With own start-up
Grimme will develop its own software
The youngest member of the Grimme Group family is called Schmiede One. A start-up that focuses on the development of Internet applications and software. The company was founded by Christoph Grimme. In this way it is possible to search for what new software developments can mean for agriculture.
Christoph Grimme, the son of machine builder Franz Grimme, presented his new company at the press conference on Monday 4 September. Since March of this year, the start-up in Düsseldorf has been active in the development of internet solutions and software. Not only for agriculture, but also for food technology. It also deals with artificial intelligence.
What does agriculture need?
"The internet is changing things at a very fast pace. Products we didn't know we could do without," says Grimme junior. "Take the arrival of Netflix to replace DVD, or Spotify to make CDs obsolete. We don't know yet what this means for agriculture. Schmiede One is trying to find out. The company observes and listens, looks at the market and acts from the market trends it sees. In this way, the Grimme Group is provided with digital practical solutions in an independent manner, including of course the Grimme machine factory."
Marketplace for machines
At the helm of the new company is Alexander Langer, who has been with Grimme for some time. The first product is a marketplace for used tools from Grimme, Asa-Lift and Spudnik. It will be introduced at the Agritechnica.
The idea is to provide buyers with the right machine right away, at the right price. In addition, the huge dealer network can be used to install the machine quickly. This should simplify the sale of used machines and, above all, save a lot of time.
premium services
Grimme also has a new option for those who prefer not to trade in, but drive on with their machine for longer: Premium Services. These are 4 maintenance packages for the self-propelled potato and beet harvesters. Depending on your coverage, a dealer checks your machine, all parts are checked and in the most luxurious package: Protect, all wearing parts are even covered by the extended warranty.
According to the manufacturer, that is unique. This means that users know in advance the costs per operating hour of their machine, which is what the market is asking for. From 2018, the extended warranty can be taken out on all Varitron, Maxtron and Rexor models. The Netherlands is therefore one of the countries where the program will be rolled out first.
Chinese factory
The 29-year-old son Christoph is, in addition to Schmiede One, also responsible for the international machine production of Grimme. He oversees the construction of a new factory in the Chinese province of Tianjin. The 13-hectare factory is now almost ready and has its own development department, among other things. In total, the location will cost €13 million.
"With 5 million hectares of potatoes, China is the largest producer in the world. India, the number 2, is only far below that," says Grimme. "At the moment, about 10% of Chinese potato cultivation is mechanized. An important growth market lies ahead for us. Vegetable cultivation is not even mechanized at all."
Niels van der Boom
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