At the IAA Transportation show in Hannover 2024, Rajesh Rajgor had the privilege of speaking with Małgorzata Bieniaszewska, founder of MB Pneumatyka, a company that celebrated 40 years of family-driven business this year. Her energy is infectious, and her approach to both business and innovation reflects a profound commitment to quality and customer support. “Our message this year is simple, we’re here to support not only with our products but with the knowledge we’ve gathered over four decades,” she says, underlining the brand’s intent to stay connected and relevant across continents.
MB Pneumatyka specializes in “push-to-connect” fittings used in pneumatic braking and suspension systems. Małgorzata explained that their fittings save assembly time-one just presses in the tube into the fitting without any tools. They are leakage-proof, an d require no tools to assembly, a clear advantage over traditional feral-type fittings. “Our fittings just press in and connect — no tools needed, no extra steps. It’s quick, simple, and perfectly suited for assembly lines worldwide.” She highlights the ease of their disassembly as well, a feature that saves time and reduces mistakes, setting MB Pneumatyka’s products apart, particularly in regions still using older feral fittings.
One of MB Pneumatyka’s cornerstones is its choice of materials, primarily brass. Małgorzata shared that their focus on using non-corrosive brass stems from both theoretical and practical perspectives. “From monsoon seasons in India to high temperatures, brass ensures durability and longevity, making our fittings resilient against corrosion,” she said, reinforcing their dedication to quality that withstands the demands of diverse climates.
The company’s recent expansion into India has been an eye-opener for Małgorzata, who appreciates the country’s vast market potential and openness to innovation. MB Pneumatyka now has a manufacturing unit in Jamnagar, strategically placed to serve the Indian and Asian markets. “We underestimated how swiftly India would embrace us,” she admitted. “We should have entered sooner; the market is welcoming, and customers immediately recognize the advantage of our products over traditional fittings.”
Małgorzata acknowledges the hurdles they initially encountered in sourcing materials, especially given Jamnagar’s reputation for brass production. She quickly found that, as in every market, there are suppliers across a quality spectrum. “Once we identified high-quality suppliers, it was smooth sailing,” she explained. This selection has enabled MB Pneumatyka to maintain high European standards while manufacturing in India, a feat that further solidifies her confidence in their Indian expansion.
As MB Pneumatyka continues to work with notable clients in the automotive industry, such as ZF, Knorr-Bremse and Haldex, their reputation precedes them. For Małgorzata, the established relationships with global brands in Europe have paved the way for Indian operations. “Once you’re recognized by global companies, it’s easier to demonstrate your credibility and enter new markets,” she noted. With a consistent track record in Europe, MB Pneumatyka is confident in replicating its success in India, predicting a 50% sales increase driven by this expansion.
Reflecting on her IAA participation, Małgorzata emphasized MB Pneumatyka’s multicultural approach. At the show, their team included representatives from Poland, Germany, and India, embodying their global footprint and commitment to a high standard of quality across regions. “This year, our aim is to show we’re a multicultural company — we’re here in Europe, Asia, and delivering the same high-quality product wherever our customers need us,” she concluded, hopeful for the brand’s continued success and expansion.