Barco N. V.

About Barco N.V.

Barco N.V. was established in 1934 as a producer of radio broadcast receivers. By 1975 it had expanded into broadcast monitors and professional video equipment. After the oil shock when the consumer product demand sagged, the company redefined itself as a niche player in industrial electronics. After the 1977 oil supply shock during the global recession Barco decided to move away from Business-to-Consumer markets and concentrate on Business-to-Business products. Throughout the 1980’s the company’s strategy comprised of three elements. Firstly, become a leader in distinct but complementary, niche activities of which it had in-depth knowledge of markets and technology. Secondly, have strong commitment to research and development. And thirdly, besides growing its business, it sought to expand its business in global markets by acquisitions and joint ventures abroad.

In 1989 Barco N.V. had 2,400 employees and was among one of the top three worldwide manufacturers in each of its product lines: automated production control systems, graphic arts, computer aided design and industrial projection systems. The company won several international awards including the international Emmy award for studio monitors that testified Barco’s technological lead in several fields. In 1989 Barco N.V. organized itself into seven autonomous divisions each with its own research, product development, production, marketing and sales. As a result of acquisitions and expanding sales in several key markets, company’s turnover was expected to grow by 50% in 1989.

Senior Vice President Erik Kejonghe was responsible for the Barco Projection Systems and the President Hugo Vandamme was responsible for the other six divisions. Frans Claerbout was head of th edivision’s R&D department, while Bernard Dursin was in charge of marketing and sales.

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