Meet the Atkore Vergokan R&D Department

New technologies, new production methods, new raw materials, new regulations, etc. Our R&D department follows everything closely. We asked Stefan Desmet, R&D manager at Atkore Vergokan, about the ins and outs of his department.

Stefan Desmet

• Who is part of your team? What is their task?

Stefan: "Since April 26, the R&D team consists of 4 engineers: Philippe, Eddy, Koen and newcomer Bert. Philippe and Bert mainly focus on designing new and modifying existing products. Eddy mainly performs calculations for products that deviate from the existing range (RFK). He also designs and provides technical support to customers. Koen manages the SAP master data so that all materials and processes are correct for production. Through his knowledge of programming, he automates repetitive tasks into handy work files."

• How do you go about developing a new product or improving an existing one?

Stefan: "Ideas for new products mainly come from the sales team. They are in close contact with the customer and pass on their requirements. Changes or optimizations often come from the operators in production itself or internally in the R&D department. We then evaluate the feasibility of the idea. If approved, we design a 3D drawing and build a prototype. This allows us to test whether the product meets all requirements. After final release, the product can be launched."

"Our customers also strongly appreciate our flexibility in developing deviations from the standard range, the so-called RFK items."

• What is the biggest challenge in terms of R&D within Atkore Vergokan?

Stefan: "Within Europe, we have to deal with different requirements and methods. As a result, it is not always easy to create a design that meets those different needs. By listening to our customers and identifying their needs, we can work in a very focused way and launch the right products."

• What is the most recent development?

Stefan: "A few examples are the new TSBO (apparatus cup) and the expansion of the KLL ladder range.
The TSBO is an optimization of the current TSBU. Here we have taken into account the comments of customers so that it is now possible to use the latest type of socket.
The extension of the KLL widths was introduced to meet the requirements of the UK market and thus also boost sales of our ladder on UK soil."

Thanks, Stefan, for this interesting comment and good luck!