Drytec - thriving on drying

Specialist manufacturer of drying and humidifying equipment for the paper, film and foil processing industries Drytec is a company that has “always been very busy,” as managing director Bernward Kurpisch put it to Converting Today. “Two major global companies have bought many machines from us - an average of five machines per year for each, he boasts. We have built more than 1,000 dryers in our 11 years of operation.”

Claiming to be one of the leaders in its field, the company works closely with its mother company, coating machine specialist the Kroenert Group, and he is confident of its strong position in the current market situation.

“According to the German machine building association, for the first time since the 1950s there have now been four years of growth at 50 per cent. There is no threat from imports yet, but it will come eventually. Our prices are more competitive now, due to our labour costs remaining level while working hours have increased, and we have a good reputation worldwide. A major advantage for us is that we build everything in-house, which gives us full control over all aspects,” he explained.

“On average, about 50 per cent of the machines we build go with coaters from Kroenert. Our biggest technical advantage is that we are able to offer a range of solutions for most types of drying requirements. We always listen to what the customer wants and then work to find the best answer from our capabilities. This is why we have a full order book. We have built more dryers than any other supplier in the last 10 years.”

The modular design of Drytec's range of systems is said to meet most technical performance requirements, and the company specializes in creating bespoke systems.

“Being a sister of BMB is very helpful for us,” Bernward Kurpisch confirmed.”They have a very good name in Asia, which helps us to get into a new market. It is more difficult for companies that are only dryer manufacturers with no link to a coater manufacturer. Although we have the two major customers, we are not complacent. The day will come when that will change, so we need to keep developing other possibilities. We have no plans to expand because we are currently at a good level of business - one that is way beyond the expectations we had 10 years ago.” The company has 55 employees and a turnover of €25M.