Interview with Klasmann-Deilmann GmbH
Again, we were pulling out our questionnaire about the thematic field Operational Excellence – this time in an interview with the lean manager Janis Schwindeler of the Klasmann-Deilmann GmbH. Worldwide, about 1,000 employees are working for the company, which operates in the substrate industry.
We won’t withhold the answers of our interview partner. Enjoy reading!
Which approaches and measures concerning Operational Excellence are already implemented at your company?
Janis Schwindeler: We actively use shopfloor management. Furthermore, the 5S method as well as projects and standards concerning CIP (Continuous Improvement Process) are firmly established in our daily business.
Are there further actions planned to be undertaken in the future in this field?
Janis Schwindeler: The shopfloor management is planned to be further implemented in the direct and indirect divisions.
Does your company offer advanced trainings to the topic Operational Excellence for your employees?
Janis Schwindeler: Yes, the Klasmann-Deilmann GmbH offers their employees various workshops and trainings, among others to Lean aspects.
What are your expectations on this initiative?
Janis Schwindeler: Most of all, I expect an intensive, cross-industry exchange of experiences within the region.
To which themes do you wish to exchange thoughts and know-how? Are there specific aspects which are extraordinarily interesting for you? (for example, for networking-meatings or best-practice trips)
Janis Schwindeler: Ideally I’d like to exchange about shopfloor management and in general lean aspects in logistics and in the production.
Are you interested in workshops during our networking-meetings?
Janis Schwindeler: Yes. As a former student of the university of applied sciences in Emden/Leer I’ve experienced different workshops about various topics concerning lean management. And these always gave me good insights and new knowledge. Additionally, workshops next to presentations will bring variety to the networking meetings.
Which challenges to you see your company being confronted with in the future?
Janis Schwindeler: Especially the increasing number of variants trough a higher share of alternative basic materials will challenge us. And in addition, there’s the general area of digitalization.
Do you see a fundamental change within your sector in the next 5 years?
Janis Schwindeler: Yes, the required reduction of the CO2-emissions and the changing customers’ expectations are leading to a fundamental change in the substrate industry.
Thinking about the north-western region, what do you think is mostly needed by the region to challenge the ongoing as well as future changes?
Janis Schwindeler: A good infrastructure is very important for us. Furthermore, the region needs the exchange of experiences through initiatives as this one.
In this context, how do you value the potential of initiatives like ours?
Janis Schwindeler: I see a high potential to learn and benefit from each other through regional but also trans-regional initiatives.
We’d like to thank Janis Schwindeler for the open interview and are very happy to welcome the Klasmann-Deilmann GmbH as a partner of our initiative.
Perhaps you are dealing with similar topics about Operational Excellence as Klasmann-Deilmann does. If so, are you interested in a direct exchange with our interview partner? Then you are invited to directly contact Janis Schwindeler via E-Mail: janis.schwindeler@klasmann-deilmann.com.
