Change process serves the Dutch customer

Imagine being faced with the task of implementing a change process within the organization in the middle of corona time. It happened to Tom van Boxtel, Commercial Manager Benelux Window Solutions at REHAU. With only six months of REHAU behind him, Van Boxtel appears to be doing a fine job.

It is not only the supporters in Germany who think so, but REHAU notices this above all in satisfied customers. "Of course, like everyone else, I suffer from the corona crisis. Things don't go as initially planned and you have to make a lot of ad hoc decisions, improvise and sometimes take unexpected side jumps. However, we do that well, here in Amersfoort. My team, consisting of Roberto van den Berg, Mischa Schipper and myself, is flexible. The customers are understanding and I have - I think - faced tougher challenges in the past," Van Boxtel opens the conversation.

Being closer to the customer

"The changes that have taken place and are still in progress bring us even closer to our customer in the Netherlands. This is possible thanks to the new divisional structure at REHAU, previously each country had its own office where all branches were located together. This is still the case in terms of workplace, but my Window Solutions division is now managed directly from Germany. This means that we enjoy very short lines of communication and nothing is left unsaid. We listen carefully to the wishes of our Dutch customer. I make a translation to Germany, where the wishes, suggestions and ideas are taken seriously. Meanwhile, we have beautiful new products in development that are realized based on market demand," says Van Boxtel.

New products

In the next phase, Van Boxtel wants to be even closer to the market. For that, he will get all the support he needs from Germany: "There are employees in Germany who are specifically responsible for marketing and product development for the Dutch market."

Whether Van Boxtel can give a hint? He answers, "In early 2021, the Synego Slide sliding door will become available, a welcome extension to the Synego NL profile. Also, the Synego NL program will be expanded at the beginning of next year with new profiles, so that REHAU customers can distinguish themselves even better from the competition. Those are already two very important introductions for next year."

We learn that REHAU is also looking at the cooperation it has with manufacturers of hardware. "We are going to strengthen ties and also include our suppliers in our change process. Also expect us to start coming up with extensions to our certifications. So ready for the future. When we talk about our future, we can safely say that the new, short lines of communication will enable us to anticipate market needs much more quickly. That is one of the most important pillars for the time ahead."

Winning the heart of the end user

Van Boxtel reveals that work is also underway on consumer brochures, which can be personalized by point of sale. "That's pure business-to-consumer marketing. I have a great deal of experience with this from my work in the awning sector. We are going to support the dealer like never before; they can really expect something from us. Today's REHAU is more communicative and accessible than ever, for everyone."