Interview with Ronald Bobbe, CFO PROCOMAT.
Easy Engineering: How was 2020 for your business, a short summary?
PROCOMAT: Procomat encountered, just like most of the Industry and economy, a strong downfall and headwind because of the Covid-19 situation.
The long-term Business Case is very strong, and political ambitions on Climate Change and CO2 Emission Reduction are still valid, and even growing. We have seen that, because of Covid-19, decisions have been postponed. But the underlying trends and business drivers are getting stronger.
E.E: What new products/services will be launched this year?
PROCOMAT: This year 2021 we will further introduce size variances such as our WasteMate® 240 Liter, the “big brother” of our 120L smartbin. We are also extending our technical reach of the smartbins, and testing new sensor techniques such as air pollution.
E.E: How did the market change in the last year?
PROCOMAT: Besides Covid-19, the real answer to this question is: “It didn’t”! The market is showing more and more confidence in IOT solutions, also in the field of Smart Cities. It is a strong trend and the developments are huge. We are in the Decennium of Climate Change, and post-Covid-19, governments and city councils will increase their investments in smart solutions.
E.E: What were the best-selling products of 2020?
PROCOMAT: Our WasteMate® 120L is our core-product. The advantages of our IOT solution, in combination with approxumately 75% less need for emptying bins, and thus reducing waste truck movements, saving direct costs and less CO2 pollution, are clear to everyone. Our investment models show that the payback period of a city’s investment is less than two years.
E.E: What sector of business do you think is expected to grow this year?
PROCOMAT: We see that City Tenders, that had been postponed during 2020, are coming back in the marketplace this year. Further, we expect more and more cities to see the advantages of our WasteMate® solutions. In fact, when we explain our business and products, everybody is really enthusiastic and sees the advantages.
We feel it is “a no-brainer” to invest in our smartbins. Yet, City Councils and decisionmakers in the political field need a lot of time to get convinced. Unfortunately, much more than should be necessary!
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2021?
PROCOMAT: Our studies show that the market potential for our smartbins in Europe is around 50,000 units each year. In New York City alone, there are already over 10,000 smartbins.
Under the umbrella of “Smart Cities” (UN SDG #11) and with more and more attention for IOT solutions, we are convinced that we have a great future.
Next to our City Solutions, we also see great possibilities for Business Solutions. What better example than McDonald’s…?? Enormous amounts of waste and garbage, inside the restaurants and outside on the parking places. Employees dragging full garbage through the restaurant amidst crowded families. Wouldn’t it be great when this only needs to be done once or twice a day, during slow hours….? It is possible with our smartbins.
E.E: A short message for collaborators for the beginning of the year.
PROCOMAT: Keep strong, stay safe, and after Covid-19, we will see an enormous boost in positive impact and economic activity. Let’s take the Climate Change ambitions to the next level!
PROCOMAT BV, BEST, THE NETHERLANDS