Beyond the fast delivery, excellent stock and extensive independent consultancy, the company also offers various ‘tech knowledge’ services. Mr Williamson explained, “We have a fantastic 450-page handbook that is packed with tech knowledge. It’s been carefully compiled to be of great value to our customers as it shares our expertise in a way that is suited to their actual day-to-day and long-term requirements. We also host tech forums, with usually over 1000 people attending and a number of interesting speakers. It’s a great way for our customers to network as well as gaining valuable information on the core vision sector, both in terms of where it is today and where it is heading in the future.”

People make the difference

In order to retain its ‘exceptional workforce’ and ensure that Stemmer Imaging keeps its advantage, the company is passionate about its culture. With on-going training and a great atmosphere, it enjoys a very low staff turnover. Mr Williamson added, “We call it consultative selling; over 70 per cent our people are engineering qualified and that includes our sales team. We have a real learning culture, with training facilities in every office that are available for staff and customers alike. We are always learning, always moving forward, always keen to make sure we have the very latest knowledge on new technologies, products and services that can possibly impact on our customers. It makes for a very positive atmosphere too, which is great for everyone.”

With the clear possibility of further acquisitions, Stemmer Imaging’s future is looking positive. Having already carefully chosen strategic acquisitions across Europe that allow it to grow in the technology-led sector it has driven for three decades, the company expects to move into new territories and new markets in the coming years. Mr Williamson concluded, “We’ve all seen the commoditisation of business, however as we have the added value of expertise we retain our differentiation. While the lower end of the market is being pushed hard, our mix of high end and consulting along with price driven products allows us to optimise the lower end. We’ve enjoyed a 10 per cent growth year on year through organic means over the last ten years, so with this continuing plus strategic acquisitions, we expect great things in the future.” n