Kistenpfennig PLC
Products Drive technology, fluid technology,
Tools & Factory Equipment, Workplace Safety,
Chemical/technical products, services.
Revenue €65 million (2013)
Staff 215 (2014)
Optimization measures, including:
- Direct and indirect costs
Topics covered:
- Logistics, Insurance, Marketing, IT and Telecommunications, Other Services, Packaging, Facility Management, Consumables
Interview with Sven Kistenpfennig, CEO of Kistenpfennig AG.
Were you sceptical or more open-minded at the start of the project?
Sven Kistenpfennig: At first, I was sceptical, as I had experienced purchasing consultants with clients and had a few in-house regarding indirect costs. On the other hand, Kloepfel Consulting piqued my curiosity and, as the risks were limited, we then carried out the project.
How does optimisation have a sustainable impact on your daily operations?
Sven Kistenpfennig: In the initial stages of the project, things naturally had to settle down. There were the usual challenges at the beginning of an optimisation project. Some employees felt their work or relationships with suppliers were being questioned too much. Ultimately, however, we were able to bring all employees on board. They understood that they were being supported, new processes were introduced collaboratively and gained sustained confidence.
The Kloepfel project team works collaboratively.
Sven Kistenpfennig: A very structured timetable was created and worked through. Through transparent and comprehensive reporting, everyone knew what their task was and when, in order to achieve the project milestones.
Shared project successes are always dependent on the people involved. We talk about having colleagues on the projects
How did you feel about it?
Sven Kistenpfennig: The Klöepfel team integrated very quickly into our team and behaved like colleagues, which was very pleasant. As their employment with us was limited to the project duration, I cannot speak of 100%%colleagues; but they were not outsiders either.
One or two suppliers had to get used to working alongside the familiar contacts from
Kistenpfennig also saw new Kloepfel faces at the negotiating table. How did you experience these situations and what were the suppliers' reactions?
Sven Kistenpfennig: The suppliers felt somewhat unfairly addressed; but fundamentally, these were the suppliers where an uncritical change was possible and also worthwhile.
Thank you very much for the interview!
