"The real challenge isn’t the machine, it’s choosing the right one" – Tristan Swanink

As part of STC, Tristan Swanink sits at the crossroads of sales and engineering. His role is to bridge customer needs with tailored solutions — often going beyond standard equipment to create specialized machines for demolition, civil engineering, and material handling. 

According to Tristan, one recurring challenge is customers underestimating lifting capacities. “Especially here in the Netherlands, people put attachments on machines that are simply too small. Smaller machines may look cost-effective at purchase, but they burn more fuel and wear out quicker if pushed beyond limits. Sometimes a larger machine is actually the smarter investment.” 

Looking at industry trends, Tristan highlights three major shifts: 

1. Electrification and alternative power sources – “The industry is moving rapidly toward battery, electric, and even hydrogen-powered machines. But this makes modifications harder since many control systems are locked down. Manufacturers who keep flexibility and are open to for third-party modifiers will have a real edge.” 
2. European market demands – “Efficiency is everything here. Smaller footprints for inner-city projects, strict transport limitations, and a shortage of skilled operators all push us to design machines that can do more in less space with fewer people.” 
3. Standardization of specialized equipment – At STC, the next step is not just modifying excavators but developing purpose-built construction equipment. “We want to create our own demolition and civil engineering machines. It’s about moving from modified for purpose to built for purpose.” 

Tristan also notes that business models are shifting. Large companies now focus less on purchase price and more on cost per year or per hour, which makes transparency essential. Platforms like Justr help by connecting users directly with manufacturers, cutting out unnecessary steps and making solutions easier to find. Still, Tristan emphasizes that digital tools can’t replace trust built face to face — instead, they complement and prepare the ground for stronger partnerships. 

We can only agree. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, Tristan.