Leskovec, Slovenia-based GSE manufacturer TIPS has nearly 50 years of experience in the business. It is still going strong today, and the company’s general manager, Robert Pustavrh, tells Airside about the reasons for its success
Can you say a little bit about the history of TIPS, and the current focus of your business?
We trace our beginnings back to 1969, when Stane Pustavrh started an engineering company for fitting special purpose vehicles and a car body workshop. In only its second year, the company received its first demands for GSE.
Through the years since then, we have acquired more knowledge and more passion for staying on top, and have even been a step or two ahead of GSE trends.
In what ways would you say your equipment stands out from the GSE of other manufacturers?
Highest quality, progressive techniques, low energy consumption, durability and reliability characterise all our products. TIPS is known in Europe as a high-quality producer in the field of self-propelled passenger stairs, towable passenger stairs and belt loaders, especially since the acquisition of the entire GSE portfolio of Josef Meyer AG in 2007.
Do you serve a wide range of customers?
You can find TIPS GSE from Northern Europe all the way to the Land of the Rising Sun [Japan]. All our customers are handled with care, as we always try our best to satisfy their needs whether regarding their purchased product, spare parts or simply if they have some questions.
Which of your GSE models are currently selling particularly well, and why?
With ongoing, constant development and improvements, we have a lot on our hands. The focus is still on our stairs, the FREEWAY2438Pe and other varieties, with a lot of interest being seen in them, since they are considered one of our best products.
Do you have plans for further GSE lines/products in the coming months and years? Or perhaps improvements to existing products?
As a company we strive for constant improvements. With the testing of our units and opinions provided by our customers we receive much-needed feedback which helps us create even better solutions on a daily basis.
In which markets do you see the most potential for expansion of your business in the future?
TIPS is growing with every day and every built product, and is working on different markets in France, the UK and other countries.
How would you say that demand for GSE is changing amongst customers?
We began focusing on green solutions a few years back, because demand is changing and many airports are optimising their fleets; a revolution is in progress. An important part of our responsibilities is the operational safety of our products, be it our stairs, belt loaders or other units. This includes both the safety of our own as builders and of course our customers’ workers and users, as well as the local and broader environment in which we live and work.
We focus on environmental impact too. Our first projects in which we applied our innovative green solutions were put on the market three years ago. We continue researching and developing new solutions for other equipment from our production range.
Do you have any words for the wise?
Perhaps a kind reminder to every user of GSE: Put safety first! Every day, airports are handling problems, with trouble on the apron, damage, even injuries to operators and support staff. Safety should always come first, in the car, on a vacation and at work. (Every problem has a solution and every person counts…)
