The social balance sheet The Challenges of the third ... - Berco S.p.A
The social balance sheet The Challenges of the third ... - Berco S.p.A
The social balance sheet The Challenges of the third ... - Berco S.p.A
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Spedizione in a.p. / 45%, art. 2 comma 20/B - L. 662/96, Ferrara, Tassa riscossa - Taxe percue<br />
Free copy<br />
Quarterly House Organ<br />
Year 8<br />
No. 32 - 4th Quarter 2002<br />
Editor: Giovanni Micheletto Ferrara Law Court registration n. 17/94 del 5-12-1994<br />
EDITORIAL<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>social</strong> <strong>balance</strong> <strong>sheet</strong><br />
FRONT PAGE<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Challenges</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>third</strong> millennium
Editorial<br />
CONTENTS<br />
THE SOCIAL<br />
BALANCE SHEET<br />
Editorial<br />
THE SOCIAL BALANCE SHEET<br />
Front PAge<br />
THE CHALLENGES OF THE THIRD MILLENNIUM<br />
A YEAR OF TRANSITION<br />
THE AFTERMARKET: FOR BERCO A MARKET IN CONTINUOUS EXPANSION<br />
Product Innovation<br />
BERCO TRACKED SKID STEER LOADER<br />
News from <strong>the</strong> world<br />
10 YEARS OF TIGERCAT, 10 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP WITH BERCO<br />
Product Innovation<br />
LIFETIME SEALS FOR LUBRICATED TRACK CHAINS<br />
HIGH WEAR-RESISTANT BUSHINGS FOR LUBRICATED TRACK CHAINS<br />
Fiere nel Mondo<br />
AUTOMECHANIKA 2002<br />
LYNX2000 AT THE 23RD 2<br />
3<br />
4<br />
5<br />
6<br />
7<br />
8<br />
BIMU<br />
9<br />
Inside <strong>Berco</strong><br />
PEOPLE THAT "MAKE THE HISTORY" VISIT BERCO<br />
ROBOTS INTERNATIONAL WORK GROUP MEETING<br />
MEETING WITH CORUS SPECIAL PROFILES<br />
10<br />
VISION2000<br />
11<br />
12<br />
<strong>Berco</strong> News is a quarterly magazine published for <strong>the</strong> employees, customers,<br />
suppliers and friends <strong>of</strong> <strong>Berco</strong>. Its articles and photographs can be reproduced only if expressly authorised by <strong>the</strong> editor.<br />
COVER PHOTOGRAPH: <strong>The</strong> lynx2000 with <strong>the</strong> new gantry.<br />
CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE: E. Bacilieri, L. Baraldi, C. Bellini, A. Bianchi , L. Guzzinati, S. Mastellari, W. Schmitz-Meimbresse<br />
PUBLISHER:<br />
<strong>Berco</strong> S.p.A. - Marketing & Communications Dept.<br />
Via 1° Maggio, 237 - 44034 Copparo (FE) Italy - e-mail: marketing@berco.com<br />
EDITOR: G. Micheletto, tel. +39 0532 864116 - fax +39 0532 864462, e-mail: gim@berco.com<br />
TEXT: Marketing Department<br />
ART AND GRAPHICS: Silvia Ungaro<br />
PHOTOS: G. Micheletto, Mirco Rivaroli and o<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
PRINTER: CHINCHIO INDUSTRIA GRAFICA - N° COPIES: Italian 5,000 - English 4,000<br />
In an increasingly global and competitive market, <strong>the</strong> need has<br />
arisen for companies actually to demonstrate <strong>the</strong>ir undertakings<br />
to customers, stockholders and <strong>the</strong> community.<br />
<strong>The</strong>se undertakings regard product quality related risks, <strong>the</strong><br />
environmental impact <strong>of</strong> production, safety and <strong>social</strong> responsibility<br />
for <strong>the</strong> workforce.<br />
<strong>The</strong> image that <strong>Berco</strong> wants to convey is that <strong>of</strong> a reliable, serious<br />
and loyal interlocutor investing and creating labour and wealth,<br />
seen to be aware <strong>of</strong> and caring for <strong>the</strong> socio-economic, cultural<br />
and environmental context in which it works.<br />
And so, in order to fulfil this need to make our actions known,<br />
we have decided to draw up a <strong>social</strong> <strong>balance</strong> <strong>sheet</strong> as a supplement<br />
to our annual financial statements.<br />
This <strong>social</strong> <strong>balance</strong> <strong>sheet</strong>, as well as being a quantitative and<br />
qualitative account <strong>of</strong> business activities, is also a “vehicle for<br />
conveying <strong>the</strong> company’s image” and must thus have a wider, more<br />
informative function than normal financial and economic statements<br />
<strong>of</strong> assets and liabilities.<br />
<strong>Berco</strong> has decided to implement a communication strategy that<br />
highlights <strong>the</strong> company’s mission, orientation and <strong>social</strong> awareness.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>social</strong> choices made by our company are based on <strong>the</strong> following<br />
precise, unequivocal values:<br />
• THE CENTRALITY OF THE PERSON, respect for his or her<br />
physical and cultural integrity and respect for <strong>the</strong> value <strong>of</strong><br />
interrelating with o<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
• INCREASING THE VALUE OF HUMAN RESOURCES by<br />
encouraging pr<strong>of</strong>essional growth and awareness <strong>of</strong> company<br />
goals<br />
• AWARENESS OF THE NEEDS and legitimate expectations <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> company’s internal and external actors in order to<br />
heighten <strong>the</strong> sense <strong>of</strong> belonging and level <strong>of</strong> satisfaction<br />
• RELIABILITY OF MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND<br />
PROCEDURES to ensure <strong>the</strong> highest possible safety levels for<br />
employees, <strong>the</strong> community and <strong>the</strong> environment<br />
• CONSTANT COMMITMENT TO RESEARCH AND<br />
DEVELOPMENT, aimed at encouraging and achieving <strong>the</strong><br />
highest level <strong>of</strong> innovation in pursuance <strong>of</strong> company strategy<br />
• INTERRELATING WITH THE COMMUNITY and its<br />
representatives with <strong>the</strong> aim <strong>of</strong> improving <strong>the</strong> quality <strong>of</strong> life<br />
• RESPECTING THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE DEVELOPMENT<br />
AND EXPANSION OF PRODUCTION.<br />
At <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> this financial year, as well as publishing <strong>the</strong> financial<br />
<strong>balance</strong> <strong>sheet</strong>, we will also be drawing up a <strong>social</strong> <strong>balance</strong> <strong>sheet</strong><br />
to highlight <strong>the</strong> <strong>social</strong> impact <strong>of</strong> our work<br />
Ing. Giovanni Bertoni<br />
Managing Director
Front Page<br />
THE CHALLENGES<br />
OF THE THIRD MILLENNIUM<br />
Initial remarks on <strong>the</strong> financial year ending 30th September 2002<br />
THE EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT<br />
After <strong>the</strong> lengthy period <strong>of</strong><br />
economic expansion that<br />
characterised <strong>the</strong> 90’s, <strong>the</strong><br />
beginning <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> new millennium<br />
coincided with a radical, global<br />
change in market conditions.<br />
Signs <strong>of</strong> a worldwide slump in<br />
demand first became apparent in<br />
<strong>the</strong> second half <strong>of</strong> 2000 and,<br />
without going into <strong>the</strong> details <strong>of</strong><br />
what brought about this change,<br />
we have to come to terms with<br />
<strong>the</strong> fact that, as <strong>the</strong> growth cycle<br />
drew to a halt, it transformed itself<br />
into a fully-fledged recession, much<br />
longer and more intense than<br />
expected by analysts, and as yet<br />
with no reliable forecasts on when<br />
it is going to end.<br />
Perhaps we should simply<br />
acknowledge <strong>the</strong> evidence and<br />
accept that <strong>the</strong> growth rates <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> last decade will be difficult<br />
to emulate, at least in <strong>the</strong> medium<br />
term.<br />
As a consequence <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
transformed economic scenario,<br />
financial markets have been<br />
exposed to major downturns and<br />
increasingly volatile trading<br />
patterns, contributed to by <strong>the</strong><br />
spectacular crashes <strong>of</strong> a number<br />
<strong>of</strong> big corporations (Enron,<br />
Worldcom, etc.).<br />
Finally, on a political level, it is<br />
proving very hard to emerge from<br />
<strong>the</strong> climate <strong>of</strong> tension generated<br />
by <strong>the</strong> dramatic events <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 11th<br />
<strong>of</strong> September 2001, also and above<br />
all because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> difficult situation<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Middle East.<br />
This brief summary <strong>of</strong> recent events<br />
is not, however, intended as a<br />
harbinger <strong>of</strong> doom and destruction,<br />
but ra<strong>the</strong>r as a preliminary basis<br />
to a clearer understanding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
company report and a comment<br />
on <strong>the</strong> need to adapt to <strong>the</strong> new,<br />
complex and difficult competitive<br />
scenario.<br />
THE COMPANY REPORT<br />
In <strong>the</strong> light <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> decidedly<br />
unfavourable market conditions,<br />
<strong>the</strong> company’s performance in <strong>the</strong><br />
year that has just ended has been<br />
more than satisfactory, considering<br />
that:<br />
- <strong>the</strong> volume <strong>of</strong> undercarriage<br />
product shipments is more or less<br />
unchanged from last year<br />
- net sales are at 364 million euros,<br />
as against 378 in <strong>the</strong> previous year,<br />
a drop <strong>of</strong> about 3.6%, affected<br />
above all by <strong>the</strong> unfavourable trend<br />
in euro/dollar exchange rates.<br />
When consolidated with <strong>the</strong> group’s<br />
foreign-based companies, overall<br />
sales are over 380 million euros (as<br />
against about 401 euros in <strong>the</strong><br />
previous year), a drop <strong>of</strong> 5%.<br />
<strong>The</strong> achievement <strong>of</strong> greater volumes<br />
was prevented by <strong>the</strong> cutbacks in<br />
<strong>the</strong> programs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> main tracked<br />
vehicle manufacturers, whereas<br />
spare parts distribution managed<br />
to maintain a good level <strong>of</strong> demand.<br />
It should also be taken into account<br />
that <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> available<br />
working days was considerably<br />
lower than in <strong>the</strong> previous twelve<br />
months (224 as against 229 in<br />
2001), with no overtime being<br />
worked and <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong><br />
employees remaining basically<br />
unchanged.<br />
Also, throughout <strong>the</strong> year, actions<br />
aimed at increasing product<br />
penetration on world markets<br />
continued, with measures such as:<br />
- <strong>the</strong> rationalisation <strong>of</strong> production<br />
lines and <strong>the</strong> extension <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
product range;<br />
- <strong>the</strong> opening <strong>of</strong> new branches and<br />
distribution centres (in <strong>the</strong> United<br />
States and Brazil).<br />
FUTURE PROSPECTS<br />
As for <strong>the</strong> future, <strong>the</strong> fact that <strong>the</strong><br />
strategic lines that guided <strong>the</strong><br />
strong expansion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 90’s will<br />
have to be reviewed in <strong>the</strong> light<br />
<strong>of</strong> changing external conditions<br />
seems to be beyond question.<br />
Without renouncing growth<br />
opportunities, especially at <strong>the</strong><br />
expense <strong>of</strong> our competitors, <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>mes that take on a particular<br />
significance in a market<br />
characterised by low development<br />
rates and high instability centre<br />
around:<br />
1. <strong>the</strong> search for higher efficiency<br />
levels in production processes, with<br />
measures such as <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> new<br />
technologies that are able to<br />
guarantee high product quality and<br />
reliability;<br />
2. <strong>the</strong> implementation <strong>of</strong> schemes<br />
for internationalising distribution<br />
and assembly;<br />
3. encouraging cost containment<br />
measures, whilst at <strong>the</strong> same time<br />
defining new and more<br />
sophisticated management control<br />
instruments.<br />
4. finally, going ahead with projects<br />
concerning <strong>the</strong> company’s <strong>social</strong><br />
role and environmental impact<br />
(which, in <strong>the</strong> year ended, involved<br />
<strong>the</strong> completion <strong>of</strong> a new landfill<br />
and <strong>the</strong> inauguration <strong>of</strong> a new<br />
effluent water purification plant).<br />
<strong>The</strong> above goals will undoubtedly<br />
call for a high level <strong>of</strong> cohesion<br />
between different company<br />
departments and <strong>the</strong> efficient<br />
integration <strong>of</strong> all aspects related to<br />
<strong>the</strong> company system.<br />
However, we are certain that <strong>the</strong><br />
company, with its solid basis <strong>of</strong><br />
accumulated know-how and<br />
technology, will be amply capable<br />
<strong>of</strong> facing up to <strong>the</strong> challenges <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> new millennium with renewed<br />
vigour and ever greater<br />
commitment.<br />
Dr. Enrico Bacilieri<br />
Administration Director<br />
BN32 • 4th Quarter 2002 3
4 BN32 • 4th Quarter 2002<br />
A YEAR OF TRANSITION<br />
Signs <strong>of</strong> uncertainty<br />
in <strong>the</strong> world <strong>of</strong> machine manufacturers<br />
T he financial year recently closed<br />
didn’t start well: <strong>the</strong> terrorist<br />
attack in <strong>the</strong> USA and <strong>the</strong><br />
consequent, understandable,<br />
nervousness affected <strong>the</strong> OEM<br />
market too, making <strong>the</strong> hopedfor<br />
recovery even more difficult.<br />
<strong>The</strong> first, basically steady, months<br />
were followed by a period <strong>of</strong><br />
wavering, typical in times <strong>of</strong><br />
instability: in practice, this meant<br />
highly cautious production<br />
programs interspersed with<br />
frequent short-term increases.<br />
<strong>The</strong> qualities <strong>of</strong> flexibility and <strong>the</strong><br />
ability to react, particularly in<br />
situations <strong>of</strong> this type, have<br />
enabled us to provide our<br />
customers with <strong>the</strong> service and<br />
support necessary to seize <strong>the</strong><br />
opportunities <strong>of</strong>fered by <strong>the</strong><br />
market.<br />
At <strong>the</strong> same time we have<br />
pursued <strong>the</strong> already consolidated<br />
strategy <strong>of</strong> broadening our<br />
product range, especially in BRP<br />
(<strong>Berco</strong> Rubberized Products), both<br />
agricultural and industrial, and<br />
BMP (<strong>Berco</strong> Mining Products),<br />
where <strong>the</strong> winning <strong>of</strong> a number<br />
<strong>of</strong> important orders has enabled<br />
us by now to cover a good part<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> range.<br />
<strong>The</strong> continuing rapid evolution <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> market (take-overs, splits,<br />
mergers, new production units,<br />
etc.) hasn’t caught us unawares,<br />
thanks to <strong>the</strong> excellent relations<br />
with all <strong>the</strong> ‘players’, and thanks<br />
above all to <strong>the</strong> completeness <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Berco</strong> range, with its ‘onestop-shop’<br />
logic, from coengineering<br />
right through to field<br />
tests, via <strong>the</strong> most modern<br />
production processes. This is<br />
particularly true in <strong>the</strong> emerging<br />
markets <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Far East, where<br />
<strong>Berco</strong>’s capacity to respond to<br />
every need has proved right in<br />
many cases, despite <strong>the</strong> very sharp<br />
competition.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Asiatic market has undergone<br />
a remarkable increase (+34%),<br />
driven by China’s apparently<br />
limitless expansion. And we’ve<br />
even managed to increase our<br />
share <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sluggish Japanese<br />
market, a cause for great<br />
satisfaction.<br />
European manufacturers have<br />
also increased <strong>the</strong>ir volumes, but<br />
only starting from <strong>the</strong> second half<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year, and are expected to<br />
remain essentially stable at <strong>the</strong><br />
end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year, comparable to<br />
<strong>the</strong> previous year.<br />
On <strong>the</strong> Nafta market, however,<br />
<strong>the</strong> fall has been more notable<br />
and <strong>the</strong> recovery more difficult<br />
than elsewhere, despite <strong>the</strong><br />
enormous potential. For <strong>Berco</strong>,<br />
this has translated into holding<br />
on to its position in <strong>the</strong> excavator<br />
market, despite a drop in overall<br />
demand, and a slight reduction<br />
in <strong>the</strong> dozer market, mainly due<br />
to <strong>the</strong> situation on <strong>the</strong> American<br />
market.<br />
Signs <strong>of</strong> recovery at <strong>the</strong> beginning<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> summer confirmed hopes<br />
that <strong>the</strong> improvement was<br />
consolidating and, despite <strong>the</strong><br />
current unknowns (and <strong>the</strong><br />
possibility <strong>of</strong> war), make us look<br />
to <strong>the</strong> future with a certain<br />
degree <strong>of</strong> confidence.<br />
Dr. Sandro Mastellari<br />
Sales Manager, OEM
In times characterised by a<br />
world-wide recession, initiated<br />
with a weakening North<br />
American market since early 2001<br />
and precipitated after <strong>the</strong> Sept.<br />
11 events and <strong>the</strong> increasing risk<br />
<strong>of</strong> a military intervention in Iraq,<br />
with a Latin American continent<br />
stumbling from one crisis to <strong>the</strong><br />
next one, with a Japan which<br />
does not seem to find a way out<br />
<strong>of</strong> its home made problems and<br />
a Europe speaking with dozens<br />
<strong>of</strong> differing political voices, in<br />
times like <strong>the</strong>se it is not easy to<br />
find something positive.<br />
<strong>Berco</strong> has, however, overcome in<br />
relatively good shape, although<br />
not totally unhurt, <strong>the</strong> turmoil <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> market thanks to its ability<br />
to shift production and shipments<br />
from <strong>the</strong> deeply hit OEM market<br />
to <strong>the</strong> aftermarket. Two years with<br />
decreasing demand above 10%<br />
p.a. could be compensated by<br />
substantial increases <strong>of</strong> our<br />
supplies <strong>of</strong> spare parts into <strong>the</strong><br />
same areas where our OEM<br />
clients have <strong>the</strong>ir manufacturing<br />
facilities, i.e. Europe, North<br />
America and Asia. In fact <strong>the</strong><br />
sales to <strong>the</strong> aftermarket increased<br />
by 23 % in <strong>the</strong> business – year<br />
2000/2001 and remained against<br />
our expectations at <strong>the</strong> same high<br />
level during <strong>the</strong> complete<br />
business-year which just now has<br />
been terminated. This positive<br />
development allowed us to<br />
maintain <strong>the</strong> necessary load <strong>of</strong><br />
our factories and resulted in a<br />
share <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> aftermarket sales <strong>of</strong><br />
55% <strong>of</strong> our total undercarriagesales,<br />
well up from <strong>the</strong> normal<br />
share <strong>of</strong> 45%.<br />
Where are <strong>the</strong> reasons for this<br />
capacity to compensate a weak<br />
market which might surprise<br />
because altoge<strong>the</strong>r we are talking<br />
about <strong>the</strong> same product and if<br />
<strong>the</strong> market is down, it should be<br />
down all over?<br />
1. <strong>Berco</strong> undoubtedly has gained<br />
market-share as well in <strong>the</strong><br />
“traditional” markets like North<br />
America and Europe as in<br />
“new” markets like for example<br />
Russia and China.<br />
2. Gaining market-share when<br />
world-wide <strong>the</strong> demand is<br />
decreasing and consequently<br />
all competitors are fighting<br />
even harder for <strong>the</strong> remaining<br />
rest is a pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> strength <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> distribution-net.<br />
Distributors who for 40 years<br />
have created <strong>the</strong> image <strong>of</strong> our<br />
products in <strong>the</strong> aftermarket and<br />
are deeply rooted in <strong>the</strong>ir local<br />
environment will not be blown<br />
away by <strong>the</strong> first guts <strong>of</strong> an<br />
economic tempest.<br />
3. <strong>The</strong> strength <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> distributionnet<br />
needs to be continuously<br />
fed by an ever larger product<br />
range, continuity in <strong>the</strong> quality<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> product, a reasonable<br />
price-policy and seriousness in<br />
Front Page<br />
THE AFTERMARKET: FOR<br />
BERCO A MARKET IN<br />
CONTINUOUS EXPANSION<br />
business <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> supplier.<br />
4. Improved deliveries as a<br />
consequence <strong>of</strong> <strong>Berco</strong>’s<br />
continuous enormous<br />
investments in <strong>the</strong> productionfacilities<br />
bring about increased<br />
efficiency and allows our<br />
distributors to respond even to<br />
spot-demands. <strong>The</strong> well<br />
assorted and rich inventory<br />
available at <strong>the</strong> warehouses <strong>of</strong><br />
our distributors is a winning<br />
argument in <strong>the</strong> market.<br />
5. Improved communications<br />
making available with Internettechnology<br />
to our world-wide<br />
dealers all <strong>the</strong> technical<br />
product-knowledge <strong>of</strong> <strong>Berco</strong><br />
accumulated in over half a<br />
century, helps our distributors<br />
to identify securely <strong>the</strong><br />
products needed by <strong>the</strong> enduser,<br />
thus accelerating <strong>the</strong> final<br />
phase <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sale to machineowners.<br />
6. Last but not least <strong>the</strong> tendency<br />
that fleet-owners in moments<br />
<strong>of</strong> big uncertainty tend to<br />
postpone <strong>the</strong> purchase <strong>of</strong> new<br />
machinery repairing and using<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir existing fleets longer has<br />
been confirmed. This trend<br />
brings about a higher use <strong>of</strong><br />
spare parts favouring those<br />
aftermarket-dealers who have<br />
<strong>the</strong> right products <strong>of</strong> a proven<br />
quality available.<br />
It goes without saying that in this<br />
occasion we cannot but thank<br />
heartily our distributors for <strong>the</strong><br />
engagement shown in this<br />
difficult time and assuring <strong>the</strong>m<br />
<strong>of</strong> our continuous full support<br />
also for <strong>the</strong> time to come even if<br />
some dark clouds can still be seen<br />
at <strong>the</strong> horizon.<br />
THE WIDEST DISTRIBUTION NET OF UNDERCARRIAGE<br />
COMPONENTS FOR TRACK-TYPE MACHINES<br />
BN32 • 4th Quarter 2002 5
Product innovation<br />
BERCO TRACKED SKID STEER LOADER<br />
<strong>Berco</strong> fur<strong>the</strong>r extends its product range<br />
<strong>The</strong> tracked skid steer loader<br />
market has grown considerably<br />
in recent years, and it’s enough to<br />
look at medium term sales<br />
forecasts in <strong>the</strong> United States alone<br />
to see <strong>the</strong> enormous potential <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>se products (see fig.1). With<br />
<strong>the</strong> change from wheeled to<br />
tracked, <strong>the</strong>se new earth<br />
movement systems have become<br />
even more flexible and are being<br />
seen as rivals to<br />
…on <strong>the</strong> 15th <strong>of</strong> October a new<br />
unit for testing rubber-coated<br />
rollers for machines such as <strong>the</strong><br />
John Deere 8000T/9000T will be<br />
6 BN32 • 4th Quarter 2002<br />
small bulldozers and track loaders.<br />
In addition, loaders are available<br />
on <strong>the</strong> market with multiple<br />
tooling configurations, which<br />
means <strong>the</strong>y can be used<br />
in previously inaccessible market<br />
areas (agriculture, forestry,<br />
landscaping in general,<br />
snowploughs, highway<br />
maintenance, etc.).<br />
On realising <strong>the</strong> enormous market<br />
potential, <strong>Berco</strong> decided to<br />
concentrate its efforts on <strong>the</strong>se<br />
new products, building on <strong>the</strong><br />
consolidated expertise and<br />
knowledge <strong>of</strong> BMU (<strong>Berco</strong> Mini<br />
Undercarriage) division.<br />
<strong>The</strong> rubber-tracked<br />
undercarriage<br />
proposed by<br />
<strong>Berco</strong> is <strong>the</strong><br />
‘high drive’<br />
(triangular)<br />
installed in <strong>the</strong> Materials<br />
Development and Testing Centre.<br />
<strong>The</strong> new unit, designed entirely at<br />
<strong>Berco</strong> by a team from <strong>the</strong><br />
type, with a high,<br />
positive-drive<br />
sprocket and greased<br />
front idler; this keeps<br />
<strong>the</strong> sprocket <strong>of</strong>f <strong>the</strong><br />
ground and protects<br />
it from damage.<br />
This solution also<br />
makes <strong>the</strong> machine’s<br />
centre <strong>of</strong> gravity<br />
lower than <strong>the</strong><br />
wheeled version and thus<br />
considerably increases its work<br />
capacity. <strong>The</strong> tracked machine is<br />
also more stable than <strong>the</strong> wheeled<br />
version (greater area <strong>of</strong> contact<br />
with <strong>the</strong> ground), and <strong>the</strong> reduced<br />
specific pressure on <strong>the</strong> ground<br />
means that <strong>the</strong> machines can also<br />
be used on muddy surfaces or land<br />
particularly liable to subsidence.<br />
<strong>The</strong> new <strong>Berco</strong> solution for skid<br />
steer loaders will be for 3t to 4t<br />
machines in <strong>the</strong> 55 to 100 HP<br />
power range, to meet <strong>the</strong> needs<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> widest range <strong>of</strong> customers.<br />
As well as supplying<br />
components such as idlers,<br />
Engineering, Systems and Quality<br />
Department, will be able to<br />
reproduce <strong>the</strong> stresses that <strong>the</strong><br />
rubber-coated rollers are subject<br />
to during use in agricultural work,<br />
simulating acceleration and<br />
braking <strong>of</strong> varying degrees <strong>of</strong><br />
harshness, ‘runs’ at more than<br />
35 km/h and axial and radial<br />
loads up to 20 kN and 200 kN<br />
respectively, <strong>the</strong>se being<br />
characteristic <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> way <strong>the</strong>se<br />
machines are used .<br />
<strong>The</strong> new testing unit will be<br />
entirely managed by a<br />
computerised system that will<br />
UNITS PRODUCED<br />
rollers, etc., <strong>Berco</strong> can also provide<br />
OEMs with a complete solution,<br />
including <strong>the</strong> track frame. and <strong>the</strong><br />
rubber belt.<br />
With this solution, all <strong>the</strong><br />
manufacturer will have to do in<br />
<strong>the</strong> undercarriage assembly stage<br />
is couple <strong>the</strong> already assembled<br />
<strong>Berco</strong> product to <strong>the</strong> machine.<br />
<strong>Berco</strong> is currently working on<br />
various projects for numerous<br />
OEMs, both in its own workshops<br />
and in partnerships with major<br />
tyre manufacturers, and is ready<br />
to <strong>of</strong>fer <strong>the</strong> market an innovative,<br />
high quality range <strong>of</strong> products.<br />
Driven by <strong>the</strong> necessity to test products used in steel-rubber systems, like for<br />
example those for <strong>the</strong> rubber tractors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> John Deere 8000T/9000T series and<br />
<strong>the</strong> new genetaion <strong>of</strong> rubber tracke skid steer loaders…<br />
allow <strong>the</strong> selection <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> different<br />
test stages and <strong>the</strong> acquisition<br />
<strong>of</strong> data from sensors (e.g.<br />
<strong>the</strong>rmocouples, etc.) positioned at<br />
critical points around <strong>the</strong> roller,<br />
such as at <strong>the</strong> seal group or <strong>the</strong><br />
rubber coating.<br />
<strong>The</strong> management system will also<br />
be able to signal hazard situations<br />
such as tread bursts, and exceeding<br />
temperature and load limits.<br />
<strong>The</strong> testing unit will be completely<br />
enclosed in a soundpro<strong>of</strong> booth<br />
with an automatic fire-prevention<br />
system and low environmental<br />
impact.
Tigercat, a leading<br />
manufacturer <strong>of</strong> forestry feller<br />
bunchers and a <strong>Berco</strong> customer<br />
right from <strong>the</strong> start (<strong>Berco</strong><br />
supplies 100% <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> tracks for<br />
Tigercat machines), celebrated<br />
its 10th year <strong>of</strong> business on <strong>the</strong><br />
21st <strong>of</strong> August.<br />
<strong>The</strong> quality <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Berco</strong><br />
undercarriage stands out even<br />
more in forestry applications,<br />
considering <strong>the</strong> “extremely heavy<br />
duty” conditions <strong>the</strong> components<br />
are subject to, due to <strong>the</strong><br />
impervious nature <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ground<br />
and <strong>the</strong> steep slopes (see snow<br />
scene in photo below).<br />
<strong>The</strong>se work environments are<br />
extremely harsh and inaccessible,<br />
with very rough ground that<br />
inevitably puts a great strain<br />
on <strong>the</strong> undercarriage<br />
components, but it is in <strong>the</strong>se<br />
very conditions that <strong>the</strong> quality<br />
and durability <strong>of</strong> <strong>Berco</strong> products<br />
comes to <strong>the</strong> fore.<br />
A key factor in this process,<br />
though, is not just <strong>the</strong> quality<br />
but also <strong>the</strong> service that goes<br />
with <strong>the</strong> product, such as <strong>the</strong><br />
extremely efficient distribution<br />
network <strong>of</strong> <strong>Berco</strong> <strong>of</strong> America,<br />
which, <strong>of</strong>fers <strong>the</strong> best product<br />
on <strong>the</strong> market, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Berco</strong><br />
undercarriage, on a just-in-time<br />
basis from its own factories.<br />
BACKGROUND<br />
It all started in 1992, when a<br />
small group <strong>of</strong> engineers from<br />
Canada, on <strong>the</strong> basis <strong>of</strong> a market<br />
survey in <strong>the</strong> south-eastern USA,<br />
established that <strong>the</strong> American<br />
10 YEARS TIGERCAT<br />
10 YEARS IN PARTNERSHIP<br />
WITH BERCO<br />
‘deforestation’ market<br />
had a need for more<br />
versatile and productive<br />
machines.<br />
<strong>The</strong> prototype <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> first<br />
machine designed by <strong>the</strong> Tigercat<br />
engineers, <strong>the</strong> Tigercat 726, was<br />
launched in 1992 at <strong>the</strong> Tifton<br />
Logging Exposition, and was sold<br />
immediately after <strong>the</strong> fair. Over<br />
<strong>the</strong> next decade Tigercat was<br />
transformed from a small, singleproduct<br />
factory to a company<br />
producing a whole line <strong>of</strong><br />
machines for forestry felling and<br />
bunching.<br />
Tigercat produces a wide range<br />
<strong>of</strong> forestry machines, including:<br />
• Delimber (barker) with a weight<br />
<strong>of</strong> 37 t (260 Hp): for stripping<br />
bark <strong>of</strong> felled trees<br />
• Shovel logger (logger with<br />
mechanical shove) with a<br />
weight <strong>of</strong> 33 t (260 Hp)<br />
• Harvester (forestry combine<br />
harvester) with a weight <strong>of</strong> 24<br />
t (230 Hp): for felling <strong>the</strong> trees,<br />
stripping <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> limbs and<br />
leaves and <strong>the</strong>n cutting <strong>the</strong>m<br />
into measured logs, in a single<br />
solution<br />
• Track loader (tracked timber<br />
loader) (174 Hp)<br />
• Track feller buncher (tracked<br />
forestry feller and buncher)<br />
with <strong>Berco</strong> D6 up to FH400<br />
undercarriage (230-260 Hp),<br />
weighing from 21-36 t and<br />
with shoes <strong>of</strong> up to 915 mm:<br />
for felling trees and bunching<br />
<strong>the</strong>m with a rigid, vertical<br />
mechanical grip.<br />
<strong>The</strong> company, with branches in<br />
Canada and Sweden, has a<br />
workforce <strong>of</strong> over 230 and<br />
markets in USA, Europe,<br />
Russia, Chile, Brazil,<br />
Argentina, Australia and New<br />
Zealand.<br />
<strong>Berco</strong> and <strong>Berco</strong> <strong>of</strong> America<br />
representatives were present at<br />
<strong>the</strong> tenth anniversary<br />
celebrations.<br />
We would like to thank our<br />
friends from Tigercat for <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
warmth and hospitality. This is a<br />
young but solid company that<br />
continues to grow thanks to <strong>the</strong><br />
enthusiasm and commitment <strong>of</strong><br />
its founders and partners.<br />
7
Product innovation<br />
8 BN32 • 4th Quarter 2002<br />
LIFETIME SEALS FOR LUBRICATED<br />
TRACK CHAINS<br />
A new product without<br />
equal on <strong>the</strong> market<br />
<strong>Berco</strong>, ever attentive to <strong>the</strong> performance demands<br />
<strong>of</strong> undercarriage parts even in <strong>the</strong> harshest <strong>of</strong><br />
conditions, announces <strong>the</strong> introduction <strong>of</strong> a<br />
new lubricated track chain seal for applications<br />
in which <strong>the</strong> life <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> seal becomes <strong>the</strong> critical<br />
factor for <strong>the</strong> life and wear <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> bushing.<br />
<strong>The</strong>se circumstances occur, for example, when<br />
<strong>the</strong> machine has to travel at steady speeds for<br />
a long time before reaching <strong>the</strong> work area, or,<br />
as in <strong>the</strong> case <strong>of</strong> some coal mines (low external<br />
bushing wear), when <strong>the</strong> track chain has to be<br />
serviced because <strong>the</strong> useful life <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> seal has<br />
ended.<br />
This patented seal, which we have called ‘lifetime’<br />
with reference to <strong>the</strong> life and external wear <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> bushing, is applicable to geometrically<br />
standard adjacent track chain components (pins,<br />
track links, bushings and spacers), in place <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
normal seals.<br />
As with all new products produced with state<strong>of</strong>-<strong>the</strong>-art<br />
design and manufacture techniques,<br />
after extensive laboratory testing <strong>the</strong> product<br />
development has to be completed with field<br />
trials. <strong>The</strong>se are currently taking place, under <strong>the</strong><br />
direct supervision <strong>of</strong> <strong>Berco</strong> personnel, in different<br />
applications and in different environmental<br />
conditions in various parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
<strong>The</strong> new seal is currently available on request<br />
for lubricated track chains for large-size, high<br />
power dozers: Caterpillar D10N/R, D11N/R;<br />
Komatsu D375A-3, D475A-3.<br />
Codes:<br />
• for Caterpillar D11N/R: lubricated track chain<br />
without shoes: CR6187;<br />
• for Caterpillar D10N/R: lubricated track chain<br />
without shoes: CR6376;<br />
• for Komatsu D475A-3: lubricated track chain<br />
without shoes: KM3231;<br />
• for Komatsu D375A-3: lubricated track chain<br />
without shoes: KM3202.<br />
Fur<strong>the</strong>r details can be found on BOPIS.<br />
Ing. Carlo Bellini<br />
Manager Product Support
HIGH WEAR-RESISTANT BUSHINGS<br />
FOR LUBRICATED TRACK CHAINS<br />
A revolutionary solution to high wear problems<br />
<strong>The</strong> problem <strong>of</strong> prolonging wear<br />
life has always been a central<br />
question in undercarriage<br />
component design requirements,<br />
and is a crucial factor not only<br />
in terms <strong>of</strong> design strategy but<br />
also in relation to servicing<br />
economy throughout <strong>the</strong> entire<br />
life <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> machine.<br />
<strong>The</strong>se, in fact, are some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
very reasons why lubricated<br />
track chains were first<br />
introduced.<br />
As yet, however, <strong>the</strong>re is no<br />
perfect solution to this problem,<br />
and <strong>the</strong> critical aspect, in many<br />
applications, is <strong>the</strong> external<br />
wear limit <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> bushings.<br />
As we know, bushing wear is<br />
essentially abrasive, due to<br />
contact under load and <strong>the</strong><br />
interrelated movements <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
sprockets and <strong>the</strong> bushings<br />
<strong>the</strong>mselves.<br />
Currently, <strong>the</strong>re are a number<br />
<strong>of</strong> different solutions on <strong>the</strong><br />
market, all <strong>of</strong> which tend to<br />
limit <strong>the</strong> phenomenon in certain<br />
ways. <strong>The</strong> most widespread <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>se is <strong>the</strong> ‘rotating bushing’<br />
solution, patented by Caterpillar.<br />
<strong>Berco</strong> research has been focused<br />
more on innovative materials<br />
and heat treatments ra<strong>the</strong>r<br />
than on geometric design. This<br />
has led to <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong><br />
bushings with a suitable blend<br />
<strong>of</strong> surface hardness and ductility,<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r with base materials<br />
with tribological characteristics<br />
that also guarantee good mating<br />
with <strong>the</strong> sprocket materials.<br />
<strong>The</strong> advantages <strong>of</strong> that this<br />
solution (currently being<br />
patented) has over <strong>the</strong> current<br />
market alternatives are many,<br />
including:<br />
1. simplicity <strong>of</strong> construction<br />
(photo 3): apart from <strong>the</strong><br />
bushing, <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r track chain<br />
components are <strong>the</strong> same as<br />
in currently existing solutions;<br />
2. track chain repairability: <strong>the</strong><br />
pins and bushings can still<br />
be rotated;<br />
3. <strong>the</strong> absolute compatibility<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se track chains with<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r undercarriage<br />
components, i.e. shoes and,<br />
above all, sprockets.<br />
4. <strong>The</strong> reduction <strong>of</strong> bushingsprocket<br />
meshing noise, a<br />
characteristic requested more<br />
and more <strong>of</strong>ten because <strong>of</strong><br />
tighter noise control<br />
legislation.<br />
<strong>The</strong> field <strong>of</strong> application is <strong>the</strong><br />
same as that mentioned above,<br />
i.e. low or moderate impact<br />
and high abrasion.<br />
A highly ambitious test plan<br />
has been drawn up to validate<br />
<strong>the</strong> new solution, with trials<br />
on about 40 machines in<br />
different parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world and<br />
under different environmental<br />
conditions, although always in<br />
full observance <strong>of</strong> applicative<br />
constraints. <strong>The</strong> tests are already<br />
being run on a number <strong>of</strong><br />
different machines.<br />
This product line is currently<br />
aimed at medium-small dozer<br />
classes, from class D4 (standard<br />
and heavy duty) to class D6<br />
(963, D6H heavy duty). See<br />
BOPIS for more details.<br />
Ing. Carlo Bellini<br />
Manager Product Support<br />
CAT solution<br />
CASE solution<br />
<strong>Berco</strong> solution<br />
BN32 • 4th Quarter 2002 9
10<br />
AUTOMECHANIKA 2002<br />
BN32 • 4th Quarter 2002<br />
<strong>The</strong> 23rd edition <strong>of</strong><br />
“Automechanika”, <strong>the</strong> biggest<br />
automobile market event <strong>of</strong><br />
2002, was staged in Frankfurt<br />
from <strong>the</strong> 17th to <strong>the</strong> 22nd <strong>of</strong><br />
September. In <strong>the</strong> 6 days <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
fair, more than<br />
159,000 visitors from 130<br />
countries came to see <strong>the</strong> latest<br />
creations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 4,291 exhibitors<br />
from 70 countries in a display<br />
area covering 300,000 square<br />
metres. More than 12 machines<br />
were on display at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Berco</strong> 200<br />
LYNX2000<br />
Preview <strong>of</strong> new gantry for automatic shaft loading/unloading at 23° BiMu<br />
Since its launch on <strong>the</strong> market<br />
just two years ago, <strong>the</strong> Lynx2000<br />
has been winning an increasing<br />
number <strong>of</strong> customers with its<br />
great versatility, simplicity and<br />
productivity. <strong>The</strong> Lynx2000,<br />
designed for small and medium<br />
series production and <strong>the</strong><br />
reconditioning <strong>of</strong> large batches<br />
<strong>of</strong> shafts, is <strong>the</strong> answer to grinding<br />
both camshafts and crankshafts<br />
with a single machine, a feature<br />
particularly appreciated by<br />
customers who have been using<br />
it in <strong>the</strong>ir factories for many<br />
months and whose precious<br />
advice has helped us to develop<br />
new grinding programs (s<strong>of</strong>tware)<br />
and a range <strong>of</strong> new accessories,<br />
such as <strong>the</strong> gantry for <strong>the</strong><br />
automatic loading and unloading<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> shafts. This ‘accessory’, in<br />
combination with <strong>the</strong> CBN<br />
grinding wheels and selfcentering<br />
chuck (see photo) allow<br />
a marked increase in productivity<br />
levels and make <strong>the</strong> Lynx2000 a<br />
real production machine.<br />
<strong>The</strong> gantry is made up <strong>of</strong> a<br />
Cartesian handling unit with two<br />
degrees <strong>of</strong> freedom, equipped<br />
with brushless servomotors and<br />
position controls with absolute<br />
encoders, and is capable <strong>of</strong><br />
handling shafts <strong>of</strong> up to 60 kg in<br />
weight, maximum length 1500<br />
mm and maximum overall<br />
diameter <strong>of</strong> 300 mm. <strong>The</strong><br />
maximum transfer speed reaches<br />
sq.m stand: <strong>the</strong> ACP, <strong>the</strong> STC, <strong>the</strong><br />
RTM 225 and <strong>the</strong> RV20 attracted<br />
numerous operators. Also, <strong>the</strong><br />
photo exhibition on <strong>the</strong><br />
Lynx2000 (not at <strong>the</strong> fair<br />
because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> overlap with <strong>the</strong><br />
BiMu show) contributed to <strong>the</strong><br />
quality <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Berco</strong> stand.<br />
We would like to use this<br />
occasion to thank all <strong>the</strong> dealers<br />
and customers who visited our<br />
stand at Frankfurt and who<br />
helped to make this fair a<br />
success.<br />
90 m/minute and movement is<br />
by means <strong>of</strong> recirculating ball<br />
screws with precision pre-loaded<br />
pads. <strong>The</strong> entire process is<br />
managed by numerical control.<br />
<strong>The</strong> 23rd edition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Milan<br />
BiMu fair (Machine Tools Biennial)<br />
provided <strong>the</strong> setting for <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong>ficial preview <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Lynx2000<br />
with gantry.
PEOPLE THAT "MAKE<br />
THE HISTORY" VISIT<br />
BERCO<br />
Also this year Dr. Cromme,<br />
chairman <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ThyssenKrupp<br />
supervisory board, has come to<br />
visit us toge<strong>the</strong>r with a group <strong>of</strong><br />
friends and <strong>the</strong>ir wives. Dr. Keitel<br />
(president <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> largest<br />
construction company in Germany)<br />
and Dr. Liesen (former Volkswagen<br />
president) are very important<br />
persons in <strong>the</strong> German industry<br />
and are very close friends <strong>of</strong> Dr.<br />
Cromme. This year, during <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
visit, <strong>the</strong>y have been joined in<br />
<strong>Berco</strong> by Mr. Clement, prime<br />
minister <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> North Rhine<br />
Westfalia state, which is <strong>the</strong><br />
highest populated state <strong>of</strong><br />
Germany with almost 20 million<br />
inhabitants. It is important to<br />
remember that Mr. Clement is <strong>the</strong><br />
successor <strong>of</strong> Mr. Rau, current<br />
president <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> German Republic,<br />
as chief <strong>of</strong> this state which is<br />
characterized by heavy industry<br />
and coal mining. This also explains<br />
<strong>the</strong> close relationship with Dr.<br />
Cromme, being representative <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> most important company in<br />
<strong>the</strong> North Rhine Westfalia. We also<br />
want to underline that Dr. Cromme<br />
has been appointed by <strong>the</strong> German<br />
Chancellor chairman <strong>of</strong> a<br />
commission <strong>of</strong> experts whose main<br />
objective is to define <strong>the</strong> new<br />
"corporate ethics code" for <strong>the</strong><br />
German Industry, certainly not an<br />
easy task in a period <strong>of</strong> scandals<br />
like Enron, Worldcom, etc. <strong>The</strong><br />
proposal for this corporate ethics<br />
code, already passed by <strong>the</strong><br />
MEETING WITH CORUS<br />
SPECIAL PROFILES<br />
Skinningrove September 18/19<br />
Against <strong>the</strong> background <strong>of</strong> increasing integration with <strong>the</strong> main <strong>Berco</strong><br />
Group suppliers, on <strong>the</strong> 19th <strong>of</strong> September a meeting was held at <strong>the</strong><br />
Skinningrove factory with CORUS SPECIAL PROFILES, <strong>the</strong> shoe pr<strong>of</strong>ile<br />
manufacturer, attended by Bruno Saturni and Luca Baraldi.<br />
<strong>The</strong> visit was planned on <strong>the</strong> occasion <strong>of</strong> changes in <strong>the</strong> management<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> English factory: <strong>the</strong> previous Managing Director, John Dawson,<br />
left <strong>the</strong> company to take on a new role in CORUS and his place was<br />
taken by Peter Strikwerda. <strong>The</strong> meeting also had <strong>the</strong> purpose <strong>of</strong> drawing<br />
up common strategies for <strong>the</strong> forthcoming years, with a policy <strong>of</strong> joint<br />
work on possible measures for increasing market penetration, with<br />
mutual benefits to both companies. We would like to thank John Dawson<br />
once more for all his help and co-operation during his period <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice<br />
and wish all <strong>the</strong> best to Peter Strikwerda in his new job.<br />
Ing. Bertoni, Dr. Cromme, Mr. Clement and Ing. Salvi<br />
visiting <strong>the</strong> water purification plant<br />
government, has been approved<br />
by <strong>the</strong> German parliament and will<br />
certainly have a strong influence<br />
in <strong>the</strong> European legislation.<br />
Talking about corporate ethics and<br />
An important meeting was held<br />
at <strong>Berco</strong> recently on possible<br />
synergies in <strong>the</strong> purchase <strong>of</strong><br />
robots. As well as Mr. Balducci<br />
and Mr. Guzzinati from <strong>Berco</strong>, <strong>the</strong><br />
meeting was also attended by<br />
representatives <strong>of</strong> different<br />
companies in <strong>the</strong> ThyssenKrupp<br />
Group.<br />
<strong>The</strong> event was promoted and coordinated<br />
by Mr. Hans-Jörg Barth,<br />
Director <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ThyssenKrupp AG<br />
Materials Management Corporate<br />
Division, who, over recent years,<br />
has been drawing up guidelines<br />
for research into purchasing<br />
economies, with <strong>the</strong> formation<br />
<strong>of</strong> a number <strong>of</strong> working groups<br />
at both European and local level.<br />
<strong>The</strong> main item on <strong>the</strong> agenda was<br />
<strong>the</strong> verification <strong>of</strong> a proposed<br />
European Basic Contract with<br />
European robot suppliers, covering<br />
not only <strong>the</strong> purchase <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
machines but also <strong>the</strong> spare parts<br />
service and <strong>the</strong> management <strong>of</strong><br />
Inside <strong>Berco</strong><br />
socio-political responsbility it is<br />
certainly not a coincidence that<br />
Dr. Cromme and Mr. Clement were<br />
so interested in <strong>the</strong> new<br />
Purification Plant!<br />
ROBOTS INTERNATIONAL<br />
WORK GROUP MEETING<br />
<strong>the</strong> parts within <strong>the</strong> individual<br />
companies.<br />
During <strong>the</strong> meeting, which lasted<br />
two days, our guests were given<br />
an account <strong>of</strong> <strong>Berco</strong>’s past and<br />
present by Bruno Saturni, and<br />
were also able to see different<br />
robot applications in action on<br />
<strong>the</strong> shop floor(e.g. machining<br />
centres supporting oxygen-lance<br />
shoe cutting stations, <strong>the</strong><br />
machining <strong>of</strong> pins on track link<br />
milling/hardening/boring lines<br />
and <strong>the</strong> machining <strong>of</strong> shafts and<br />
rollers), being truly impressed by<br />
<strong>the</strong> wide variety <strong>of</strong> solutions<br />
devised.<br />
<strong>The</strong> concluding session was also<br />
attended by Giovanni Bertoni,<br />
who underlined <strong>the</strong> importance<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se meetings aimed at<br />
achieving synergies between<br />
ThyssenKrupp companies, and<br />
thanked Mr. Barth for all his<br />
efforts in this area.
VISION 2000<br />
UNI EN ISO9001:2000<br />
QUALITY CERTIFICATION SYSTEM<br />
Yet again, <strong>Berco</strong> has decided to keep ahead <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> times by certifying its quality<br />
management system with <strong>the</strong> new version <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> UNI EN ISO 9001: 2000<br />
Standard, known as VISION2000. This decision has been taken well in advance<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> international expiry date, set for <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> 2003, when <strong>the</strong> previous<br />
version <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Standard (UNI EN 9001:1994) will cease to be valid.<br />
This decision, and <strong>the</strong> consequent undertaking at company level, was <strong>of</strong>ficially<br />
acknowledged by ICIM in September 2002. ICIM, <strong>the</strong> certifying body that has<br />
dealt with <strong>Berco</strong> throughout its long history <strong>of</strong> quality certification, has audited<br />
<strong>the</strong> quality system in <strong>the</strong> three factories and issued <strong>the</strong> certificates <strong>of</strong><br />
compliance to <strong>the</strong> new Standard.<br />
In addition to <strong>the</strong>se three certificates, <strong>the</strong>re is also a fourth ‘corporate’ document,<br />
i.e. a single certificate for <strong>the</strong> three production units <strong>of</strong> Copparo, Castelfranco<br />
Veneto and Busano Canavese that certifies <strong>the</strong> unity <strong>of</strong> management<br />
principles within <strong>the</strong> group.