Exploring the Nordics

TFHC Partner Dörr Kampen BV is a specialist in stainless steel equipment and machine production for the medical-, packaging- and food sector. Since its foundation in 1926 Dörr Kampen BV has developed into a modern and dynamic company. Exploring their business opportunities abroad Dörr came into contact with the Task Force Health Care (TFHC) a couple of years ago.

Joost Lemette, Marketing Director of Dörr Kampen BV elaborates: ‘’In September 2015 we received an invitation to join a Dutch delegation and participate in a TFHC trade mission to Sweden. Preceding this trade mission I had little knowledge of the Swedish healthcare sector. Though I presumed that there were opportunities for our Bedpan washingmashines. A product which has been developed for the cleaning and disinfecting of bedpans, and urinals and many other items. Nevertheless a trade mission seemed the right way to explore the market up close and perhaps gain foothold in the Nordics.’’

With hindsight this proved to be a right decision. In the aftermath of this trade mission a Danish company, with a sales office based in Sweden, approached Dörr Kampen with a business proposal. Today the two companies are engaged in a business agreement and first orders have been confirmed already. However, not for the Bedpan washingmashines but for the supply of another Dörr product; the Endoscope Pre-cleaning machine. These are specially designed for the pre-cleaning of flexible endoscopes. This partnership rapidly intensified Dörr’s activities in the Nordic market.

Shortly after the trade mission Dörr was invited to returned to Sweden to give a lecture on their own business experiences. As a result, a representative of the Lund University Hospital gained interests in their products and shortly after Dörr received orders deriving from Lund University Hospital.

Joost Lemette continues: ‘’After this trade mission we decided to become official partner of the TFHC. Via the TFHC and their corresponding network we receive valuable firsthand information regarding international activities and opportunities. It takes a lot of energy to constantly stay up to date with all recent developments. The TFHC informs us about upcoming trade missions, seminars, networking events or visiting decision-makers in healthcare. Furthermore, your organization is closely linked to the government. It provides you the possibility to discuss the experiences of governmental policies, support, instruments and elaborate on the corresponding cooperation. For example, in 2014 we were invited to the National Health Export Summit moderated by Ministry of Health, Welfare & Sports in the Ridderzaal, the Hague. For a small company like ourselves it was a privilege to be present. Additionally, within the TFHC network we are brought in contact with numerous like-minded professionals, as a matter of fact, we recently had a cooperation project with another  TFHC Partner; Jan Snel Group.’’

This cooperation with Jan Snel Group,  a company with expertise in flexible accommodation and special-purpose transportation, was initiated by a No 1 world player in CSSD equipment in which Dörr found a suitable partner for the distribution of their products on the international market.

For the near future, Dörr is maintaining a cautious strategy executed by a small team of sales managers. At the moment about 25% of Dörr’s total revenue is dedicated towards international activities. 85% of their activities are focused on healthcare related issues. With their current international business partners they are focusing on the expansion of their market share in the Nordics.

Joost Lemette, Marketing Director of Dörr Kampen BV