Situation
The client, an Austrian global leader in industrial and medical goods, has completed the acquisition of a German competitor after lengthy negotiations. The successfully signed contracts were concluded at very short notice. Prior to the merger, the acquired company was managed by a strong entrepreneurial personality and the clear aim was to get off to a smooth start from the outset and quickly integrate the organization into the Group.
Initially, the aim was to secure production in terms of quantity, quality and delivery time. There was a risk of losing key personnel and expertise during the transition period. Trust in the new owner had to be built up. Strategically important customers of both companies had to be convinced that the new alliance would continue to be beneficial to customers.
Rapid benefits in the supply chain and synergies in plant technology should boost results in the short term. In the event of rapid and successful integration, expansion plans were in the pipeline. Our client did not have the necessary resources and was looking for a readily available professional who was familiar with the management of such an integration.
Preliminary requirements:
Experienced managing director from industry with expertise in operations management and improving production processes in medium-sized companies, but also familiar with company organization.
High demands on social skills, team spirit and motivation. Open-minded and communicative at all levels. He should have a high level of business management skills such as management by key figures, proven experience in change management and in the integration of companies.
Action
As the takeover was brought to a positive conclusion shortly after lengthy negotiations, the interim management company as provider was required to present candidates who met the requirements and were ready to start within a few days. A candidate was selected very quickly by the customer. This interim manager had extensive experience as Managing Director and Head of Production & Technology in international companies and industrial holdings.
On an interim basis, he was Managing Director, CTO, Head of HR and Head of the Integration Team. The task was to manage two companies in the rubber and plastics industry based in Germany for 9 months.
Measures taken
- Implementation of synergy projects in supply chain, production processes and plant engineering
- With increased productivity and expansion of warehouse technology
- Relocation of a production line from the main site to the second site
- Introduction of LEAN Management
- Implementation of a pilot group to further develop and improve the corporate culture
- Personnel management with an extremely low fluctuation rate, use of temporary staff, analysis and revision of wage structures and employee potential analysis. Some outstanding personnel cases were resolved in the interests of the company
- Successful establishment of the management circle and implementation of quality management and maintenance
Result
Despite the short-term takeover of the company, there was no interruption to operations. The products were delivered in the required quantity, quality and delivery time.
The interim manager was able to gain the trust of his employees quickly and to a high degree. Key personnel were integrated into the new matrix organization, the management team was strengthened and integrated into the expansion projects at the location. Synergy projects with the head office and the Group’s sister companies led to improved productivity of existing plants and significant savings.
All environmental requirements for ongoing production and the planned expansion at the sites were met through a series of measures.
On the basis of the trust, expertise and positive results gained from this M&A project, the Group is quickly turning its attention to its expansion plans.
