Miller Magazine Issue: 124 April 2020

73 TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM MILLER / APRIL 2020 We have an important guest for Miller Magazine’s Tech- nology Platform section: Mr. Piero Abbondi, CEO of the Kepler Weber, leader of the post-harvest grain solutions in Latin America. The Brazilian company is specialized in manu- facturing steel silos, horizontal and vertical conveyors, grain dryers and grain cleaning machines. With a 95-year history, the company holds a 40% share in the Brazilian market. The company exports for more than 40 countries, in five conti- nents. Labeling the company as ‘a unique player in the post-harvest solutions’, Mr. Abbondi highlights the Kepler Weber’s inno- vative character. When asked about the company’s success, “Kepler Weber achieved its leadership due to the combinati- on of special client service and a unique capacity of innovati- on, presenting to our customers the most innovative solution and technology. Our brand is recognized as a vanguard in innovation in Latin America post-crop market.” he states. He proudly recalls their digital platform, called Sync. It is the first platform in Brazil prepared for connecting all post-harvest equipment by an IoT platform. “I believe that the main trend to grain storage is the data monitoring and automation pro- cess growth. I have no doubt that the equipment technology will be following this trend, reducing costs, increasing produ- ctivity, improving the operations and ensuring grain quality,” he underlines. Here is the answers of Piero Abbondi, CEO of the Kepler We- ber, to our questions. Kepler Weber has 95 years of history. It has been a long journey. Can you tell us about your company’s history in the industry? Kepler Weber was founded in 1925 as a very small iron work- shop in Neu Wurtemberg, a German background Village, nowadays Panambi, Brazil. As everybody knows Germans are very skilled people to work with iron and with much resilien- ce and willpower. The Kepler family drove the company until 1996, some Brazilian pension funds acquired the company. Nowadays we are the unique player in this market segment as a listed Company at São Paulo stock exchange (KEPL3). On its long journey, Kepler Weber developed a comple- te product portfolio that allows us to offer solutions in the grain storage and dry-bulk cargo handling operations in port terminals and transshipments hubs. Nowadays, we are the leaders in the post-harvest solutions in the productive grain chain in South America. The company has been selling equip- ment for more than 40 countries, in five continents. Kepler Weber achieved its leadership due to the combination of special client service and a unique capacity of innovation, presenting to our customers the most innovative solution and technology. What kind of role and place does Kepler Weber in its se- ctor? Could you tell us how your company has come to its current position? What do you owe your success to? Kepler Weber is a Brazilian company that is celebrating the 95th anniversary in 2020. As a result of its successful journey, we achieved the 21st Century as the absolute leader of the post-harvest grain solutions in Brazil and Latin America. The- re are several reasons that lead us to the top of the market in our region, but I can highlight the focus on a client service and high investments in innovation and technology. Can you give us some information about your production capacity and facilities? Kepler Weber is specialized in manufacturing equipment for post-harvest solutions such as steel silos, horizontal and verti- cal conveyors, grain dryers and grain cleaning machines. Our whole portfolio of solutions is produced on our two facilities, one located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul – where the company was founded – and the other in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Kepler Weber has more than 1.000 employees in both factories. We also count on four Distribution Centers in Brazil - which facilitate the access of our customers to spa- re parts and technical assistance. There are many companies in the grain storage and hand- ling industry. What are the qualities and characteristics that make you different from your rivals? Kepler Weber is the absolute leader in the national post-har- vest solutions market. With a 95-year history, the company holds a 40% share into the Brazilian market. In addition, the fact of been reference in the development of new techno- logies and customer service put the company in a unique position compared to its competitors. We have the capacity, technical expertise, engineering qualification, and know-how to deliver a superior value-added solution to our clients. Kepler Weber is a market leader in Latin America but you have a global presence. In overseas markets, which regi- ons are you most active in? Where are the most promi- sing markets in terms of exports? Our focus remains on Latin America, however, we continue to operate in Africa, Middle East and Eastern Europe. We have already exported to more than 40 countries, where we