Fanny Bülte took over the Bulte family business in summer 2023. Now, over a year on, Torque Magazine asked the new Managing Director about extending into new niches, the education challenge around plastic fasteners and their surprising versatility, as well as balancing a company's heritage with innovation to secure future growth.
How's business been in 2024 so far compared to 2023?
So far, 2024 has seen mixed results in business performance across various sectors compared to 2023. Bülte has had to adapt to a slower global economic growth rate and persistent inflation, leading to cautious consumer spending and challenges in profit margins. Nonetheless, we have changed our strategies to counter these pressures, particularly with a stronger focus on productivity enhancements and efficiency gains.
It's been over a year since you took over the reins of the family business-how's it been so far and have there been any surprises?
Like many new leaders in this position face surprises, I'm facing cultural and operational norms that have been ingrained over decades and may resist change.
Common surprises for successors in family businesses often involve adjusting to the family-driven decision-making culture, where traditional ways of operating can sometimes slow down the adoption of modern practices. So, it's not easy to find a balance between preserving the company's heritage and innovating for future growth. An additional challenge is navigating the personal dynamics of the family, which may impact decision-making differently than in non-family-owned businesses.
Have there been any particular investments or projects that Bülte is currently working on?
Looking forward, we plan to continue our focus on sustainable practices and strategic growth, including participation in major industry events such as the upcoming Fastener Fair in Stuttgart in 2025, showcasing our innovations and reinforcing our long-term commitment to responsible manufacturing and global expansion.
Digitalisation has been a big topic for the industry and I think for Bülte too? I believe you brought in a new website a couple of years ago, is the process of digitalisation something that is ongoing for Bülte?
Digitalisation has indeed been a significant focus for Bülte. aligning with industry trends and the company's goals of enhancing customer accessibility and operational efficiency. We launched a redesigned website a couple of years ago, optimised for user experience and improved navigation with features like advanced search options and visual aids for product identification. This site update was part of a broader push towards digital integration that began during the pandemic, which also spurred the company's "zero paper" initiative to reduce paper usage and shift communications online.
Today, digitalisation remains an ongoing process for Bülte, emphasising responsive digital tools and refining the company's web and digital presence. Continuous improvement in the digital space allows us to adapt better to market demands, particularly as clients increasingly prioritise seamless online Interaction and fast access to technical product data and specifications. We also maintain our strategy to integrate customer feedback into digital updates, aiming to meet specific Industry needs more effectively and ensure a robust online presence across both web and social media channels.
On the other hand, with the arrival of artificial intelligence (AI), many changes are still to come.
Bülte seems to work with a very broad range of industries. Do you regularly find new applications and markets for your ranges?
Bülte has been actively expanding its reach across industries. capitalising on its versatile plastic fastener range to meet evolving customer needs in diverse sectors. Our offerings. including nylon fasteners like washers, plugs, screws and handles, have traditionally been popular in sectors such as automotive, construction, electronics and medical technology. With a foundation of over 30,000 standard products, our unique approach also emphasises custom components tailored to client specifications, ensuring that they can meet specialised requirements in industries that demand precise. durable plastic fasteners.
In recent years, we have leveraged our expertise to expand further into niche markets. For instance, the company's flexible approach to production allows it to work with customers on specialised solutions using a variety of materials beyond polyamide, enhancing its appeal across different applications. This adaptability has allowed Bülte to maintain a strong pres- ence in Europe while positioning itself for growth in new regions. especially with its digitalisation push to streamline customer experiences and access to product information and prototypes.
This commitment to responsive service and quality manufacturing enables us to continuously explore new applications, adapting our product line to meet the unique challenges of each industry it serves and expanding our foothold in both existing and emerging markets.
When it comes to plastic fasteners or fixings, is there an education challenge for your customers e.g. they aren't always aware of how versatile and appropriate plastic can be for their projects?
Yes, there is often an educational element involved in helping customers fully appreciate the versatility and strengths of plastic fasteners. Many clients, especially those traditionally accustomed to metal components, may have initial reservations about plastic fasteners' durability, strength, or suitability for specific applications. For Bülte, part of the challenge is addressing misconceptions by demonstrating how advanced plastic materials can offer numerous benefits, like corrosion resistance, lightweight properties and adaptability, which can outperform metals in certain contexts.
Plastic fasteners are particularly advantageous in applications requiring low weight, chemical resistance and non-conductive properties, which makes them ideal for sectors such as electronics, medical devices and automotive parts. However, potential customers may not always realise that plastics can be engineered for high tensile strength, impact resistance and temperature endurance, providing reliable alternatives in demanding environments.
Bülte actively educates clients through technical resources, custom solutions and material guidance to align plastic fastener choices with specific project needs. For instance, the company offers custom component design in various plastic materials beyond polyamide, which helps clients explore applications they may not have considered feasible with plastic. Through these efforts, we aim to shift perceptions and help customers see plastic fasteners not just as cost-saving alternatives but as high-performance components in their own right.
How big is the custom side compared with the standards side, for Bülte?
The balance between custom and standard parts is a key part of Bülte's operations, reflecting a commitment to versatility and client responsiveness. We offer a wide array of standard fasteners, particularly through our expansive online catalogue. which includes over 30,000 technical plastic items that adhere to established industry standards like DIN. ISO, and NFE. This standardised range helps to meet the baseline needs of a variety of industries, from automotive to electronics and beyond.
On the custom side, Bülte's specialised service for bespoke plastic fasteners is significant. Custom solutions involve designing unique components that cater to clients' specific requirements, often going beyond what standard fasteners can achieve. The custom offerings include fasteners in diverse materials beyond nylon, such as PTFE and PVDF, which can fulfil unique mechanical or environmental requirements. Our tailored parts not only add value in terms of functionality but also allow customers to optimise parts for weight, corrosion resistance and design integration. With a strong focus on custom offering, we remain a flexible partner for businesses across multiple sectors, enhancing our adaptability and growth in both established and emerging markets.
Sustainability is another of the big topics facing the fastener industry, in what kind of ways is Bülte addressing things like driving down carbon emissions and trying to use more environmental materials?
Bülte is actively addressing sustainability challenges through a range of strategies focused on minimising environmental Impact. For instance, the company is exploring new materials that could lower emissions, such as recycled plastics and bioplastics, which can help in reducing reliance on traditional petroleum-based polymers. This shift aligns with broader industry efforts to improve the environmental footprint of plastic components, particularly in high-demand sectors like automotive and construction.
We also support sustainability by optimising our production processes. Through waste reduction initiatives and stream- lined manufacturing practices, the company has taken steps to cut down on carbon emissions while improving energy efficiency. Our focus on customisation allows us to create tailored solutions for clients, which can minimise material use and further decrease environmental impact. Additionally, we have recently enhanced our logistics to reduce transportation emissions, which includes consolidating shipments and improving supply chain efficiencies
These initiatives reflect Bülte's commitment to sustainable production and materials innovation, contributing to a more environmentally responsible manufacturing approach within the plastic fastener industry.
