Since the beginning of 1957 HARDI has worked its way up in the international league of manufacturers of agricultural tools. With export to more than 100 countries and a market share of above 10% of the world market of equipment for plant protection, the company has grown to one of the largest global market leaders within spray technique. With more than 1,200 employees and 2,000 dealers, turnover has developed to DKK 850 million The export share is more than 90% out of Denmark. The popularity of the HARDI products is so prevailing that a HARDI product is working day and night somewhere in the world.
During the past 3 - 4 years HARDI has started up a number of projects to be able to deliver products of a still higher quality and to have rationalised the flow of goods and production. This means at the same time that HARDI can improve the ability to supply as well as earnings.
The production in our main factory in Norre Alslev is well functioning, but the ability to deliver has not been good enough, among others due to difficulties with the relocation of the component factory from Taastrup. Decisions have been made to improve this ability to supply.
In the following are given some examples of actions initiated and implemented in order to strengthen the HARDI objectives.
Investments in production and product flow
- New paint plant - investment roughly DKK 50 million
- New integrated global IT system to obtain increased control with the production and better cost control optimising the resources of HARDI Group
- New layout in our Norre Alslev factory to be able to meet the changed market trend with more trailed sprayers and fewer 3-point hitch sprayers
- Integration of production units - e.g. the component factory in Taastrup has been relocated to Norre Alslev in 2003 in order achieve continuity in the supply of goods
- New production machinery and use of technology, such as laser cutting, fully automatic folding presses, automatic blow moulding machines, multi function milling machine - investment about DKK 25 million in 2003 alone
- Establishment of the HARDI SERVICE after market division with more than 2,000 m² ware- hourse facilities to improve the spare parts service to our customers
Development and new products
- New global Pro-E CAD/CAM system integrated into all the HARDI development centres to optimise our designs and utilise the resources from the HARDI companies in several countries
- New MASTER lift mounted product series
- New NAVIGATOR trailed sprayer for the North American and Australian markets
- New series of mistblowers - ARROW 1500 trailed sprayer and ZENIT lift mounted sprayer
- New self-propelled sprayer - ALPHA plus 3500 and 4100 litres
- Completely new series of single electronic control of sprayers - HC 5500
- New QUINTASTREAM 5-hole fertiliser nozzle
- New MINIDRIFT nozzle series with air injection
In other words, HARDI has strengthened its position and has developed into a group utilising advanced new technology to a still higher extent and also has the world's largest range of sprayers, nozzles, and other equipment for crop care.
With an increasing specialisation and complexity in flow of goods and production it is necessary to constantly improve the processes throughout the whole company. For HARDI it is important to continue the growth by increasing profit and ability to supply. A comprehensive strategic plan has thus been initiated.
Strategic Plan 2004 - 2008
With the strategic period 2004 - 2008 HARDI is facing an exciting period as regards both products and production with a new production set-up and a number of new product families just around the corner.
Throughout the coming years HARDI will put great efforts into the initiatives already mentioned as well as into the 6 large strategic projects internally named ”Make a Difference". HARDI has to ”make a difference” in relation to our customers to comply with their wishes to a still higher extent.
This means that HARDI will be considerably stronger prepared for the global competition and strengthen its role as specialist over the next years.
It is extremely important that companies have consistency and persistence in the operation in both the short and long run. Since 1997 HARDI has been part of the Auriga Group - an owner having long-term objectives for its companies.