Udenco. Global Mechatronics Contractor
“Udenco’s combined production and transport prices are lower.” Mark Verhoeven Axon develops and sells products for professional television studios, mainly for
Chief Operations Officer
the conversion of the signal and the editing and processing of video and audio. Axon is an expert operating as one of the top ten global suppliers. In the market,
Mark Verhoeven is
Axon distinguishes in quality, reliability and delivery times. Axon does not produce
responsible for supply
its own products; but purchases, lets purchase, assemble and produce through
chain (purchasing, logistics
various channels.
and stock management), quality assurance, facility
When Mark Verhoeven started at Axon (in 2006) he set two goals: (1) lower the
management and information
dependency on suppliers by diversification and (2) design the strategy to carry out
and communication
Axon’s long term policy to decrease stock while maintaining quality and delivery
technology.
times. In the past years Verhoeven managed to spread purchasing and doing so not only reduced risk, but he also realised a significant cost reduction. Stock
Verhoeven joined Axon in
levels were reduced with 30% while Axon’s trademark 2 to 5 day delivery was
May 2006. Prior to joining
maintained. In both achievements Udenco plays a major role.
Axon, he was marketing and sales manager at Halin (Electronics subcontractor)
When did the collaboration with Udenco begin?
and worked for 16 years
“I have known Rob for a long time. We worked together before so I know what he can
at Philips in several units
accomplish. When I started the process of reorientation on purchasing and our supply
fulfilling various management
chain, Udenco was one of the parties I approached for a request for information.
roles.
Although Udenco came up with a good offer, it was not the best. We started working with a company in Malaysia. It was a good partnership until the organisation went bankrupt
He has a bachelor’s degree
without telling us. All of a sudden, we had no supplies. We had some in stock but there was
in Chemistry, Business
no time to lose.
Economics and a Masters degree in Executive Strategic
Because Udenco was familiar with the subject Rob could act immediately. His offer was
Management.
very good and his organisation really proved itself in those weeks and months. Since that event we collaborate with Udenco on various parts and products.”
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better. faster. cheaper.
Udenco. Global Mechatronics Contractor
“I want to increase the turnover rate of stock. Udenco can play a big role in accomplishing that.”
What is Udenco’s added value? “To start, it is very convenient that Udenco has a plant in Slovakia - ‘around the corner’ so
Mark Verhoeven
to speak. If I have to be there tomorrow, I can. Also: everybody speaks English, so we can
Chief Operations Officer
be sure to understand one another. The location has proven to have financial advantages: Udenco’s combined production and transport prices are lower than when done in a low
Mark Verhoeven is
cost country half a world away. But there is more to it: Udenco’s engineering power
responsible for supply
became a part of the Axon organisation. With open, easy and direct communication.
chain (purchasing, logistics
Udenco has access to our processes and for instance our forecasting. That allows them
and stock management),
to anticipate and really work close to our process. When it comes to innovation, Udenco
quality assurance, facility
also plays a significant role; not as a developer but as engineers. We ask them specific
management and information
questions and they give us a solution. In that way Udenco is a real solutions provider.”
and communication technology.
“Quality and sustainability are important. Our products need to be impeccable and work 24/7 with a product lifetime of at least 10 years.
Verhoeven joined Axon in
So, reducing costs is important. But we rather focus on low stock levels,
May 2006. Prior to joining
high reliability in delivery time and quality products. Udenco can
Axon, he was marketing
support us perfectly.”
and sales manager at Halin (Electronics subcontractor) and worked for 16 years
And what does the future hold?
at Philips in several units
“I want to increase the turnover rate of stock. Udenco can play a big role in accomplishing
fulfilling various management
that. We see how Udenco is growing with regards to quality and being proactive. If that
roles.
trend continues, we can do many more beautiful things together.” He has a bachelor’s degree Udenco provides smart solutions in mechatronics, and for a sharp price. In some
in Chemistry, Business
occasions it’s the price that matters, but mostly Udenco convinces her clients through
Economics and a Masters
keen collaboration, quality of employees as well in engineering as in project and process
degree in Executive Strategic
management and in the open work style. Next to that, the nearly incomparable knowledge
Management.
of Asian production possibilities often renders significant profits. In knowledge as well as in costs. “Yes, I can recommend Udenco to any organisation who is serious about outsourcing mechatronics.”
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better. faster. cheaper.