DRIVING BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AT CAM ATTACHMENTS: A CONVERSATION WITH UWE KILLMANN

Uwe Killmann has spent over three decades in the attachment sector. Since joining TVH (Bepco’s parent company) in 2024 to grow the CAM attachments line, he has helped transform a traditional Italian family business into a global attachment powerhouse. We talk to Uwe and discuss his journey, the strategic integration of CAM attachments into TVH, and the brand’s focus on bespoke handling solutions.

How did your journey in the attachment industry begin?

I started in the industry in 1992, working for a well-known German attachment company for 27 years. With a background in international business management, my initial task was to expand that company’s global reach. Later, I served as Sales Director for a global Italian attachment group before joining TVH to grow the CAM attachments brand.

What is your specific role within the TVH group?

I am part of a three-person team managing the "Forks, Attachments, Upright and Boom" category. While we collaborate on planning and execution, my primary focus is supporting the sales organisation. I support them with my technical and commercial knowledge and help them understand the customer’s requirements. Together, we configure the optimal handling solutions for complex customer applications.

What are the origins of CAM attachments?

CAM attachments began in 1970 as a mechanical workshop in Grignasco, Italy. The founders eventually pivoted to forklift attachments, seeing a specialist business opportunity. A significant shift occurred in 2001 when the Garofletti-De Luca family took over and moved operations to Marano Ticino. They launched the "CAM System" brand in 2002 and introduced innovative extruded steel profiles for clamps in 2007.

How did the acquisition by TVH come about?

TVH was already receiving frequent enquiries about attachments such as sideshifters. To meet this demand, they entered a supply agreement with CAM attachments in 2009. The partnership was so successful that TVH acquired CAM attachments in 2012. It was a natural fit; the original owners remained in management, with Paola Garofletti as Financial Manager and Gianluigi De Luca as General Manager of the Italian plant.

How has CAM attachments evolved since becoming a TVH brand?

The change from a family business to a corporate entity was significant. CAM attachments integrated new software, logistics, and a global sales structure. Since the acquisition, turnover has doubled, and we now ship to over 80 countries. The company also opened a second plant in China to serve fast-growing markets in APAC and to expand its product range with a new budget line of attachments.

What distinguishes the two manufacturing sites?

They produce different product lines. Our Italian plant specialises in welded full-steel constructions with a powder-coated finish. The Chinese plant focuses on a "bolted design" using aluminium rails and wet painting. Both facilities use state-of-the-art machinery for cutting, machining and welding, and use ergonomic workplaces for assembly.

What gives CAM attachments a competitive edge in the current market?

We offer the quality of a premium brand at a more attractive price and a reliable product range in the budget segment. We stand out because we maintain over €2 million of products in stock in our Belgian warehouse. This allows us to deliver our standard catalogue products immediately, whilst our competitors often only manufacture on demand. Additionally, our design team is incredibly flexible, tailoring complex solutions to unique end-user requirements.

Is there a specific product that defines the brand today?

That would be our PH family of fork positioners. It is our most popular product and perfectly represents our commitment to reliability and functional design at an attractive price.

Why you should choose CAM attachments.

Unleash the full potential of machines! CAM attachments is the smart choice and your versatile partner with a wide range of attachments. Trust our ISO-certified attachments, which combine 50 years of specialist expertise with the support of our global service network to deliver proven reliability.

CAM attachments offers a comprehensive range of attachments:

Agricultural attachments: pallet fork frames, adaptor frames, loading buckets, manure forks, bale grippers, box rotators, and more.
Mechanical attachments: forks, fork extensions, carpet carrying rams, crane jibs, drum handlers, safety cages, skips, and more.
Hydraulic attachments: sideshifters, (multi-) fork positioners, fork clamps, bale clamps, 180°- and 360°-rotating clamps, carton clamps, paper roll clamps, and more.

Find out more

Find out more about CAM attachments on the CAM attachments website .

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About the authors

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