_____________________________________________________________________________________________ Barko
Hydraulics
Whether refining its own forestry line or developing Kraken Machines, customer feedback drives every business decision. Engineers, sales teams, and product managers are sent directly into the field to interview operators and dealers.“ We receive direct feedback from the people that are participating in these markets – people that use them every day,” highlights Rupar. This feedback shapes everything from boom configurations to operator comfort; an increasingly important consideration given that operators can spend between eight and 12 hours in the cab daily.
Looking toward 2027, Barko has two fundamental priorities: expanding the Kraken Machines product range to meet varied capacity needs, and pursuing nonstop manufacturing improvement to boost reliability, quality and affordability.“ If customers are able to use our machines, the machines stay up and running and the clients can make a good living, then that’ s
going to be better for everybody in the value chain,” Rupar states.
Longer term, dealer network development remains central to Kraken Machines’ five-year vision. As Rupar puts it, selling the machine is“ the easy part.” The real challenge – and value – lies in sustained service and parts support that keeps equipment running in punishing conditions – whether that’ s a swampy forest floor or a scrap yard strewn with sharp metal. For all its expansion into new markets, Barko’ s identity remains anchored in the values that built the business.“ We’ re a customer-focused and network-focused company,” Rupar reflects conclusively.“ We’ re here to serve the market, and we never lose sight of that.” Six decades on, the same principle – paired with a willingness to establish new ground – looks set to define Barko’ s next chapter as much as its first. ■
www. barko. com
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