Coating technology 4.0
Ms. Odewald, when you look back on your first 100 days as CEO of thyssenkrupp Rasselstein: How have you arrived in your new role and what are the first things you have learned so far?
The first weeks and months were extremely intensive and characterized by many valuable discussions. Among other things, I visited the morning, day and night shifts in Production to introduce myself personally and seek direct contact with my colleagues. I did the same with the employees from the various administrative departments. The result was very open and honest discussions about the things that are going well for us - but of course also about areas where we can still improve. In addition, the green transformation and digitalization mean that we are facing challenging change processes. We need to set the right course for this now. For example, by automating processes within the supply chain and production that are currently still carried out manually.
With your succession to Dr. Peter Biele, there will be a generational change at the top of the company. Will working with you as CEO change for customers and employees?
Of course, everyone is unique and has their own individual style. But I'm sure that not much will change in principle. Just like Dr. Peter Biele, I stand for continuous, trusting and partnership-based collaboration with our customers; this is the foundation of our joint success. With regard to our employees, it is very important to me to be visible, approachable and accessible to all colleagues in our day-to-day business.
That sounds very direct and uncomplicated. Why is that so important?
As an international packaging steel manufacturer, I want us to act with foresight and prudence - but also to be agile and dynamic when external circumstances make this necessary. This is crucial in view of the volatile markets in which we operate. That is why I am always open to good suggestions and encourage everyone to develop ideas on their own initiative, which we can then boldly implement together via short decision-making processes.
To what extent does the experience from your previous activities in purchasing and sales benefit Rasselstein's international business?
The fact that I managed Rasselstein's overseas sales for three years before my new role and spent more than a decade dealing with the international procurement of iron ore and coking coal, overseas logistics and sales management at thyssenkrupp Steel is a great help, as it has given me a broad knowledge of the supply chain. Simply because many customers already know me well as a result. I also benefit from working on the international stage because our business has also become much more global. Sometimes it comes down to important little things: for example, which country-specific customs need to be observed when addressing customers. Working with American companies is very different to working with Asian companies. It is extremely important to adapt to the different cultures in order to be successful.
Your own corporate culture also seems to be a success factor for you. How do you experience the special spirit in Andernach?
We actually have a unique corporate culture at thyssenkrupp Rasselstein, which I have felt since the first day I joined the company. The cohesion within the workforce - also between production and administration - and the identification with the company are remarkable. That is something we are all very proud of. After all, it's no coincidence that we have employees who are now in their third generation with us.
Is this special identification a factor that is also reflected in the performance?
Absolutely. My colleagues are passionate about our products and are prepared to go the extra mile for our customers. That's great to see and exactly the spirit we want to maintain in order to attract and develop new young employees in the future.
Because you mention the enthusiasm for our own products: What do you think are actually the greatest strengths in thyssenkrupp Rasselstein's product and service portfolio?
Firstly, with tinplate we manufacture a highly innovative product that is ahead of other packaging materials in terms of sustainability and recyclability. In addition, we offer a comprehensive service that many of our competitors do not offer: For example, we go directly to our customers' plants and try to work out individual solutions together on site. For example, when it comes to making cans even thinner. Or when it comes to reducing Scope 3 emissions through the use of CO2-reduced bluemint® Steel. Here, our Technical Customer Service works closely with Sales to ensure seamless support from a single source at all times.
