Active dialogue with customers and end-users enables Stoof International to provide the right solutions and tools

In an interview with Holger Stockey Stoof International Vice President International Sales, MONCh was informed that under the patronage of the company’s owner, Mr Fred Stoof, Stoof International became an established and highly reputable manufacturer for tested and certified special protection vehicles world-wide.

MONCh: What is it about Stoof International’s key capabilities that make the level of achievement you have sustainable for today’s military customer?

H. Stockey: Having all relevant capabilities in-house – from R&D, engineering, over manufacturing and world-wide service, provides Stoof International with the key features to accommodate each client’s individual demands; combined with decades of tested and certified solutions for special protection vehicles.

MONCh: Geographically, where do you see the biggest demand for your products, and what is driving this demand?

H. Stockey: Government agencies and International Organisations have an ever growing demand for tested and certified commercial armoured vehicles, also in the light of their duty of care for their deployed service personnel. This demand is caused by the rise in international conflicts and higher demand for missions to such crisis zones.

MONCh: What are the key market drivers and restraints in the land forces market at present, as far as Stoof International is concerned, and how can the company surmount such restraints?

H. Stockey: Today’s clients are much more demanding in respect of blast protection. Stoof International lives an active dialogue with its clientele to always provide the highest available protection, both ballistically and IED/blast-wise. Significant funds are invested in R&D to obtain such protection.

MONCh: How do you deal with customer and end-user feedback?
H. Stockey: Active dialogue with customers and end-users enables us as a company to provide the right solutions and tools. Only when listening to and talking with our customers real-life solutions can be realised.

MONCh: MONCh understand that you will be featuring a new vehicle as an Integrative Dismounted Complete Solution at the show. Please explain.
H. Stockey: From our active client discussions we learned that there’s a high demand for a solution enabling observation teams to fulfil their mission in safe and efficient way.

Stoof International combined several single products into an easy-to-use platform allowing the rapid deployment and installation of an observation post, including independent power supply by a fuel cell. The observation team can operate vehicle-power independent for several days, depending on the mission.

Stoof International at a Glance

Stoof International was founded in 1865 by Karl August Stoof in Busendorf/Kanin, Germany. Starting with one of the earliest means of transportation, Karl Stoof established a workshop for the production of horse drawn wooden coaches. He had great expectations for the future of his enterprise which have been more than realised during 140 years of its existence. The professional approach of the traditionally run family enterprise of Stoof International towards quality and craftsmanship inspires trust and confidence. Today, Stoof International has a growing work force of 100 employees, a dedicated team of specialists incorporating the professional know-how of engineers, auto-technicians/electricians, metal workers and mechanics. Part of Stoof’s philosophy is to provide each customer with the expertise and innovation needed to incorporate their special requirements into a unique product. 

MONCh: In terms of the future growth and sustainment of your products, what would your priority goals be?

H. Stockey: Stoof International has a highly skilled and experienced service team which operates world-wide with year-long trusted network partners. We’re actively extending our partner network to service our clients even better and more efficiently in the near future.

MONCh: How much percentage do you put into R&D?

H. Stockey: A medium single digit amount of turnover.

MONCh: When tackling tomorrow’s demands on the battlefield, can MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul ) function as a way to extend vehicles’ combat performance as well as enhance their suitability and readiness for new mission scenarios in a cost-effective way?

H. Stockey: Active MRO is a key to enhance the vehicles readiness and life-time. A key part in this process is the training of clients personnel, both on the mechanical side as well the vehicles drivers. Stoof International already established such training programs with selected clients. We’re looking much forward to share this very positive experience with further clients.

MONCh: What are a priorities on the horizon?

H. Stockey: R&D will continue to play a key part to provide the right solutions and products for ever-demanding clients. Also we are working on further partnerships for integrated solutions with selected companies. And finally, being there with a physical presence where our clients have long-term deployments will be expanded.

MONCh: Thank you.