Strong brand Poclain Hydraulics

Poclain Hydraulics is a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of complete hydrostatic transmissions with more than 50 years of experience. The group has subsidiaries and offices around the world and its products are used in a wide range of industry sectors. Its Czech subsidiary, based in Brno, has been offering innovative solutions for over 25 years and, in line with the group’s strategy, is looking to grow. Romana Moares reports.

strong brand

Two years ago, Poclain Hydraulics celebrated 30 years of independent operation on the global marketplace. The company was established in the 1950s as part of the POCLAIN group, then the largest manufacturer of construction machinery in the world. In 1985 it became a separate business, rapidly developing its reputation as an independent designer and manufacturer of hydrostatic transmissions. On the anniversary of its 30 years operating as an independent company two years ago, the group decided to return to its original name and logos and revive this renowned name in industrial history – POCLAIN. The POCLAIN Group today consists of four brands: POCLAIN Hydraulics, POCLAIN Véhicules, POCLAIN Powertrain and POCLAIN Technicast

Poclain Hydraulics today manufactures and distributes industrial machinery and equipment and has locations throughout the world. Its Czech subsidiary, based in the Moravian capital of Brno, established over 25 years ago, manufactures hydraulic motors and distribute also valves, pumps and electronic components, offering innovative solutions in the fields of agriculture, environment, trucks, constructions, railways and mining.

Luděk Fousek, the company’s sales manager for central and eastern Europe, comments on the latest developments at the Brno plant: “In 2014, we made some 110,000 hydraulic motors and turned over CZK 2.4 billion. However, this volume was considered insufficient and a 2500m2 production expansion was launched in order to increase capacity to 150,000 hydraulic motors (and turnover to about CZK 3 billion). The production hall was completed at the end of 2014 and full production capacity was achieved in 2015, following installation of all planned technologies. The total value of the investment was about 120 million CZK. However, this has not been the final development: in the future we expect further capacity expansion here in Brno.” Comprehensive solutions

Poclain Hydraulics combines its components within its hydrostatic transmission systems. The combined expertise in hydraulics, electronics and mechanics enables the company to design, manufacture and offer high added value solutions that meet present and future market expectations.

“The product portfolio of Poclain Hydraulics s.r.o. has developed dynamically, in particular in the automotive industry with additions such as the Hydraulics for CleanStart – a hydraulic start / stop system for mobile machinery,” says Luděk Fousek, adding that the company is continuing to develop solutions for on- and off-road truck and van drives.

“Even in our traditional application areas, such as construction machinery, mining machinery, agricultural machinery, shipbuilding and so on, we are expanding our offer of solutions, for example with the new type of MG series hydraulic motors,” he continues, adding that in addition to developing its product portfolio, the company is working hard to increase competitiveness, productivity, production quality and production capacities.

Within the Poclain Hydraulics Group, the company develops a range of new, innovative products and solutions. Examples include: the new generation of HIGH-POWER HYDRAULIC, included high-pressure control pumps for closed circuits with very compact design and working pressure up to 500 bar with PW designation; new range of MHP motors designed also for 500 bar working pressure; the new generation of medium pressure PM pumps; and a new generation of SmartDrive CT electronic controllers that meet the most demanding safety requirements. “We have also launched a new hydraulic motor for industrial applications MI250 with a geometric volume of up to 30L / rev. and other individual elements,” adds Mr Fousek.

In addition to these innovations, the company has successfully transformed from a supplier of components such as pumps, motors,

valves and others to a supplier of complete solutions, from application calculations, hydraulic circuit design and electronic control (HW and SW), up to comprehensive technology commissioning. Poclain Hydraulics also provides innovative hybrid hydraulic solutions to respond to the key challenges faced by the automotive industry, including bus and heavy commercial trucks. Already used by many renowned companies, these hydraulic solutions enhance performance, fuel savings and emissions reduction. “Last but not least, we also provide training for our clients and partners, which is an important part of our service portfolio,” explains Luděk Fousek. Ahead of competitors

Poclain Hydraulics’s financial performance has been improving with several successive record-breaking years and the trend is expected to continue. In addition to its professional expertise, competitive advantages include excellent skills, innovation and a global outreach. “What distinguishes us most from our competitors is our people and their level of skills. In many cases, we have succeeded because our technicians and salesmen were able to offer our clients optimised solutions that were not offered by competitors,” says Mr Fousek.

Today, about 60 per cent of the company’s turnover is generated in Europe, another 30 per cent in the US and the remaining 10 per cent in Asia. Although global sales can change due to cyclical fluctuations (e.g. within the mining industry in Europe) or geopolitical changes (Russia, Ukraine, Belarus), the overall figures remain more or less the same.

Poclain Hydraulics operates in a highly competitive substitution market. This means that the company competes with other technical solutions such as electric motors or high-speed hydraulic motors. “The markets are expected to continue to grow, and each new solution that we offer opens up opportunities in new areas. Therefore we remain optimistic in terms of future development,” says Luděk Fousek, confirming that the company’s vision remains clear: to sustain a technical and technological advantage over competitors and to develop the company’s human resources as the most important factor for securing growth and future business success. n