Belden plans further growth for connectors and connectivity systems

Additional Ethernet-based systems for mechanical engineering applications, new entry level products that use optimally combined materials and an increased number of customer-specific solutions should contribute to this. “We also plan to expand our presence in Asia,” says Dr.Ermer.

In future, in order to further stabilize the company’s already firm position in the field of mechanical engineering, the portfolio will not only cover all the usual fieldbus types, but will also include Ethernet-based automation protocols.

Implementation of Profinet and EtherNet/IP is as good as complete, and we are already working on other protocols such as EtherCAT. The available I/O functionality is also being further extended. “The focus of our new developments is on the I/O modules,” explains
Dr. Ermer, adding, “Our aim is make the decentralized distribution of control signals as simple and as secure as possible, and that includes using easily interchangeable modules and protocols.”

Alongside new standard designs, Belden is increasingly offering customized solutions that offer outstanding economic efficiency in terms of the total cost of ownership. “This is another core component of our strategy,” stresses Dr. Ermer, “because we want to create added value for our customers by making our products as easy as possible to install and simple to maintain.” He points out that these activities currently account for around a third of the revenues, but should reach 50% by 2014. “We have already made sure that the requisite organization and production technology are in place: On average, the development of a new cable with molded connectors can now be completed in only six weeks, including the customer’s approval”.

At a time when the price of materials is steadily increasing, Belden plans to increasingly use its knowledge of plastics for existing standard products. “In each case we will offer a number of versions that differ, for instance, in their tolerated temperature range, protection rating and usage approvals, thus enabling our customers to purchase attractively priced products that optimally fulfill their requirements,” says Dr. Ermer. With this in mind, the range of cost-effective entry-level connectors in our Value Line will in future be extended to include products with slightly restricted material properties that are nonetheless eminently suitable for a whole series of applications. “We have also made great strides in the use of recyclable plastics. We will shortly be launching recyclable connectors for use in automation technology, which is likely to be a first.”

Dr. Ermer comments: “In order to improve local support for our customers around the world, particularly in Asia, we plan to expand our presence there. At the moment we maintain local production facilities not only in Europe but also in Tijuana, Mexico, right on the borders of the United States, but still have only one sales team in the Far East.” By 2013, Belden therefore plans to set up its own production facility in an Asian factory and install a product management department at the same location. “Our products will still be developed in Germany to the usual quality standard,” stresses Dr.Ermer. “The fact that this approach also allows different regional requirements to be taken into account is evident from our worldwide success”.