Frits Schlimback - Owner Director, MUSS GmbH Agrartechnik
In the heart of potato-growing Germany, MUSS Agrartechnik managed to establish a new brand throughout Germany in just five years. A remarkable achievement for the relatively small Dutch-German company specializing in storage and processing technology. "We aim to find conceptual solutions," said Owner Director Frits Schlimback.
Frits Schlimback - Owner Director
The storage season has just ended, and the new season has yet to begin. It's the perfect time for farmers to check their storage facilities and prepare them for the upcoming harvest. Or to build a new storage shed. And they can tell by the hustle and bustle at MUSS Agrartechnik in Bad Fallingbostel, in the heart of Lower Saxony, Germany.
What exactly do you do?
"In short, climate control mainly for potatoes, onions, and carrots. But we have also worked with exotics such as pumpkins or celeriac. In addition, we supply machinery related to these products, mainly focusing on the logistical aspect under the roof of the storage shed. You could also see us as an In-Out-Store architect. Everything that happens with potatoes, onions, and carrots in the shed, from storage to processing, we provide in our package. Although we occasionally venture into the Netherlands or Poland, our main focus is on the German market."
MUSS is celebrating its fifth anniversary. How is it going?
"We realize that we have grown quite quickly. In five years, with our own storage concept including proprietary control, we have managed to establish a new brand throughout Germany. In addition, brands like Dewulf-Miedema and Invaro Schouten gave us the confidence to become their partner for Germany at the time. That has shaped us into what we are today. Currently, at MUSS, we work with a great team of 17 colleagues. This is something we are proud of. The goal is to grow to around 20 people in the near future."
How did you manage to achieve that? What sets you apart?
"What sets MUSS apart is that we offer a full-service package with other products and machinery as well. Agricultural entrepreneurs only need one contact person for their concept. Other companies only offer storage with one type of ventilation or machine. This makes us a more complete partner for the customer, sitting at the table with a broader perspective. This makes us more of a conceptual thinker, as we aim to find efficient conceptual solutions. In addition, we strive to be a good partner in terms of service and maintenance even after the sale."
When discussing market trends and challenges, what comes to mind first?
"We see a shift in the food and consumption patterns of humanity. Potatoes are playing an increasingly important role in this. There is a growing demand for potatoes and potato-related products. However, the available resources for production are becoming increasingly limited. Therefore, innovation and efficiency are becoming even more important than before.
Reducing storage losses through more innovative and efficient storage will become increasingly crucial. But the biggest issue that everyone you talk to is facing is the challenge of finding good and sufficient staff. This also applies to our customers. Only further automation will be able to provide a solution. Within our segment, we see a strong trend towards optically sorting unwashed products and optimizing the logistics of crate storage. With Wevano from Emmeloord and VHM from Ens, we have two good partners to offer solutions for these challenges."
About the core values. What does MUSS stand for?
"It's all about the customer relationship. Not a one-time sales contact, but a sustainable relationship. KBC is the key to success. It's all about Knowledge, Reliability, and Continuity. We ensure that growers are helped in all aspects, even after the sale through service and support. Customers want to be relieved of worries. Especially in the storage process, growers seek support from specialists. Storage is a specialty. You are dealing with a living product that is different every year, due to changing conditions. You need to adjust the storage regime accordingly, which can be challenging if you are not dealing with it daily. We differentiate ourselves on this aspect with our team of specialists, through storage training and webinars. An added value that more and more customers appreciate."
You are Dutch. How did you end up here?
"I have been active in this business as a representative since 1999 for a Dutch storage specialist. I progressed, became the Sales Manager in 2012 and in 2015 the Director for this company in Germany. In 2014, my family and I emigrated to the Lüneburg Heath, the home base of the company. In 2018, I, along with three experienced colleagues, decided to start our own company. It was logical to establish the company in the same area; in the main potato-growing region of Germany, in the heart of Lower Saxony. Fifty percent of the potatoes are grown here. Being so close to the customer enables us to act quickly."
As a Dutch person, you lead a German company with German employees. How do you lead?
"I aim for a no-nonsense culture and dislike hierarchy. It takes some getting used to for the Germans, but I notice they appreciate it. Short lines of communication, my door is always open. Everyone should feel like they are working towards the same goal and that we are all important for it. For example, I find it enjoyable and important as a director to occasionally go on installations with the technicians and to be physically present in the field. Different stories emerge when you are out there compared to when you are face to face. It is valuable to hear what is happening and how everyone feels.
Furthermore, the other three owners are also actively involved in the company and each of us fulfills our own role. In addition to being a director, I also drive sales, but I can only work freely on the road because the other three ensure that everything runs smoothly internally, each with their own expertise. We work as a team. Twice a year, we organize a company meeting where all employees participate. We take ample time to exchange ideas, reflect on various levels, discuss what is going well and what is not, and share ideas and wishes. Based on that, I try to steer and implement improvements."
How do you ensure that sense of unity also exists at work?
"By doing fun activities and relaxing together outside of work. We barbecue regularly. Sometimes even spontaneously in the middle of the day. And every year we go away for a weekend in the Netherlands or Germany. Usually, we combine it with a customer visit where we have achieved something new that year. Especially for the colleagues in the office, it is nice to see what we have accomplished together. After all, we have all worked hard for it. This gives a good feeling."
How do you experience living and working in Germany?
"Germany is a country of many traditions and solidarity. If you open up and invest some time in your surroundings, you will be quickly embraced. I find this important for my family, as I am often traveling. For example, last year I was the Schützenkönig in the village. Germans are super social, as long as you are open to it. You find something everywhere and leave something behind. The cost of living is slightly cheaper than in the Netherlands. However, issues like mobile network and internet remain a concern, although steps have certainly been taken since the pandemic. An advantage for us is that we are at a manageable distance from family and friends. It is easy to travel back and forth on a Sunday."
Ready to take that next step? Then contact us.
Photo: Rutger Bronts
[Published: July 2023]
