Sherpa Connection Systems is an Austrian company who got founded in 2012 even though the first generation of Sherpa-products already launched back in 2002. Two years later, their connectors, which are the flagship today, launched. Basically, the company offers connection technology for timber construction, which is meant to automate and simplify planning and processing. At present, Sherpa is distributing their products in over 30 countries such as Russia, Canada, Australia or the UK.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
SHERPA: Our company essentially develops and provides standardized connection systems for the timber industry. Specifically, our products only get distributed to specialist dealers. To inform our customers about our products we use a variety of channels online and in person.
E.E: What’s the news for 2021 about new products?
SHERPA: This year we had a few renewals. For example, we established our Sherpa Magazine, which is available as a online version and as a printed version.
In addition to that we had an upgrade for our fire protection – system, which now received a new technical approval.
Also, our calculation software, which is accessible on our website, got updated and further developed.
Last but certainly not least we are currently working on a protection paint against fire.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
SHERPA: We offer a wide range of standardized connectors for wood, concrete and steel from mini to XXL sizes as well as the corresponding screws. Our product range is extended by column bases (Power Base), facade connectors (EFcon), the CLT connector and other additional products such as our sound proofing (Regufoam) and fire protection material (Fire Stop). All our products are also listed on our website, including all necessary technical data. In addition, we produce our magazine “SHERPA News” twice a year, which reports on the latest news from the company and the timber construction industry.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
SHERPA: Beside the big timber market, we are also active in a lot of sub-markets, that are connected to construction with wood. Because of the fact, that we concentrate on not only offering a product but instead offering an entire system, that is usable on a majority of projects, the market holds a lot of opportunities for us. At present the markets are all growing a lot because a high number of new projects are being started. We could also proof the past year, that we are a very reliable delivery partner, which is a important character trait these days. Another important aspect within the market are high-quality-goods, which we can successfully offer. Our customers and partners confirm this.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
SHERPA: Digitalization is a big topic in the construction industry as well as in almost any other industry. It is all about rationalizing for a faster processing of daily business and other projects to satisfy the customers and to get in touch with stakeholders much faster. In addition to that more and more customers look for environment friendly alternatives to preserve our world. Another exciting aspect is the interest in artificial intelligence, which could make construction much safer for workers, fasten certain work steps and prevent mistakes. A trend is also the „Just in Time” or „Just in Sequence” logistic, which means that the goods a company produces or purchases stay at their depot only for a very short period of time, to cut costs. This trend however already exists for some time. There are for sure very interesting times ahead!
We as a company are working hard on adapting to these trends. For example, our calculation software and all necessary technical data provided on our website are supposed to go with the digital flow. As a standard we also maintain contact with stakeholders mainly on the digital way. Important to say is also that the majority of our products are produced in Austria which relieves the environment significantly. The aspect of efficient logistic is fulfilled by looking to hold the products available as long as possible and making a fast delivery possible.
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
SHERPA: Nowadays it is not about single products, instead it is even more innovative to offer an entirety of products to provide complete solutions within a market. This is the epitome of innovation.
Looking at our product-range, we present this amount of innovation, because we make it possible to connect wood with concrete and or steel with a single connector and make them fireproof for a limited period of time as well.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2021?
SHERPA: We have a very positive view of the future. Surely the demand of products has it’s highs and lows, which is completely normal. Next year we will add another product to our soundproofing assortment. Certainly, also in the new year we will work on adapting and evolving.
