The “changing world”, globalization and internationalization are often used as buzz words for expressing that existing limits and structures are being changed, broken or removed.

What effects does this process have on the automation industry? What opportunities and risks does the globalization of the markets bring? How does one react to the new underlying conditions and how does one position oneself for the future? All these are questions that international automation companies have to face. The transformation of the world also means a transformation of the markets: Worldwide, users require automation technology to locally provide products, technological know-how, technical service and spare parts. For the manufacturers of automation systems this is a challenge, but at the same time an opportunity to open up new markets and to demonstrate worldwide presence.

In the 1980s, Beckhoff's main activity was the implementation of innovative ideas for control solutions in development projects for German machine building customers. In the early 1990s, a tight-knit distribution network within Germany and – subsequently – in Europe was established. At the end of the 1990s, Beckhoff conquered the international market. The fast and – compared with the competition – over-proportional growth of the company made this development appear to be inevitable. Internationalization applies both to users and to suppliers of automation systems: a presence on the worldwide market is imperative. The early recognition of future opportunities offered by PC control and innovative automation components based on international standards not only turned out to bring significant benefits for the users, but also established the competitive advantage of Beckhoff on national and international markets.

Past milestones of the international outlook was the establishment of Beckhoff subsidiaries in the USA, Switzerland, Austria, Finland and China as well as the formation of carefully selected, powerful distribution partnerships on all five continents. Beckhoff is now successfully represented in over 30 countries and, as one of the few suppliers of PC-based control technology on an international level, provides a reliable local service in the areas of customer care and advice, sales, support and training. Through direct and intense communication with the Beckhoff company headquarters in Germany and effective exchange of information and training, the Beckhoff subsidiaries and distributors are well equipped to be reliable and competent local partners for our customers. PC Control is thus successfully establishing itself worldwide in all types of industries, e.g. the automotive industry in Brazil, in the semiconductor industry in the Netherlands, in handling systems in Switzerland or flexible manufacturing systems in Finland.

Over the last 5 years, Beckhoff rapidly established an international distribution network. This will continue to be the aim over the next few years. The plan is to be present in about 50 industrialized countries around the world. The export ratio of currently approximately 35% is intended to grow to 50% over the next few years, with simultaneous growth in the domestic market. The intention is to reach these goals through expansion, innovative new products such as the new modular
CX1000 Industrial PC, and based on a partnership with our customers.

One of the aims of the PC Control company magazine, of which this is the 3rd issue, is to inform about the latest foreign developments from Beckhoff and about worldwide automation technology applications.

Kai Ristau
Export Manager