By Rikke Kroer Høberg

On November 1st 1968, Ammeraal Beltech Modular – uni-chains was founded. At this point in time, the name of the company was Bæltix and the core business was manufacturing of conveyors and washing machines. The founder, Poul Erik Damkjær, soon realised that the slat top chains to be mounted on the conveyors were cheaper to manufacture in-house compared to the cost of buying them from international suppliers. Furthermore, he also soon discovered that his slat top chains had an actual sales potential.

This formed the beginning of a slat top chain production that replaced manufacturing of complete conveyor systems. The potential of the chain business quickly proved to have international prospects. The entry into the global market during the 70s and 80s resulted in a change from the company name Bæltix to uni-chains as the Danish letter “æ” caused quite some problems in the co-operation with foreign customers.

In 2007, when uni-chains was acquired by Dutch Ammeraal Beltech, a new name change was implemented, and uni-chains turned into Ammeraal Beltech Modular. However, the value of the brand name uni-chains remains unquestioned in the market, so the promotion of the company and the comprehensive product assortment still takes place under the registered uni-chains trademark.

40 years down the road, Ammeraal Beltech Modular  - uni–chains is now positioned among the world’s leading suppliers of plastic and steel chains as well as plastic modular belts. Throughout the recent years, plastic modular belts have become the growth segment of the company. Internal processes in a number of industries have been revolutionised thanks to the opportunities of plastic modular belts. Ammeraal Beltech Modular – uni-chains supplies chain and belting solutions to a variety of applications in for instance the corrugated, automotive and food industries. The turnover has continuously increased with double-digit growth rates, and the products are distributed to customers around the world.

The growth scenario of the company is mainly achieved through a dedicated focus on continuous product development and application knowledge. The aim is at all times to supply the customers with improved optimisation, hygiene or safety opportunities. Only the needs of the customer set the frames for product inventions regardless of the application or the industry. In 2008, Ammeraal Beltech Modular – uni-chains has introduced the biggest product launch ever. A total of six new plastic modular belt product series have been presented to the market and emphasises Ammeraal Beltech Modular - uni-chains’s position as the world’s number one when it comes to the number of available product series and product variants in modular belting. However, the endeavours to keep innovation as the focal point continue. A flexible market approach and technological solutions adapted to the customers remain the critical success factors and both require on-going development.

Lars Bugge, CEO of Ammeraal Beltech Modular A/S says: ”Within the plastic modular belt segment, product inventions are just waiting to be discovered. It is crucial that we continue to develop our creative courage so that we can supply the product revolutions requested by our customers. It is very simple: If we wish to keep our position among the leading global suppliers of plastic modular belts, we must have the ability to bridge gaps that have not been bridged before. It requires dedication and determination to make room for an organisational behaviour marked by dynamic entrepreneurship and flexible mindsets. But it paves the way for our success in the market and it provides professional challenges to our employees. Change is here to stay, otherwise the customer will walk away”.