Few construction events rival Bauma in scale and influence. It is the world’s largest trade fair for construction machinery, mining machines and construction equipment, and when the 34th edition started last April, we got on a flight to Munich. We were just about to start piloting the Justr platform and with the entire industry gathered in one place, going there was a no-brainer. We wanted to get a feeling of what was the biggest “talks” in the industry and meet potential buyers and providers in need of our help. Unlike my Justr colleagues, this was my first Bauma and was struck by the festival vibe. Like a Woodstock, but baumaschinen, bier und bratwurst rather than peace, love and hallucinogenic drugs.
Back at the office, when I had digested all the new impressions and learnings, I made a call to our friend Tristan Swanink at STC Solutions in the Netherlands. He is a real Bauma veteran, and I want to hear his view of the 34th edition. Is it always this good?
Tristan, how many times have you been to Bauma?
“I think nine or ten times. My first was in ’98. I’ve basically grown with the fair.”
Asked about his favorite edition, he doesn’t hesitate to compare them. “Every Bauma is good, but 2022 was the weakest, mainly because of the COVID situation. Normally, there’s a lot of energy, but that year the vibe was different.”
The world feels small when you meet people from so many nationalities in one place. And while Bauma is exhausting, it’s also energising. It gives you a sense of where the industry is going.
Tristan Swanink, STC Solutions
What keeps you coming back?
“It saves you a year of travel time,” Tristan says with a smile. “In one week, you meet everyone. Face-to-face meetings are still more valuable than online calls — especially when it comes to building trust.”
He reflects on the unique atmosphere: “Even though the news around the world today can feel pessimistic, at Bauma the people — the dealers, business owners, manufacturers — are positive. They’re still moving forward.”
Innovation is another major draw. “You see how the market shifts. Well-known brands face real competition from newcomers. Chinese manufacturers, for example, now deliver quality on the same level as established brands, and they’re expanding globally. That changes the balance.”
What about the technology side? What stood out this year?
“The development in battery-driven and zero-emission machines is huge. After 80–100 years of diesel, we now face five to ten years of real change. Hydrogen, electric, hybrid systems — they’re all in play. It’s a very dynamic time.”
Before wrapping up, Tristan summarises his main takeaways: “There are still more opportunities than challenges. The world feels small when you meet people from so many nationalities in one place. And while Bauma is exhausting, it’s also energising. It gives you a sense of where the industry is going.”
I hope you enjoyed reading my conversation with Tristan. STC solution has a proud history of building large specialised construction equipment and modifying excavators. They are used in demolition, recycling and infrastructure sectors. If you are searching for a long reach modification of CAT excavator here on Justr. I'm sure that you find STC as one of the top providers.
David Joelsson
Manager and Founder at Justr