Dresselhaus has seen some pivotal developments in recent times, not least the acquisition by German-Dutch industrial holding company Nimbus, approved in 2020. There have been changes at the top too, with Markus Schörg joining the management team in March 2021 responsible for the management and further development of Joseph Dresselhaus GmbH together with Thomas Besch. Torque Magazine speaks with Schörg and Head of Marketing & Digital Business Stephan Pertschy…
IT’S BEEN A TURBULENT TIME FOR THE FASTENER INDUSTRY (AND OTHER INDUSTRIES). HOW WAS BUSINESS IN 2021 COMPARED TO 2020?
In 2020 we had to accept a slight decline in sales due to Corona. But business picked up so much speed that 2021 is expected to be one of the most successful financial years in recent times. This is certainly also due to the fact that we went through our own crisis before the crisis, which ultimately led to the sale of the group of companies in 2019. We had therefore already dealt with our optimisation potential before the pandemic. With the help of the measures identified and implemented, we were able to significantly reduce our costs, increase efficiency and free up liquidity. We are consistently pursuing this path in order to return to our decade-long path to success as quickly as possible.
The introduction of SAP and a merchandise management system, which will be completed shortly, will also help us to be able to look after our customers even more efficiently and sustainably.
MR. SCHÖRG, IN PREVIOUS POSITIONS YOU WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR DRIVING FORWARD SALES AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION. IS DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION A BIG FOCUS FOR DRESSELHAUS?
Markus Schörg: With regard to Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIot), digital transformation is a crucial prerequisite for entrepreneurial success. Extensively networked and fully automated production processes require the complete digitisation of all processes including the fully automated C-parts procurement. This is where we come into play with our RFID Kanban system “Dresselhaus DIREKT”.
However, despite all the digitisation and the undisputed advantages that it offers in many areas, I am in favour of a vigilant, considered use of modern technologies. As in all areas, the same applies here that there are always two sides to a coin.
This also applies to customer contact, which has recently been very digital due to the pandemic. Here I am firmly convinced that personal encounters are important and desired. After all, people want to work with people and complex processes need a “translator” into the actual processes of our customers. In my opinion, the mixture of convenience and 24/7 availability of the online world as well as fast and high quality personal contact must be right when addressing customers. According to the motto: “Every customer his Dresselhaus!”
Stephan Pertschy: The innovation of the DIREKTbox hybrid is one of the highlights of presenting Dresselhaus' C-parts management offer in an innovative and digital way. It depicts a production facility as a 3D printed model and virtually brings it to life with the help of an augmented reality app.
IN 2020, NIMBUS TOOK OWNERSHIP OF DRESSELHAUS. CAN YOU GIVE US AN INDICATION OF THE ADVANTAGES OF NIMBUS OWNERSHIP FOR DRESSELHAUS AND ITS CUSTOMERS?
As a specialist for industrial investments in medium-sized companies in the technical trade, mechanical engineering and industry sectors, the German-Dutch industrial holding Nimbus has extensive experience, references and networks in these sectors and thus also with our relevant customer groups. We benefit from this as well as from the active support in the sustainable development of our company. With the acquisition of all shares in Joseph Dresselhaus GmbH & Co. KG and the affiliated companies by Nimbus, we are not only securing the future of Dresselhaus, but also the reliable supply of our customers with fastening technology, connecting elements and professional goods presentation systems.
SUSTAINABILITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT AND ARE BECOMING A KEY FOCUS OF THE INDUSTRY. DO YOU SEE THIS AS A LONG-TERM TREND? HOW IS DRESSELHAUS ADDRESSING THIS?
In order to protect our environment and stop climate change, industry is required to act in a sustainable and environmentally support our customers on this path because it is geared towards sustainability and environmental protection. The DIRECT containers made from recycled plastic work like empty crates, so they are reused several times, and at the same time save a lot of packaging waste. Since our customers only obtain their C-parts from us instead of from a large number of suppliers, the number of transport processes is also reduced. We optimise the freight and adjust the delivery cycles seasonally. This also saves CO2. This makes our Kanban system a sustainable and intelligent supply for innovative entrepreneurs.
WHAT ARE YOUR MOST IMPORTANT GOALS FOR THE DRESSELHAUS COMPANY OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS?
With our team, we would like to make a significant contribution to Dresselhaus returning to its former glory and to being able to offer our customers optimal solutions. Sustainable, continuous corporate development also includes the future-oriented alignment of the company with the needs of the market.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO CUSTOMERS WHO HAVEN'T USED DRESSELHAUS FOR A FEW YEARS?
We would be happy to get in touch again – either live at our new designed Competence Centre in Lemgo or virtual via our DIRECTbox hybrid. We have become a completely new, innovative Dresselhaus. We stand for partnership values and always want to be at the side of our customers as well as our alumni as value creators, achieving success together and mastering the challenges of the future together.
