On February 23, 2024, a long wait came to an end. For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, all employees of the API Group gathered in the Czech capital, Prague.
In addition to the core Czech staff and all employees of API DE, the event was also attended by international partners Matts Maggs and Brian McLaughlin from the British company Alfred Bekker API Limited, Stanton Saucier from MPower Engineering Inc. in California, and Björn Kayser from Sweden, the longtime head of Bilanpassning andnow with his newly founded company, Swedmobility AB.
Here’s how the business has evolved
The morning session focused on a review of the past and a look ahead. Representatives from all companies with an API stake presented figures, data, and facts—including some fun facts—about business developments over the past few years.
It became very clear to everyone just how significantly the pandemic and Russia’s war against Ukraine have impacted order volumes, production costs, and availability. Since last year (2023), order volumes, FlexiRamp production, and vehicle retrofits have been on the rise again.
There is still some way to go before reaching pre-pandemic levels. At the same time, very favorable structural conditions have been established in recent years to ensure that the recent positive trend continues on a sustainable basis.
Team competitions foster team spirit
After lunch together, the fun part of the day began. Three teams were formed at random to compete against each other in laser tag. The best shooters were determined in exciting and intense matches.
Afterward, we headed back to the API headquarters in Tabor, South Bohemia, for the final event of the wonderful day. Over dinner and Czech beer, the focus was on networking and getting to know one another better.
In the end, everyone agreed: No video conference can replace face-to-face interaction. It certainly won’t be another five years until the next API meeting.
