BMT Fire & Rescue in Oss is to take over Berlicum’s Innovative Firefighting Solutions (IFFS). The two fire engine specialists are joining forces, with IFFS to retain its name and employees. ‘We’re taking this step based on our conviction that one plus one makes at least two and a half,’ says Marco van Hulst, director and owner of BMT.
While BMT mainly manufactures and supplies drop-off containers, foam extinguishing vehicles, forest fire fighting trucks and mobile and stationary One Seven compressed air foam systems, IFFS specialises in engineering and producing water transport systems, hose management systems and pumpers. The BMT and IFFS products therefore complement each other perfectly. ‘Together we have a unique range of products for safety regions and industrial fire brigades throughout Europe,’ continues the director. ‘We’re ready for the future.’
Greater impact
The acquisition came about as a consequence of BMT’s desire to expand. According to Van Hulst, a merger was the only logical option for strengthening their market position. ‘Attracting good technical people as a means of expanding is not easy, let alone developing new products. This is the shortest route to greater impact: not only does our organisation double in size, we can also make full use of each other’s knowledge and expertise.’
‘It’s the same for us,’ agrees IFFS director Stefan Govers. ‘For example, I’m absolutely confident that BMT’s engineering department can benefit from our creative solutions, and vice versa. We can also benefit from each other’s network and expand the export branch together.’
IFFS to relocate to Oss
While BMT employees can continue to travel to their usual workplace on the Vorstengrafdonk industrial estate, the IFFS employees have a change ahead of them. Part of the plans include relocation from Berlicum to Oss. ‘It’s going to be quite a change of scenery, but it’s not a problem,’ says Mr Govers. ‘As we’re already growing out of our current premises, we’re rather looking forward to moving to the new BMT facilities.’
Confidence in synergy
Mannus Bergboer also has an important role in ensuring the merger proceeds smoothly. BMT’s commercial director will be visiting Berlicum frequently in the coming period. ‘Just like Stefan and Marco, but of course also the two founders of IFFS, Ad van Lith and Kristijan Gecan, I am convinced of the synergistic benefits,’ says Bergboer. ‘We share the same DNA after all; both BMT and IFFS are innovative, flexible and typical Brabant family businesses. And we’ll be staying that way. I’m confident in speaking for everyone when I say we’re really looking forward to this!’
