SOLVARO: Tuomas, as a purchaser you are always on to the next development. What areas are in focus for the next generation of tractors?

Tuomas: We constantly keep an eye on the future requirements of our clients. Our developments must serve client needs and not follow trends or design that doesn`t fulfill a purpose. Monitoring these needs, it is important to take the varying customer profiles into consideration. In addition we have to watch the different levels of regulation worldwide, like for example NTE – not-to-exceed emission limits. And of course our internal options have to be taken into consideration, assembly processes, retrofitting options or repair-friendliness. Important topics for all models are: Efficient transmission of tractive power, the relation weight to payload, of course fulfilling emissions legislation and last but not least great design.

“You just do not start with Adam and Eve.”

SOLVARO: Reliable quality and well justified prices are probably the key factors for all purchasers. What else do you consider important when choosing a supplier to meet the future challenges you named?

Tuomas: What you mention are of course a prerequisite for a cooperation with us. But there are a lot of other factors that are important to us too. To name a few: The know-how and technical advancements. Already existing production experiences with similar items. Knowing and fulfilling the AGCO Corp specific quality requirements. Providing of ideas in the design-face as well as innovative suggestions at critical parts of the 3D-grills. Flexibility for deliveries during the first prototypes and pre-series. Pro-active communication during the whole project progress. And of course good services including for example logistic concepts.

SOLVARO: Wow – you are demanding high standards from your suppliers! What main benefits do you receive by using suppliers that are already delivering to other AGCO brands?

“It is creating a win-win situation for both”

Tuomas: Firstly, we can be sure that the supplier has done a good job so far, otherwise he would not be recommended within the company. Then we benefit in a very simple way from Economies of Scale and Scope regarding material etc. Especially interesting is technical know-how, findings from QM and further developments that are used across brands are important. Not only is the engineering team already thinking our way and knowing our challenges, but also valuable practical knowledge from production all the way to deliveries has been collected. Of course, it is also nice for you personally that the contact person knows the company, the processes. You just do not start with Adam and Eve.

SOLVARO: Over the past years there has been a clear trend towards closer partnerships between OEM-manufacturers and their suppliers. How do you see these relationships develop in the future?

Tuomas: In my opinion, it is creating a win-win situation for both companies, if a long-term, close relationship is lived. Trust is a very important factor, as with any relationship. If the partners fit, efficiencies arise on many levels. Close relationships can be build between the departments of the companies, like Engineering to Engineering, Designer to Product Development, Purchasing to Sales all this will lead to fruitful co-operation. The market is in continuous development, working close together with companies like SOLVARO, you will get the most up-to-date technical innovations, which ideally helps you keep on the top of the market leaders.

SOLVARO: Tuomas, thank you very much, for giving us these insights!