The announcement in January 2024 that Kontron AG would become the majority shareholder of the publicly listed KATEK SE caused a significant stir in the industry. In March 2024, KATEK SE, along with all its associated companies, was acquired by Kontron AG. While the majority of the companies are fully integrated into Kontron, the Grassau plant, along with its associated production sites in the Czech Republic and Hungary, continues to operate under the well-known KATEK brand. Together with beflex electronic, a specialist in prototyping, Kontron and KATEK will operate as a corporate group under the service brand Electronics².
Several months have passed, and the Kontron editorial team has asked Katrin Fricke, Managing Director of KATEK Grassau, Jens Arnold, Managing Director of beflex electronic, and Jochen Gimple, VP Production Kontron Global:
What has changed since the merger?
What makes the companies special, and how do customers benefit from it?
Editorial team: What distinguishes the three companies, and what advantages do they offer to customers?
Jochen Gimple: Kontron has decades of expertise in developing both custom and proprietary products. Since 2018, we have been following the philosophy of increasing our value creation through in-house production facilities to the benefit of our customers. Even before the acquisition of KATEK, we had our own production sites in Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and Hungary. In the development sector, we support our customers from the product idea to the finished product, covering not only hardware and design but also the entire software area. With proprietary products like our SoM modules, we realize various products with a short time-to-market to maximize value for our customers. In the field of IoT technology, Kontron is a global leader and has established itself as a reliable partner over decades. Whether it’s automated industrial processes, secure transport routes, or advanced communication, connectivity, medical, or energy solutions – Kontron offers cutting-edge technologies from a single source. Today, we are already working on the trends of tomorrow, such as KontronOS, AI, or 5G. Kontron’s customers have been benefiting from this for a long time – and now, so do the customers of KATEK and beflex electronic.
Katrin Fricke: KATEK in Grassau, with locations in Hungary and the Czech Republic, expands the service portfolio of the Kontron Group with highly automated production facilities for efficient medium- and large-scale production. The company offers services for various industries – from industrial electronics, automotive, and lifestyle to medical technology. Quality assurance is a central aspect of production, and every step is carefully monitored using modern testing techniques. Our experts rely on automated testing procedures that combine optical inspections with various electrical measurements to ensure that our products meet the highest quality standards. With the support of beflex electronic, quantities from one to millions can be fully covered within the group.
The companies eSystems and Kontron Solar, which were previously part of the KATEK Group, are leading European electronics companies known for their high-quality products in eMobility and solar energy. As pioneers in the field of renewable energies, they have made a significant name for themselves. The comprehensive product portfolio includes intelligent charging solutions for electric vehicles as well as advanced power electronics for photovoltaic systems.
Jens Arnold: beflex electronic has established itself as a specialist in prototyping and small series production. With state-of-the-art technologies and flexible production processes, individual customer requirements are implemented precisely and promptly. Customers are directly supported in the development process, allowing new products to be brought to series production quickly and efficiently. Through our expertise, innovative solutions are developed, and the time-to-market for new products is significantly reduced.
With five branches in Germany, beflex electronic ensures physical proximity to customers and comprehensive accessibility within just two hours. Services such as obsolescence management, layout design, and test equipment construction complement the portfolio and provide comprehensive support in all phases of product development.
Editorial team: How is it ensured that the highest quality standards are met in production and in the mission-critical area?
Jochen Gimple: We serve customers from a wide range of industries, consistently meeting the highest quality standards, even in mission-critical areas. In terms of production, we are well-equipped with our machinery. Thanks to our extensive expertise in test equipment development and construction, we can meet any conceivable testing requirement. Our connectivity with customers allows direct access to test results when request. New customers initially grant us a leap of faith, which we justify through reliable delivery and top quality. Extensive testing, both in development projects and in series production, is our top priority. We see ourselves as advisors to our customers, aiming to achieve the best possible results with well-conceived concepts.
Editorial team: How does the merger of the companies strengthen their respective product portfolios?
Jochen Gimple: The acquisition of KATEK and beflex electronic brings together what belongs together. Kontron contributes extensive development expertise to the merger, while KATEK and beflex electronic add outstanding production capabilities from prototyping to series production. With our now combined presence in Europe and North America, we are well-positioned. This allows us to effectively respond to changing requirements due to potential restrictions and the desire for shorter supply chains in the context of sustainability. Additionally, our geographical footprint makes us resilient to increasing environmental events. With this comprehensive service portfolio, we more than meet our own claim as a one-stop shop.
Editorial team: Let’s take a closer look at the areas of production and development. What positive effects do they have for customers?
Katrin Fricke: Through the merger of Kontron, KATEK, and beflex electronic, we are among the leading players in the electronics industry in Europe. We can proudly say that we unite enormous potential under Electronics².
I would be happy to show you what our service brand Electronics² stands for:
- We are a global network of development and manufacturing service companies under the umbrella of Kontron AG.
- With our branches in Europe and America, as well as partners in Asia, we can respond locally to the needs of our customers.
- Our local-for-local approach enables flexible solutions and ensures smooth delivery.
- We are able to respond quickly to a wide variety of challenges.
- Our supply chains are secure and flexible to optimally respond to logistical challenges.
- Our expert advice and expertise enable tailored solutions for all customer requirements.
- Through our strength in research and development, we continuously drive innovative solutions forward.
- We offer our customers a tailor-made all-inclusive package from development, through the prototype phase and series production, to spare parts supply.
Editorial team: What fundamental values shape the collaboration with customers in the development sector?
Jochen Gimple: Trust and respect are the basis of our collaboration and form the basis for successful and long-term partnerships. The trust our customers place in us is the foundation of our partnership. To develop forward-looking and innovative products, our customers grant us insights into their latest product ideas and future. The confidential and responsible handling of this information is an essential part of our collaboration and of utmost importance.
Editorial team:
Why is Kontron the ideal partner for the entire lifecycle of electronic products?
Katrin Fricke: Our deep understanding of market requirements enables us to seamlessly support the entire lifecycle of our customers’ electronic products. We master the diversity of requirements, components, and production technologies that arise from our customers’ individual products. Thanks to a global supplier network, we reliably secure our deliveries and respond flexibly to changes.
Editorial team:
Why is regional proximity to customers becoming increasingly important?
Jochen Gimple: In conversations with customers, we repeatedly hear that regional proximity is becoming increasingly important. Short delivery routes are crucial for many customers when choosing their suppliers. With locations in Europe and America, as well as partners in Asia, the three most important economic regions, we are optimally positioned. This allows us to respond flexibly to transport restrictions or trade barriers. This global presence enables us to establish a strong local footprint and specifically address the needs of our customers. Especially in complex areas such as product development, communication in the local language and the regional proximity of the partner are highly valued.
Editorial team: How does Kontron ensure economic and financial security for its customers?
Jochen Gimple: Since its founding in 1959, Kontron, as a well-established corporate group, has always placed the highest value on economic and financial security. A solid financial foundation and sustainable business policies ensure long-term stability and reliability for our customers. These aspects are crucial for realizing large-scale projects, investing in the latest technologies, and securing the financing of orders.
Editorial team: We are particularly interested in: What are the plans for the future? Where is the journey heading?
Jens Arnold: We – that is Kontron, KATEK, and beflex electronic – will be jointly represented under the service brand Electronics² for the first time at electronica in Munich, the world’s leading trade fair and conference for electronics. Visit us from November 12 to 15, 2024, at our booth in Hall A1, booth number 441. We warmly invite all interested parties to personal discussions and look forward to giving you exciting insights into our shared future. As a corporate group, we aim to continue growing together to better fulfill our common commitment to our customers every day. We promise you that as a “Powerhouse for your Electronics Solutions,” we are the perfect partner for your projects.
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Katrin Fricke (KATEK Grassau) Jens Arnold (beflex electronic) Jochen Gimple (Kontron Global)
Thank you very much for the interesting interview and the exciting insights.
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