Technical trading house shifts up a gear: "Good companies have more luck"

Exhibiting at the Nordic region's largest subcontractor fair is not something you should do without a plan. That's the opinion of Markus Evers, CEO of the EIE Group.

- This year, we have invested heavily in a new and larger stand for increased visibility. We will then continue with Elmia Automation 2026, Elmia Subcontractor 2027 and Elmia Automation 2028. You shouldn't participate in a trade fair without a clear goal, says Markus.

And EIE's goal is crystal clear:

- Visibility. No matter where you are in the venue, you will see us. We have really invested in making sure that people see us here and recognise us in our other marketing activities. We are one of the big players, so it is essential for our credibility to be as visible as we are now.

Representing European manufacturers

EIE Maskin is a technical trading company that supplies components from around 30 European manufacturers.

- We act as the marketing organisation in the Nordic region for our selected suppliers, explains Markus.

Five of EIE's suppliers account for the majority of sales: Zimm, a leader in electromechanical jacks; Winkel, components for the material handling industry; HKS, hydraulic rotary actuators for the mining industry; Ortlinghaus with its couplings, brakes and drive systems; and Elbe Elso, cardan shafts for industry.

- Above all, the defence industry, which is very much in demand right now, says Markus.

Customised systems with integrated components

Many of EIE's customers purchase tailor-made systems with integrated components from different manufacturers. And with a large customer base throughout the Nordic region, the company has its ear to the ground. So how is the Nordic manufacturing industry doing?

- We think it's doing well, even though our customers who operate in a global market tend to be more stable than those who only operate in a national or regional market, says Markus.

Focus on profitability is important

The challenge, he believes, is greater for small and medium-sized companies that have postponed investments for too long due to uncertainty in the global situation:

- Focusing on profitability is extremely important if you want to survive volatile times. The thicker your mattress, the better prepared you are to serve your customers even in bad times.

Markus continues:

- We have tried to analyse our own success at EIE Maskin, and it is partly a matter of luck. Good companies tend to be luckier than others. You are in the right place at the right time, and that in itself is proof of a good corporate culture. We must nurture that culture so that it flourishes. Then we can continue to grow as a profitable company.