How Brexit could prove a massive opportunity

Schaltbau Transportation UK’s important role in the rail industry post Brexit

There is no doubt about the large amount of uncertainty facing businesses in the coming weeks, months and maybe even years after leaving the European Union.

But despite the nervousness amongst the rail industry, Mike Harmer the vice president of sales, projects and production at Schaltbau Transportation UK is looking to the future with a glass half full.

The company is part of a larger group with bases in mainland Europe.

“There’s a need for the Schaltbau Group companies certainly with the advent of what Brexit could bring. Irrespective of whether you were on the remain or exit side it doesn’t really matter now, the reality is it is going to happen.

“So for me and for the business we’ve got to identify how as our main European owners/suppliers, how do we ensure that we can maintain business as usual, maintain business continuity and reduce the overall risk to the users of those products on our trains in this market which is only going to grow.

“That can only be brought about by having local representation, us, and then also underpinned by key individuals, key competencies, core competencies enabled to support that product and that understanding to the users of that product.

“That’s the reason why Brexit could be a massive opportunity for us. But that can only be brought about by those things that are in our control. So the owners of the Schaltbau Group need to identify that.

“So we need to be able to capitalise on being able to manufacture their products in the UK to cut down on the potential barriers that could be there. So if the design is already there, if we’re able to manufacture and build it under license or under their ownership, we’re owned by Schaltbau, so although for example those products are being manufactured and designed by Bode say, the fact that we get their designs and manufacture it they’re getting a return on that investment because they own us and they are getting a return on it because they get the profits.

“The profit that comes out of it is obviously some kind of gain. Dividend, whatever you want to call it. So, there should be no problem with that. As long as we get those things in place. As well as the spark and drive from the leadership and individuals concerned then we can realise it. There are a high level of different strings/threads that need to come into this. Things that are out of our control are out of our control. That’s the reason why the politicians are paid their wages and they’ve got to try and make the best of the deal that’s going to happen.

“So, the more we’re able to take control in the UK from a manufacturing and support perspective the better it is both for the Schaltbau Group companies that we represent and also our strategic partners.

“There’s no point returning product back to Bode when we can do it. There’s no point getting product out of Bode that potentially will have some form of tariff, or not, it could be business as usual. But the more that we’re able to take control of the manufacturing and managing the delivery of the service in this country using the Group companies capabilities as well as its products I can only see it as a massive benefit and a massive opportunity.”